Fact-sheet: Accessory breast tissue
Updated on 04/21/2016 at 11:35 PM
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Definition
Ectopic breast tissue or accessory breast tissue:
located along the milk line from the axilla to the vulva.
Frequency: up to 6%.
Most commonly located in the axillary region (2/3 of cases).
Either supernumerary breast tissue (polymastia), which may or may not be associated with an areola or nipple,
or supernumerary nipples and areolae (polythelia, with or without polymastia).
Clinical features
Discovery is incidental or related to palpation or visibility of a subcutaneous mass, changing with hormonal variations.
Management
May be the site of the same pathology as a normally positioned breast, both benign and malignant.
Known ectopic breast tissue should be monitored.
Surgical excision of this tissue may be considered, eliminating the need for surveillance.