A Case Of Soft Tissue Mass In The Axilla (Under Arm/Armpit)
A healthy woman in her late twenties was referred to me for a soft “lump” in her arm pit (axilla). She had noticed the mass for several years, but had decided to have it checked since it had gotten larger and was “getting in the way”.
Her medical and surgical history was unremarkable, with no history of breast cancer or other cancer in her family.
A photo of the armpit lump/mass is shown here. This was a mobile, soft tissue mass and clinically did not present much concern (cancer under the skin is usually hard and immobile).
During excision of the mass, I noticed small amount of milk in the substance of the mass, confirming a diagnosis of accessory breast tissue.
Accessory breast tissue is presence of breast tissue in areas other than the breast itself. In some cases, accessory nipple can be present and can be found on the breast as well. The most common location for accessory breast tissue is the axilla.
The procedure was performed under local anesthesia and the entire accessory breast tissue was removed without difficulty.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 12 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (714) 834-0101.