Bilateral axillary accessory breasts: A case report and literature review

Introduction. Accessory breast is a congenital anomaly where ectopic breast tissue is found at any place other than the normal location. It is an extra tissue or a fully developed breast with a nipple. The incidence of this malformation is 0.4-6%. It is believed that this congenital malformation is associated with incomplete regression of the primitive milk streak during embryonic development. The diagnosis and treatment of accessory breasts is very important, because an ectopic breast tissue can undergo various pathological changes, as well as the normal breast tissue. Case Report. The authors present a 45-year-old female patient who was referred to a surgeon by a general practitioner with a diagnosis of lipomas in both axillary regions. After clinical examination and additional imaging diagnostic procedures (ultrasound and mammography) accessory breasts were suspected. The patient underwent surgery and the accessory tissue was resected. The histopathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of ectopic breasts without any pathological processes. Conclusion. Accessory breast is a rare congenital malformation and its early diagnosis and surgical removal should prevent development of different pathological processes, including breast cancer.