Abstract
Background
Ectopic breast tissue is a rare occurrence in pregnant women and should not be confused
with abscess or other causes. Ectopic breast tissue is present at birth but often only diagnosed
after puberty, pregnancy, or lactation.
Objective
Misdiagnosis is of concern due to the fact that ectopic breast tissue may undergo
pathological changes with increased risk of malignancy. Therefore, it is vital for
emergency physicians to be able to recognize this process and ensure proper follow-up
care.
Case Report
We present a case of ectopic breast tissue in a 19-year-old primigravida.
Conclusion
Surgical removal for the purpose of prophylaxis of malignant changes is not currently
recommended. Definitive diagnosis is established by fine-needle aspiration and excisional
biopsy.
Keywords
To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
Purchase one-time access:
Academic & Personal: 24 hour online accessCorporate R&D Professionals: 24 hour online accessOne-time access price info
- For academic or personal research use, select 'Academic and Personal'
- For corporate R&D use, select 'Corporate R&D Professionals'
Subscribe:
Subscribe to Journal of Emergency MedicineAlready a print subscriber? Claim online access
Already an online subscriber? Sign in
Register: Create an account
Institutional Access: Sign in to ScienceDirect
References
- Management of accessory breast tissue in the axilla.Br J Surg. 2003; 90: 1213-1214
- Postpartum axillary masses.Am Fam Physician. 2000; 61: 2799-2800
- Ectopic breast tissue, supernumerary breasts, and supernumerary nipple.South Med J. 1995; 88: 903-906
- Polythelia (supernumerary nipple): an update.South Med J. 1986; 79: 1106-1108
- Accessory axillary breast tissues.Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2006; 30: 727-728
- Axillary polymastia.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003; 49: 1154-1156
- Ectopic breast cancer: case report and literature review.Surg Oncol. 1994; 3: 295-304
- Axillary mass in a 20-year-old woman.Arch Dermatol. 2001; 137: 1367-1372
Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 08, 2011
Accepted:
November 2,
2010
Received in revised form:
June 14,
2010
Received:
February 4,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.