The axillary tail of Spence is a normal anatomic finding and therefore is not an ectopic breast tissue. Where is the axillary tail? Dr Tim Luijkx ◉ ◈ and Stefano Pacifici et al. Spence tail is the prolongation of upper outer quadrant of the breast in the axillary direction.
Why is the axillary tail important in breast cancer?
This is important because a breast cancer can develop in this axillary tail, even though it might not seem to be located within the actual breast. The breast tissue is encircled by a thin layer of connective tissue called fascia.
How many lymph nodes are in the axillary tail?
axillary tail. The fibroadipose tissue in the axilla which contains 12 to 25 lymph nodes and breast and arm lymphatics.
What is the axillary tail of Spence?
Widely quoted, “the axillary tail of Spence” refers to a contiguous extension of adipose angling superolaterally from the primary breast into the axilla. Described anecdotally in 1871, the “tail of Spence” has been considered important to the fields of general surgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and anatomy ever since.
What is the function of the axillary nodes?
These axillary nodes, which start under the armpit, overlap the axillary tail and extend to the collarbone. The nodes are important structures for the immune system, serving as filters to help the body eliminate harmful microbes and other substances. Because of their proximity to the breast,...
Does everyone have an axillary tail?
Findings: By pinch-testing 316 patients and 20 research participants, we determined that the anatomic fatty structure called the “axillary tail” was not present in any individual.
What is axillary tail and what is its importance?
A tail of breast tissue called the "axillary tail of Spence” extend into the underarm area. This is important because a breast cancer can develop in this axillary tail, even though it might not seem to be located within the actual breast.
What is axillary tail of the breast?
Widely quoted, “the axillary tail of Spence” refers to a contiguous extension of adipose angling superolaterally from the primary breast into the axilla. Described anecdotally in 1871, the “tail of Spence” has been considered important to the fields of general surgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and anatomy ever since.
How common is tail of Spence?
0.1%Breast cancer in the axillary tail of Spence is extremely rare. Ampil et al. reported a frequency estimated at 0.1% [1]. Our particular case of this rare type of breast cancer has two unique characteristics.
Can axillary breast tissue become cancerous?
Their development and pathologies are same as normal breast. Patients are usually unaware of their presence unless it becomes pathologically involved in the form of inflammation, benign lumps and malignancy. The incidence of cancer originating from this is around 0.2%–0.6% [4].
Are there lymph nodes in axillary tail?
The axillary tail of Spence, variable in size, is a narrow part of the mammary gland that extends to the axilla. Breast tissue and lymph nodes can be found in the axillary tail region.
How common is axillary breast tissue?
The basics behind axillary breast tissue This is particularly common in the area of your armpits, which is also known as the axilla. Medical studies have shown that this kind of axillary breast tissue can occur in anywhere from 2% to 6% of women.
Is the axillary tail removed during mastectomy?
Total or Simple Mastectomy Ideally a few of the underarm lymph nodes closest to the breast are removed to assure complete removal of the axillary tail of the breast. This is most often used to treat non-invasive breast cancers or in prophylactic mastectomies.
What are the signs that you have a cancerous lymph node?
What Are Signs and Symptoms of Cancerous Lymph Nodes?Lump(s) under the skin, such as in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin.Fever (may come and go over several weeks) without an infection.Drenching night sweats.Weight loss without trying.Itching skin.Feeling tired.Loss of appetite.More items...
How do you reduce axillary breast tissue naturally?
Therefore, axillary tissue would likely decrease in size, but the tissues will not disappear, just as the breast will not disappear with weight loss....Exercise To Reduce Axillary Breast Tissue And Excess Body FatJumping Jacks. ... Triceps Stretch. ... Skipping rope. ... Push-Ups. ... Triceps Pushdown. ... Sideways Bending. ... Jabbing. ... Bicep Curl.More items...•
Does axillary breast tissue hurt?
Axillary breast tissue, presenting as palpable thickenings in the axilla, can undergo monthly premenstrual changes, such as tenderness and swelling, difficulty with shoulder range of motion, and irritation from clothing. These symptoms may be exacerbated and become more apparent during puberty and pregnancy.
Why is it called axillary tail of Spence?
The "axillary tail" has been reported to pass into the axilla through an opening in the deep fascia called foramen of Langer. The "tail of Spence" was named after the Scottish surgeon James Spence, who served as a President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in the latter half of the 19th Century.
What is an axillary tail?
The tail of Spence (Spence's tail, axillary process, axillary tail) has historically been described as an extension of the tissue of the upper outer quadrant of the breast traveling into the axilla.
What is the importance of breast self examination?
A breast self-exam that you do for breast awareness helps you understand the normal look and feel of your breasts. If you notice a change in your breasts that seems abnormal or if you notice one breast is different when compared with the other, you can report it to your doctor.
How is the axillary tail of Spence developed?
Breast Anatomy and Development. The size and shape of the breast vary greatly by stage of development, physiologic state, and phenotype. Usually, the breast projects into each axilla and thus forms the tail of Spence.
What is axillary lymph?
The lymph nodes in the underarm are called axillary lymph nodes. If breast cancer spreads, this is the first place it's likely to go. During breast surgery, some axillary nodes may be removed to see if they contain cancer. This helps determine breast cancer stage and guide treatment.
Where is the axillary tail of the breast?
It could be: The axillary tailof your breast - the normal part of breast tissue that runs from the lower, outer edge into the armpit.
How many lymph nodes are there in the axillary tail?
axillary tail. The fibroadipose tissue in the axilla which contains 12 to 25 lymph nodes and breast and arm lymphatics. In breast cancer (BC), the number of positive lymph nodes in the axillary tail is one of the most important survival prognostors (the other two are diameter of the tumour and histologic grade—i.e., per the Nottingham Index), ...
Is silicone present in the right axillary tail?
Foci of extracapsular silicone were felt to be present in the right axillary tail. Intracapsular rupture of the left implant was also noted with MRI linguini sign [3] (Figures 1(a) and 1(b)).
2 case question available
A: The asymmetrical density in the right axillary region (seen on the MLO only) is not normal and needs further work-up.
2 case question available
A: Yes - 10 o'clock right breast 12 cm from the nipple is in the expected region given the mammography findings.
Case Discussion
Any palpable lump should be worked up fully to exclude an abnormality, and this case also demonstrates the usefulness of extended CC lateral views in assessing the axillary tail.
Anatomy & Physiology of the Breast
The breast is an organ whose structure reflects its special function: the production of milk for lactation (breast feeding). The epithelial component of the tissue consists of lobules, where milk is made, which connect to ducts that lead out to the nipple. Most cancers of the breast arise from the cells which form the lobules and terminal ducts.
Blood Supply & Lymph Nodes
The blood supply from the breast comes primarily from the internal mammary artery, which runs underneath the main breast tissue. The blood supply provides nutrients, such as oxygen, to the breast tissue. The lymphatic vessels of the breast flow in the opposite direction of the blood supply and drain into lymph nodes.
What is axillary lymphadenopathy?
What are the symptoms of axillary lymphadenopathy? Lymphadenopathy refers to a swelling of your lymph nodes. When you have axillary lymphadenopathy, this means the condition is affecting the lymph nodes in the underarm area. With axillary lymphadenopathy, you may notice the following symptoms: a visible armpit lump.
Can a doctor see if you have unilateral or bilateral syphilis?
Your doctor will also see whether your condition is unilateral or bilateral.
Is axillary lymphadenopathy a side effect of smallpox?
Axillary lymphadenopathy is sometimes a side effect of certain vaccines and was previously a common symptom seen after smallpox vaccinations. Now, with the recent COVID-19 vaccines on the market, some people are reporting axillary lymphadenopathy as a side effect. Swollen axilla lymph nodes are most commonly seen in two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
Is axillary lymph node enlarged?
It may also be temporary. In some cases, however, an enlarged axillary lymph node may be related to something more serious, such as an infectious disease or cancer.
Does axillary lymphadenopathy reduce pain?
This may help to reduce the size of lymph nodes as well as pain and tenderness. Malignant causes of axillary lymphadenopathy aren’t as common. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial in preventing the further spread of cancer to other lymph nodes, as well as vital organs.
I found breast lump mammogram shows fibroadenoma but i read in the report axillary lymphnodes mildly enlarged and mostly reactive what does this mean ?
Lymph nodes: Can enlarge in response (therefore "reactive") to infection or inflammation. Or it can become enlarged with malignancy, such as lymphoma or metastati... Read More
26 year old male with breast lump. doctor said my axillary nodes are a little swollen. mammogram next week? gyno or more serious. hard to wait. thanks
Possible gynecomast: Lumps are seen in male breast which has a normal duct system. Fibroadenomas rarely seen but Ca less frequent at your age. Mammo should not be used ... Read More
I have fibrocystic breast disease,bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy & fibroadenoma.breast lump was present since puberty.will danzole be safe to use?
Depends: On your symptoms, remember fibrocystic changes in the breasts are "changes" not a disease, the fact you have axillary lymphadenopathy and fi... Read More
How will i know if i have breast lump?
Self-examination: Tara-that is often a very difficult thing to determine for patient and doctor, since the breast by it's very nature is a very "lumpy-bumpy" organ. If... Read More
My friend is experiencing breast lump
Evaluation: There is a good chance that it might not be cancer but it is certainly important to get it checked and provide more information to the physician.
Should i be worried about a breast lump?
Yes: Have an exam by your primary care doctor. Mammogram and us are also needed.
What is the cause of breast lump and what should i do?
Breast lumps: Are most commonly caused by normal breast tissue but can also be seen with fibrocystic changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, and cancer. See you physician f... Read More
