What is Spence tail in breast?
Spence tail. It is also called the axillary tail, once it passes through the foramen of Langer, it pierces the axillary fascia. The duct system is seen to extend into the axilla. If this direct continuity with the breast tissue is absent, then it is considered as an ectopic breast tissue in the axilla.
What is tail of Spencer in axilla?
The tail of spencer was named after a scientist who discovered it i.e. James spence. If this tail of spencer discontinue from the breast tissue then it is known as ectopic breast tissue in axilla. Not everyone is aware about the presence of tail of spence along with the breast.
Where is the tail of Spencer located?
This extension arises from the upper lateral quadrant of the breast. The extension of breast tissue known as tail of spencer pass through the opening known as foramen of Langer and ends into the axilla after piercing the axillary facia. The tail of spencer was named after a scientist who discovered it i.e. James spence.
What is the anatomy of the breast?
Breasts are positioned on the anterior chest wall on top of the pectoralis major and minor muscles. Breast tissue, known as the tail of Spence, extends laterally into the axilla. The structure of the breast is maintained by Cooper’s ligaments, connective tissue that supports the contour and shape of the breast.
Why is it called 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.
Which part of the breast is called the tail of Spence quizlet?
The superior lateral corner. The superior lateral corner of the breast tissue is called the axillary tail of Spence. It projects up and laterally into the axilla. The area surrounding a 1- to 2-cm radius of the nipple is the areola.
What does axillary tail of Spence mean?
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.
What is the tail of Spence quizlet?
Superior lateral corn of breast tissue, called the axillary tail of Spence, projects up and laterally into the axilla. Just below the center of the breast. It is rough, round, and usually protuberant; its surface looks wrinkled and indented with tiny milk duct openings.
Where is the tail of the breast located?
axillaThe breast tissue extends horizontally (side-to-side) from the edge of the sternum (the firm flat bone in the middle of the chest) out to the midaxillary line (the center of the axilla, or underarm). A tail of breast tissue called the "axillary tail of Spence” extend into the underarm area.
Is there breast tissue in your armpit?
Axillary breast tissue is more than an extra pad of fat. It is actual glandular 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.
Can I get rid of tail of Spence?
The only modality of treatment available is a surgical liposuction in cases of mild to moderate protrusions. Lipolytic injections may help in very minimal degree of axillary tail of Breast .
How common is the 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. The first is that the tumor was located in the center of the axillary fossa.
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].
Why is it important to examine the upper outer quadrant of the breast?
The breast is divided into quadrants or described in comparison to a clock face for ease of communication of any findings. The upper outer quadrant of the breast contains a greater volume of tissue than elsewhere, and this is also the most common location for a breast malignancy to arise.
What is the function of the Cooper's ligaments in the breast?
What is the purpose of Cooper's ligaments? Cooper's ligaments are found under the skin of the breast, through and around the breast tissue. They connect to the tissue surrounding the chest muscles. These ligaments maintain the shape and structure of your breasts and help to prevent sagging.
Why do I need to examine my underarms when I perform my breast exam Which of the following is the most appropriate response for the nurse to make to this client?
A client asks the nurse, "Why do I need to examine my underarms when I perform my breast exam?" Which of the following is the most appropriate response for the nurse to make to this client? A. It is easier to detect abnormalities in this area than in the breast tissue.
What determines breast size quizlet?
What determines breast size? Space between the breast and pec major.
Where are follicles located quizlet?
Where are follicles located? in the cortex of the ovary.
Which of the following is a difference between colostrum and human breast milk?
Which of the following is a difference between colostrum and human breast milk? Compared to human breast milk, colostrum contains more immunoglobulins.
Which stage of meiosis is an ovulated cell in quizlet?
A secondary oocyte is formed during the day preceding ovulation in each ovarian cycle. Stimulated by the LH surge, a primary oocyte in the Graafian follicle completes meiosis I to form a haploid secondary oocyte. This secondary oocyte begins meiosis II but arrests in metaphase; this is the oocyte that is ovulated.
What is the tail of Spence?
This axillary extension of the breast is commonly known as the tail of Spence. Breast glandular tissue is supported by fibrous septa (Cooper’s suspensory ligaments) and contains blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and adipose tissue intermingled so that no surgical planes are within the gland itself.
Where is the breast located?
Breasts are positioned on the anterior chest wall on top of the pectoralis major and minor muscles. Breast tissue, known as the tail of Spence, extends laterally into the axilla. The structure of the breast is maintained by Cooper’s ligaments, connective tissue that supports the contour and shape of the breast.
What is the incision used for axillary dissection?
With the exception of high-lying neoplasms of the axillary tail of Spence, the incision used for axillary dissection is separate from that used for removal of the index tumor in the breast. A curvilinear transverse incision is preferred just below the axillary hairline, preferably in a skin fold. For patients with small stature, exposure of the axilla may require a curved, nonradial incision that parallels the latissimus dorsi posteriorly and the pectoralis muscle anteriorly.
How to develop a breast flap?
It can be developed in a vertical manner by incising over the anterior and posterior axillary lines toward the lateral thoracic fascia. Roughly parallel vertical incisions are made through to the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle and the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The flap is then elevated from axilla along the anterior border of the latissimus muscle over the serratus muscle fascia towards its continuation with the epigastric flap. The lateral thoracic flap is then rotated medially and spiraled into a submammary pocket. Alternatively, the flap can be elevated in continuity with the lateral breast tissue. The vertical incision is made over the posterior marking along the anterior latissimus dorsi border. The flap is released proximally at the axilla. It is then raised by undermining the lateral thoracic tissue from the posterior incision over the lateral thoracic fascia toward the breast tail and up to the anterior axillary line. The epigastric and lateral thoracic flap crescent is undermined cautiously toward the breast parenchyma, leaving major perforator vessels intact when possible. The flaps maintain their blood supply via perforators through the serratus muscle and the breast parenchyma. They are then secured in place via absorbable sutures (interrupted 2-0 Vicryl) to create a breast mound ( Fig. 42.2 ). The IMF is then reconstructed as for the epigastric flap. The back tissue is then advanced all the way to the anterior axillary line and is secured to the underlying serratus muscle using large bites of non-absorbable sutures (#0 Surgilon). The breast tissue is then approximated to the posterior thoracic tissue via interrupted Vicryl sutures. In this manner, the breast tail/lateral thoracic demarcation is reconstructed and the breast mobility and laxity preserved ( Figs 42.3 and 42.4 ).
What is the anatomical extent of the breast?
The anatomic extent of the breast is defined by the second and sixth ribs vertically and the sternal edge and midaxillary lines horizontally, with extension into the axilla (i.e., axillary tail of Spence).
How many lobules are there in the breast?
The breast is composed of skin, the nipple-areola complex, fat, connective tissue, milk ducts, and lobules. Each breast has approximately 15 lobules arranged in a radial pattern from the nipple, with a higher concentration in the superior and lateral quadrant extending out to the tail of Spence.
What is the cranial and caudal border of the breast?
The cranial and caudal borders of the breast are typically the sixth anterior rib and the second anterior rib, respective ly, although the breast may extend higher in the anterolateral region as it nears the axilla. This axillary extension of the breast is commonly known as the tail of Spence.
Why is it important to know the axillary tail of the breast?
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.
Where is the breast tissue located?
The breast tissue extends horizontal ly (side-to-side) from the edge of the sternum (the firm flat bone in the middle of the chest) out to the midaxillary line (the center of the axilla, or underarm). A tail of breast tissue called the "axillary tail of Spence” extend into the underarm area.
What is the function 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.
Where do breast cancers come from?
Most cancers of the breast arise from the cells which form the lobules and terminal ducts. These lobules and ducts are spread throughout the background fibrous tissue and adipose tissue (fat) that make up the majority of the breast.
What is the skin covering the breast?
The skin covering the breast is similar to skin elsewhere on the body and has similar sweat glands, hair follicles, and other features. A clinician will examine the skin in addition to the breast tissue itself when performing a breast exam.
Which direction does breast cancer flow?
The lymphatic vessels of the breast flow in the opposite direction of the blood supply and drain into lymph nodes. It is through these lymphatic vessels that breast cancers metastasize or spread to lymph nodes.
Is a male breast the same as a female breast?
The male breast structure is nearly identical to the female breast, except that the male breast tissue lacks the specialized lobules, since there is no physiologic need for milk production by males. Anatomically, the adult breast sits atop the pectoralis muscle (the "pec" chest muscle), which is atop the ribcage.
Why does my tail of spence hurt?
Tail of spence Pain. Pain is the main symptom appearing due to the problem in tail of spence. The presence of lumps near the armpit causes pain in the tail of spence. The discontinuation or other problems in the tail of spence lead to the inflammation of the tissue leading to the lump appearance near armpit and the patient feel pain in ...
What causes milk to accumulate in breast ducts?
As tail of spence is one of the duct present in the breast for milk storage. So any kind of trauma internal or external may lead to the obstruction in milk flow. This trauma and obstruction may lead to the accumulation of milk in ducts and ultimately considered the main cause behind the breast cancer. Breast cancer is considered the most occurring disease in women now a days. There may be many causes behind the breast cancer and one of the most reported cause is due to the discontinuation of flow of tail of spence.
Where is the axillary tail?
A significant part of the organ lies in the superficial fascia. A portion of the breast called axillary tail (of Spence) pierces into the deep fascia and extends to the axilla up to the third rib level.
What is the deep relation between the mammary gland and the pectoralis?
Deep relations: Deep to the mammary gland tissue is a retro mammary space of loose areolar tissue , which gives free mobility to the mammary gland. Below it is the fascia (pectoral fascia), which covers the pectoralis muscle. Other muscles that lie partly underneath the mammary gland are the serratus anterior muscle and the external oblique muscle of the abdomen.
How much does the mammary gland weigh?
Weight: Though it varies from one person to another, the mammary gland usually weighs between 500 to 1000 grams each. Extent: The vertical extension of the mammary gland is from the second rib to the sixth rib. The horizontal extension is from the lateral sternal border to the mid-axillary line.
How many cords does the mammary gland send off?
This area develops into mammary buds and sends off 15 to 20 solid cords.
What is the function of the mammary gland?
The organ's primary function is to secrete milk. Though it is present in both sexes, it is well developed in females and rudimentary in males. It is also a vital accessory organ of the female reproductive system.
Why is lymphatic drainage important for breast cancer?
Clinical Importance: Usually, malignancy of the breast metastasizes through the lymphatics, and hence the surgeons need to have complete knowledge of the lymphatic drainage of the mammary gland; this will allow the appropriate removal of lymph nodes during surgical removal of malignant tumors from the breast in case of a radical mastectomy. [4]
Where is the mammary gland located?
Situation: The mammary gland is situated in the pectoral region in the superficial fascia. However, a part of it called the axillary tail pierces the deep fascia and lies in the axilla. Shape: The shape of the mammary gland is hemispherical in young adult females but becomes pendulous in the later stage of life.