Q. What is axillary breast tissue?
An axillary breast also called as Accessory breast or Axillary fat hypertrophy. It is an extra breast or fat tissue that forms in the armpit area as a tail of normal breast.
Q. How does it affect?
A: The axillary fat grows over time to present as a lumpy mass which causes discomfort, pain or inability to wear fitting clothes, sleeveless tops or blouses. Pain and discomfort may increase with periods. Few women experience sweating, stickiness and fungal infection
Q. What causes axillary breast tissue?
A: Axillary breast tissue can develop due to hormonal changes, genetics, or obesity.
Q. Can axillary breast hypertrophy be prevented?
A: No. But by avoiding tight fitting clothes, weight reduction and lifestyle modification progression or discomfort can be avoided.
Q: Can axillary breast tissue be cancerous?
A: Rarely
Q: How is it diagnosed?
A: Self-breast examination. Mammography, ultrasonography and needle biopsy can be helpful in ruling out other causes of breast lump.
Q: What are the available treatment options?
A: Treatment options include liposuction and/or surgical removal.
Q. Who must go for axillary breast tissue surgery?
A: Surgery is suggested for individuals with discomfort, pain, cosmetic concerns, or difficulty finding fitting clothing due to axillary breast tissue.
Q. How is axillary breast tissue surgery performed?
A: Surgery typically involves making a tiny incision in the armpit through which liposuction is done. In case if the swelling is too large it may warrant skin excision along with excision of excess breast tissue.
Q. What are the risks associated with axillary breast tissue surgery?
A: As with any surgery, risks may include bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, and asymmetry.
Q. What is the recovery time for axillary breast tissue surgery?
A: Usually bruising, pain and discomfort settle in 4-5 days. Patient may have to wear compression garments for few weeks.
Q. Will there be visible scarring after axillary breast tissue surgery?
A: There may be some scarring, but techniques such as minimally invasive surgery performed by an expert surgeon, can minimize its visibility.