Axillary Breast Tissue: Is It Dangerous, Symptoms & Treatment

Axillary breast tissue is a rare condition, sometimes referred to as polymastia. In this condition, your breast tissue outgrows from its normal breast area. This condition gets the "axillary" in its name due to its occurrence mainly in the axilla (armpit or underarm area).

An accessory breast can also be understood as an excess of fat and breast glandular tissue. Breast glandular tissue includes the lobes and ducts that are responsible for producing milk.

Some women may experience insecurity or restricted arm movements due to this extra breast tissue in armpit. You can effectively get rid of it through multiple treatment methods.

Axillary breasts can be classified into several types, depending on the tissues involved in their growth. One way to identify the types of axillary breast is:

1. Unilateral Axillary Breast: This refers to the condition where only one armpit has a lump-like mass.
2. Bilateral Axillary Breast: In this condition, there are lumps or accessory breasts in both armpits.

Kajava classification is the most often used way to identify the different classes or types of abnormal breast growth. Different classes are categorised depending on the part of the breast involved. This includes:

1. Class I: The class in which there are glandular breast tissues, nipple and areola (the dark-coloured or pigmented area around the nipple).
2. Class II: Class II is the class in which there is nipple and glandular tissue present, but no areola.
3. Class III: In this class, glandular tissue and the areola are present but the nipple is absent.
4. Class IV: The class in which there is only glandular breast tissue present.
5. Class V: Class V is also known as pseudomamma. It comes with a nipple and areola and no glandular tissue.
6. Class VI: In class VI, only the nipple is present. It is referred to by the name polythelia.
7. Class VII: Polythelia areolaris is the class VII with the presence of the areola only.
8. Class VIII: In this class, there is only a patch of hair present.

Alike every other medical condition, it is crucial to know the possible axillary breast tissue symptoms one may experience. It helps identify the presence of an underlying health issue.

If a person feels breast tissue in armpit, he/she may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Lump in Armpit: The most commonly visible symptom. It can be felt by touching or putting pressure with the fingers.
2. Pain or Tenderness: The extra tissue may cause pain or discomfort while performing daily activities. It may occur in the armpit or the inner part of the arm.
3. Restricted Arm Movement: As axillary breast tissue often occurs in the armpit region, it may restrict the normal movement of the arm in some cases.

Axillary breast tissue is a congenital condition, meaning it is acquired by an individual at birth. However, it is usually visible only after puberty. Some of the possible causes for the development of this condition are:

1. Genetics: Genes are believed to play a role in triggering axillary breast tissue. Studies suggest that the condition is often inherited through mothers with a previous history.
2. Hormones Imbalance: A change in hormonal levels can lead to the development of axillary breasts.Changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can cause the breast tissue under armpit to look or feel thicker and lumpier.

Axillary Breast Tissue Risk Factors

Axillary breast tissue can develop both in males and females. The factors that may put a person at risk of developing this condition include:

1. Family History: People with relatives with axillary breast tissue are more likely to develop it.
2. Obesity: Being overweight can cause the deposition of subcutaneous fat in and around your underarm region. This leads to the development of accessory breasts. Your breast and armpits may appear larger if you are gaining weight.

The development of an accessory breast cannot be prevented or controlled. However, it can be effectively managed by taking care of the risk factors that can trigger the development and discomfort caused by the condition.

Some of the steps you can take to get some relief from the discomforting symptoms include:

1. Avoid Tight-fitting Clothes: Tight-fitted clothes can make the axillary breast tissue in armpits look bulkier and ugly. Wearing loose clothing can help prevent discomfort or pain in some rare cases of this condition.
2. Avoid Sedentary Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of accessory breasts. So it is crucial to avoid it and indulge in more physical activity.
3. Reduce Weight: Excessive weight gain can be a contributing factor to fat accumulation in specific regions of the body. Losing weight can help reduce the risk of developing an axillary breast.
4. Lifestyle Modifications: Unhealthy lifestyle habits like excessive smoking and alcohol consumption can lead to health conditions that can trigger your condition even more.Avoiding these and drinking more water throughout the day can help relieve the symptoms of your axillary breast.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a fresh balanced meal can help maintain good health. Avoid processed food as it is generally high in unhealthy fats that can promote weight gain and bulk up of fat.

Axillary breast tissue is generally not a cause of concern. However, if you observe any unusual changes like a lump or swelling, it is crucial to visit a doctor to rule out any concerning issues.

Some of the ways to diagnose an axillary breast or an underlying issue include:

1. Self-Breast Examination: A self-breast examination is the most basic diagnosis method that can be performed independently at home.For this, you need to gently apply pressure in and around the armpit area using your fingertips. If you suspect the presence of a lump, visit a doctor for further evaluation.
2. Mammogram: A diagnostic method conducted to develop images of the affected area with the help of using X-rays.
3. Ultrasound: A diagnostic method that uses sound waves to create images of the inner structures of the breast.
4. Needle Biopsy: A diagnostic method in which a long, thin needle is used to obtain a sample of the affected breast tissue. The tissue, thus obtained, is used for further tests and studies.

How to prepare for the doctor's consultation?

In rare cases, finding a lump in the axilla can be worrying. Thus, it is necessary to consult a doctor upon noticing any changes. A doctor can advise a proper diagnosis and suitable treatment plan.

One should keep the following things in mind before visiting for an appointment with the doctor.

1. Fix a prior appointment.
2. Wear loose and comfortable clothes while visiting the doctor.
3. List down the symptoms you have experienced.
4. Carry all the medical history records while visiting the doctor.

A list of questions that can be asked from the doctor include:

1. What is this extra mass in my armpit?
2. What is an axillary breast?
3. What are the possible causes for axillary breast tissue?
4. What tests do you recommend for the right diagnosis?
5. What are the treatment options available?
6. Is surgery the only way out?
7. What can be done to keep the accessory breast from growing?

If axillary breast removal surgery is the only option, these further questions can also be asked:

1. What types of surgeries are performed?
2. How long will the surgery last?
3. How long will the recovery period be?
4. What are the precautions and care to be taken post-surgery?
5. What are the risk factors associated with this surgery?
6. Are there any side effects to this surgery?
7. How much will this surgery cost me?

Axillary breast tissue is a lump or excess of fat that consists of breast glandular tissue and fat tissue. If the lump is there for an extended time and may even grow larger. It can hinder your day-to-day activities by restricting normal arm movements.

The doctor may suggest an axillary breast treatment based on the results and findings during the diagnosis.

Treatment of Axillary Breast Tissue Without Surgery

Axillary breast may not require treatment in most cases. However, if it causes symptoms like soreness, pain or serious discomfort it can be dealt with by surgery.

The doctor may also prescribe some medicines to help relieve the symptoms. However, these management tactics will be temporary.

Home Remedies for Axillary Breast Tissue

Home remedies may help reduce pain and discomfort due to the axillary lump to a certain extent. They are useful in providing instant relief. The following methods can be tried, and find the one that suits best can be chosen:

1. Hot Compresses: Using a hot compress is one of the old-school methods to obtain relief from any kind of swelling and pain.You can dip a small towel in hot water (just a temperature that would not burn you) and apply gentle pressure on the lump with the towel.
2. Oil Massage: A gentle massage with olive oil or any oil of preference can help reduce the swelling in the axillary breast lump. Massaging helps improve the blood flow in the affected area and loosens the swelling. You should use just the right amount of pressure using circular movements.
3. Regular Exercise: Indulging in regular exercise can help you stay alert and away from health issues. Exercise may not be helpful in fat reduction for targetted areas but it can help you reduce overall weight.

Note: The efficacy of home remedies cannot be assured medically. Consult your doctor for proper medical advice.

Treatment of Axillary Breast Tissue With Surgery

The axillary breast can be best treated through surgery. Some of the commonly suggested surgical methods for axillary breast tissue removal include:

1. Liposuction: Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves using a suction technique to remove fat from specific targetted body areas.This surgery also helps contour the breast area and is the preferred method when the size of the accessory breast is small.
2. Surgical Excision: This procedure is done in cases where the accessory breast tissue is significantly large. It involves surgically cutting out the accessory breast tissue.
3. Axilla Plasty: Axilla plasty is the surgery that combines liposuction and open excision for the removal of the accessory breast.

Cost of Surgery for Axillary Breast Tissue Removal

The cost of axillary breast tissue surgery in India can vary on multiple factors. This can include the type of surgery, hospital and location.

You can find more details on liposuction cost in India and axillary breast tissue removal cost in India.

Axillary breast tissue is generally a benign lump in armpit. However, surgery is recommended when the symptoms are not manageable at home.

Some women may also feel less confident due to cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. Surgery may be an option in such cases as well. The risks or complications associated with axillary breast tissue surgery include:

1. Infection: If the wound or the site of infection is not properly taken care of, it may lead to bacterial infections.
2. Bleeding: After the surgery, the wound can be prone to bleeding.
3. Watery Discharge: Also referred to as seroma, it is normal to experience the discharge of clear fluid from the site of the incision.
4. Haematoma: When a blood vessel gets damaged during surgery, a pool of clotted blood can form. It is known as a haematoma.
5. Lymphedema: This condition refers to the swelling caused by fluid build-up in the lymphatic system by some injury during the surgery.

When to see a Doctor?

Aesthetic reasons and discomfort are the major reasons for visiting a doctor. However, you must visit one immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

1. Increase in the lump size
2. Intense pain
3. Increase in the inability to move the arm
4. Bloody or watery discharge from the lump that may be foul-smelling
5. Excessive anxiety and restlessness due to the lump

Nutrition and diet are the most crucial aspects of managing accessory breasts. Intake of a balanced diet helps in overall weight management. You can keep the growth of the accessory breast in check by maintaining a healthy diet and your weight under control.

Food to Eat

1. Antioxidant-rich Foods: Foods like green leafy vegetables, carrots, and fresh fruits are all rich in antioxidants that help deal with the symptoms of accessory breast tissue.
2. Foods Rich in Healthy Fats: Fish, eggs, coconut oil, olives, and avocados, are all rich in healthy fats. These fats help in inhibiting the growth of the accessory breast further.
3. Vitamin C-rich Foods: Lemon is a massive source of vitamin C and has the power to reduce the inflammation in the armpit lump due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help reduce your overall body fat.
5. Garlic: Loaded with beneficial compounds, garlic helps boost blood flow to the affected areas. This helps in bringing down inflammation and reducing swelling.
6. Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the best antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Including turmeric in the diet can help in dealing with the discomforting symptoms of the accessory breast.

Food to Avoid

1. Processed Food: Packaged and processed foods such as fast food may contain harmful compounds that may do more harm than give you a good taste.
2. Deep-fried Foods: Fried foods contain a lot of saturated oils. These cause more inflammation of the accessory breast and can trigger the symptoms.

Axillary breast tissue is a common condition in women. It often occurs due to fat accumulation but hormones and genes have a role to play as well.

Keeping a note of your symptoms can help diagnose any underlying conditions. Some harmful conditions such as breast cancer may often be mistaken for axillary breast tissue. Proper consultation and diagnosis are necessary to rule out any possible complications.

Surgery is the preferred treatment option in cases where the lump in armpit causes discomfort. You can get in touch with HexaHealth to know the best treatment options available for this condition. We can be your aid in understanding and taking care of the condition to the post-surgical care stage.

Suggested Reads

1. Breast Asymmetry
2. Sagging Breasts
3. Breast Lump When to Worry
4. Stages of Breast Cancer