Where is the axillary tail of the breast?

Category: medical health skin and dermatology
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The tail of Spence (Spence's tail, axillary process, axillary tail) is an extension of the tissue of the breast that extends into the axilla. It is actually an extension of the upper lateral quadrant of the breast. It passes into the axilla through an opening in the deep fascia called foramen of Langer.



Keeping this in view, is axillary tail normal?

The axillary tail of Spence is a normal anatomic finding and therefore is not an ectopic breast tissue.

Secondly, what is axillary tail lymph 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.

Also know, where is the central axillary node of the breast located?

The central axillary lymph nodes are located inside the adipose tissue near the armpit's base. Breast cancer initially develops as a lump in the breast, but often spreads to the axillary lymph nodes, which allows it to access the lymphatic system and travel to other areas of the body.

What does axillary breast feel like?

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.

36 Related Question Answers Found

Is axillary breast tissue dangerous?

Accessory breast tissue is not an uncommon problem and can be found in men or women. The breast is what is known as a modified sweat gland. It develops from a line of germinal cells situated in what is known as the "milk line," which runs from the armpit down to the groin.

Is there breast tissue in your armpit?

Extra nipples usually occur right below the breasts or in the underarm area, and extra mammary tissue is usually located in the underarm area. Most studies show extra nipples to be more common in males, and they can sometimes run in families.

How much does axillary breast tissue removal cost?

A: Axillary breast tissue and surgical costs
In my facility your total cost for liposuction to that region would be $1200, and $1500 for excisional surgery if it is appropriate.

Do milk ducts extend into the armpit?

Breast tissue extends into the armpit and it has a special name “the Tail of Spence”. During engorgement, for example when your milk first comes in, you may notice lumps and swelling in your armpits. Use the tips in Engorged Breasts to reduce this engorgement.

What is axillary web syndrome?

Axillary web syndrome (AWS), also known as cording, sometimes develops as a side effect of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). If you develop axillary web syndrome, you'll often be able to see and/or feel a web of thick, ropelike structures under the skin of your inner arm.

What is axilla in breast?

Science Photo Library / Getty Images. Axilla is a medical term used to describe your armpit. Within the axilla are lymph nodes that filter toxins and disease-causing microorganisms from the body. When breast cancer occurs, these axillary nodes can begin to swell as they filter cancer cells and try to neutralize them.

What part of breast are most cancers found?

Breast cancers are most commonly found in two places:
  • The lobules -- small sacs that make breast milk. This is called lobular carcinoma.
  • The ducts that carry milk to the nipple. This is called ductal carcinoma.

What are the signs that you have a cancerous lymph node?

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:
  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin.
  • Persistent fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Night sweats.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Itchy skin.

What stage is breast cancer in the lymph nodes?

Stage IV. Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs of the body, such as the lungs, distant lymph nodes, skin, bones, liver, or brain. You may hear the words “advanced” and “metastatic” used to describe stage IV breast cancer.

Can breast cancer start in armpit?

Swelling in or around your breast, collarbone, or armpit
Swelling or lumps around your collarbone or armpits can be caused by breast cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in those areas. The swelling may occur even before you can feel a lump in your breast, so if you have this symptom, be sure to see a doctor.

How fast does breast cancer spread?

While many breast cancers do not spread to lymph nodes until the tumor is at least 2 centimeters to 3 centimeters in diameter, some types may spread very early, even when a tumor is less than 1 centimeter in size.

Can ultrasound detect breast cancer in lymph nodes?

A lymph node ultrasound and biopsy is a way of checking the lymph nodes under the arm after breast cancer is diagnosed. Sometimes the cancer cells can spread into the nearby lymph nodes. Ultrasound scans use high frequency sound waves to create a picture of a part of the body. This turns the sound waves into a picture.

How serious is breast cancer in lymph nodes?

If breast cancer spreads, it typically goes first to nearby lymph nodes under the arm. It can also sometimes spread to lymph nodes near the collarbone or near the breast bone. If the lymph nodes contain cancer cells, there is a higher chance that cancer cells have also spread to other parts of the body.

How does breast cancer start?

Doctors know that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma).

Are axillary lymph nodes breast cancer?

As axillary lymph nodes are near the breasts, they are often the first location to which breast cancer spreads if it moves beyond the breast tissue. The number of axillary lymph nodes can vary from person to person, ranging from five nodes to more than 30.

Which lymph node group is most commonly involved in breast cancer?

About 75% of lymph from the breasts drains into the axillary lymph nodes, making them important in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

What happens when axillary lymph nodes are removed?

Sometimes, removing lymph nodes can make it hard for your lymphatic system to drain properly. If that happens, lymphatic fluid can build up and cause swelling. This swelling is called lymphedema.