Accessory breast tissue is known medically as polymastia. It is defined as 'residual (breast) tissue that persists from normal embryologic development.' This condition reportedly can be found in up to 6 percent of the population and occurs highest among the Japanese.
In normal development, breast tissue develops along the milk line, which is a line that arches from the armpit to the groin on both sides. Additional tissue usually disintegrates and is absorbed into the body, resulting in polymastia.
In essence, an accessory breast is breast tissue outside of the breast area.
It may appear as a lump or swelling under the skin. In the case of accessory nipples, it can resemble a mole or a dimple. It can also appear like a typical nipple, smaller in size usually.
Polymastia, also called hypermastia or accessory breast tissue, is commonly found in the axillary (the armpit or a corresponding part). In women who suffer from this condition, swelling and tenderness in the armpit are common during puberty, menstruation, or after delivery.
The armpit can also become engorged and painful, especially for women, after delivery. There is no visible nipple or areola in most cases, but in other cases where there are working ducts, leaking of milk from the armpit can be expected.
An affected individual may not even realise the presence of axillary breast tissue. Because it is similar to normal breast tissue, it is only discovered during the first occurrence of menstruation, pregnancy or lactation.
Common causes for the conditions are weight gain and genetics. As axillary breast tissue is glandular, it is susceptible to hormonal changes like normal breast tissue. During pregnancy and lactation, axillary breast tissue can increase in size.
Appearance-wise, axillary breast tissue can cause the area where it is present, such as the armpit, to look meaty and bulge unattractively. If it is large, it can cause irritation and inflammation. Wearing certain items of clothing or bras may physically be uncomfortable.
Pain and swelling have been reported in those affected by the condition. Skin irritation may also happen, and because axillary breast tissue is susceptible to hormonal changes, these may be aggravated during pregnancy and lactation.
The condition is considered uncommon. Accessory breasts affect about 0.4 to 6 percent of women and are found in the milk line axilla. This can be hard to diagnose, especially if it is only one-sided and large.
There are EIGHT grades when it comes to the condition:
Grade I
Consists of a complete breast with a nipple, areola, and glandular tissue.
Grade II
Consists of glandular tissue and nipple, without areola.
Grade III
Consists of glandular tissue and areola without a nipple.
Grade IV
Consists of glandular tissue.
Grade V
Consists only of nipple and areola, without glandular tissue.
Grade VI
Consists of only the nipple.
Grade VII
Consists of only the areola.
Grade III
Consists of only hair.
The most common grade is Grade IV.
As the condition is susceptible to hormonal changes, signs such as swelling and tenderness can indicate that a person may be suffering from axillary breast issues. Additionally, the swelling and tenderness may be aggravated during hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy. Seek a doctor’s advice for better clarification.
According to an American Journal of Roentgenology article, the proven methods of removing armpit fat are liposuction and accessory breasts via surgical excision.
Liposuction with Dr Ivan Puah’s MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique in the axillary area can permanently remove the excess fat, contour the area smoothly, and naturally retract the skin. Excess glandular tissues are removed via glandular excision.