Diagnosis and treatment of accessory breast cancer in 11 patients

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of accessory breast cancer, and contribute valuable information regarding this rare tumour to the current literature, ultimately facilitating the development of improved treatment strategies. The present study reported the cases of 11 patients with accessory breast cancer. The patients with accessory breast cancer were admitted between January 2002 and June 2014, and the patient records were retrospectively analysed. All patients presented with a tumour that was localised in the axilla. Out of these patients, there were 8 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma and 3 patients with invasive lobular carcinoma. The follow-up periods for patients ranged between 4 and 54 months. Out of the 5 patients that experienced neoplasm metastases, 4 patients succumbed to the disease. In total, 6 patients remain alive with no evidence of disease. Accessory breast cancer is a progressive tumour, and long-term follow-up is required. A comprehensive treatment strategy may be an effective treatment option for patients; however, the optimal time at which to commence chemotherapy and the role of combined radiotherapy and endocrine therapy require additional investigation.

Keywords: accessory breast neoplasm; diagnosis; prognosis; treatment.

Figure 1.

Computed tomography revealing enlarged lymph nodes and an exposed and lobulated soft tissue mass with faint calcification in wide contact with the skin in the left axilla.

Figure 2.

Computed tomograpy demonstrating the imaging manifestations of post-operative accessory breast carcinoma.