Knowledge about accessory breast

1. In the sixth week of human embryonic development, 6 to 8 pairs of mammary gland primitive roots develop along the milk line running from the axilla to the groin along the front wall of the trunk.

2. The pair of mammary gland primordia on the chest gradually develop into normal mammary glands during adolescence around 11-15 years old, while the other primordial glands do not develop and gradually degenerate and disappear.

3. Due to the influence of various factors, mainly the absolute or relative increase in estrogen levels, the undeveloped primitive roots of women redevelop and a structure similar to the mammary gland appears on the milk line. Because it is not a formal mammary gland, it is called an accessory mammary gland.

4. Accessory mammary glands usually only have glandular tissue, without nipples, milk ducts and other milk-transporting structures.

5. Accessory breasts can occur at any age after puberty, but are more common during pregnancy and lactation.

6. Accessory mammary glands can appear anywhere on the breast line or even in other parts of the body, but most of them appear in the armpits.

7. The incidence of accessory breast cancer is very low, accounting for only about 0.2% of breast cancer. That is to say, for every 1,000 breast cancer patients in the population, there will be only 2 or 3 patients with accessory breast cancer. In our breast center, there are more than 1,500 cases of breast cancer every year, but only 2 cases of accessory breast cancer in the past two years. Therefore, it is completely unnecessary for many women to worry about the problem of accessory breast cancer.

8. There is no special drug treatment for accessory breasts, and most cases do not require surgical treatment, unless the accessory breasts are large and affect daily life, or the patient feels that they are unsightly. Some patients often feel obvious pain in the area of ​​the accessory breasts under the armpits, and hope to relieve the pain by surgically removing the accessory breasts. Many patients cannot achieve this goal, and can follow the treatment of breast pain to deal with it and strengthen self-emotional regulation.

9. Accessory breasts are very common in women, and usually you don't need to worry about them. Of course, if you find a lump in the accessory breast area, you should go to a regular hospital for treatment in time. The accessory breasts will also be included in the annual routine breast examination.