Unilateral giant axillary accessory breast in male: Case report

Ayana Guto Bone; Daba Iticha Ayana; Getahun Jiru Bedada; Tesfaye Birhanu Abebe

doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.110666

Unilateral giant axillary accessory breast in male: Case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Nov 28:126:110666. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.110666. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Ayana Guto Bone¹, Daba Iticha Ayana², Getahun Jiru Bedada³, Tesfaye Birhanu Abebe⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Collage of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia.
² Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Collage of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia.
³ Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Collage of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia.
⁴ Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Collage of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia. Electronic address: tesfu13b21@gmail.com.

Abstract

Introduction: Accessory breast tissue is a rare condition occurring in 1-3 % of males, primarily in the bilateral axillary region. Kajava Class I accessory breast, characterized by glandular tissue, an areola, and a nipple, is rarely reported. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management of this rare entity in an elderly male.

Case presentation: A 72-year-old male presented with a left axillary swelling since his early twenties. Initially painless and lemon-sized, the mass progressively enlarged, extending over the left chest and flank, causing dis- comfort and restricting daily activities. Physical examination revealed a large, pedunculated mass measuring 25x15x10 cm in the left axilla, with a smooth surface and no skin color changes except in the nipple and areolar region. Diagnostic imaging and cytology confirmed the presence of glandular tissue, and biopsy validated the diagnosis with histologic findings that showed lobules of glandular tissue lined by bland, single-layered ductal and myoepithelial cells, disposed in a fibrous growth background. Additionally, there were foci of bland fat tissue in the histology. Surgical removal of the mass resulted in a successful outcome.

Clinical discussion: The occurrence of Kajava Class I accessory breast tissue in an elderly male is rare. It is important to consider accessory breast tissue in the differential diagnosis of long-standing unilateral axillary swellings. The diagnostic approach included clinical examination, imaging, and histopathology. Surgical excision provided symptomatic relief and pre- vented potential complications such as malignancy.

Conclusion: Kajava Class I accessory breast tissue, though rare, should be considered in elderly males with long-standing unilateral axillary swelling. Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Keywords: Accessory breast; Axillary mass; Case report; Histopathology; Lipoma; Male.

Publication types

Case Reports