title: Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis and management of ectopic breast tissue.
abstract: Ectopic breast tissue presents as solitary or multiple masses in young women along the milk line. The most common site is in the axilla. This may present a diagnostic problem as lymphadenopathy, either primary or secondary, or other soft tissue tumors that may present in a similar way. Six patients with eight axillary masses suspicious for ectopic breast tissue were evaluated with fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Five aspirates revealed epithelial cells consistent with breast tissue; one showed adipose tissue; and two were non-diagnostic. This information helped prevent surgery in one pregnant and one lactating woman. Therefore, FNA examination is helpful in the diagnosis of management of ectopic breast tissue.
authors.affiliation: General Surgery Service, Ireland Army Community Hospital, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Velanovich
mesh_terms: D001365:Axilla; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast; D002828:Choristoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis