title: Reconstruction of an extended defect in the axilla using a thoracodorsal fasciocutaneous perforator flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ectopic primary carcinoma of breast tissue is a rare entity, and its diagnosis often is delayed. The axilla is the most common site involved. The Limberg flap as a random flap is easy and practicable for coverage of many defects including those involving the axilla. In the reported case, the vascularity of the flap was improved by including a thoracodorsal artery perforator.
  
  
  METHODS
  This report presents the clinical features of a case of ectopic breast carcinoma in the axilla and an alternative tension-free Limberg thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the extended defect after excision of the tumor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The flap survived and healed without further problems. A good functional and aesthetic result was obtained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ectopic primary carcinoma of breast tissue is a rare entity. Correct early diagnosis should be made. A tension-free fasciocutaneous flap according to Limberg, supercharged using a thoracodorsal artery perforator, can provide skin and soft tissue coverage for extended defects in the axilla with a satisfactory outcome. The operative procedure is easy and reliable. This is a further surgical option for soft tissue extended reconstruction in the armpit.
authors.affiliation: Catholic University of Sacro Cuore-School of Medicine, Rome, Italy. joevisconti@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Visconti
authors.forename: Yassir
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Eltahir
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Van Ginkel
authors.forename: Paul M N
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Werker
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001365:Axilla / Q000601:surgery*; D001940:Breast; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002828:Choristoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D035583:Rare Diseases; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology