Multiple bilateral fibroadenoma of the breast and axillary accessory breast

case report

Abstract

This article has presented a rare case of multiple fibroadenomas of the breasts and axillary accessory breast. In the light of current knowledge, the most proper management is discussed. A 37-year-old woman was referred to our Breast Service due to complaint of a right axillary accessory breast nodule. On physical examination, there were no palpable breast nodules. Bilateral axillary accessory breast was observed with a right breast nodule and no alterations in the left breast. Mammography and ultrasonography demonstrated multiple bilateral breast nodules with benign characteristics and a possible malignancy in the right axillary nodule. The patient underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy guided by ultrasonography of the largest nodule in each breast and of the nodule in the right axillary accessory breast. Cytologically, all nodules had benign characteristics. A diagnostic hypothesis of fibroadenoma was formulated. The patient underwent surgical removal of the right axillary nodule. The histopathological examination demonstrated fibroadenoma. Conservative management was chosen for the axillary accessory breasts and multiple breast fibroadenomas. At 11-month follow-up, there was neither recurrence of the right axillary nodule nor changes in the fibroadenomas. Conservative management of axillary accessory breast is possible. However, axillary accessory breast tissue may be affected by neoplasia. In cases of possible malignancy, the investigation should be carried out through the same clinical work-up used for normally-positioned breasts. In the presence of multiple bilateral fibroadenomas in the breasts, conservative management can be safely adopted.