Accessory breast tissue is an abnormal development of tissue that, although usually not affecting health, can impact aesthetic appearance. Will it gradually disappear on its own if left untreated?
Will accessory breast tissue disappear on its own?
It usually does not disappear automatically.
Accessory breast tissue forms when the mammary rudiment fails to completely regress before birth. It typically does not disappear on its own. In fact, with body development, accessory breast tissue can grow and even be affected by hormonal changes, causing discomfort and swelling before menstruation.
How can accessory breast tissue be eliminated?
Massage for elimination
Over 90% of accessory breast tissue is caused by lymphatic blockage in the armpit, preventing proper excretion of metabolic waste from the breast. Massage can promote local metabolism and help eliminate accessory breast tissue.
Surgical removal
The biggest concern with accessory breast tissue is its impact on appearance, but there is also a possibility of malignancy. Therefore, surgical removal should be considered in the following cases:
1. When there is a confirmed tumor or malignancy in the accessory breast tissue;
2. When symptoms such as swelling and pain are significantly related to the menstrual cycle;
3. When the presence of accessory breast tissue significantly affects social activities and quality of life.
Can accessory breast tissue become cancerous?
There is a possibility of malignancy.
Accessory breast tissue has the same tissue structure, physiological characteristics, and pathological changes as normal breast tissue. Diseases that can occur in normal breast tissue, such as mastitis, adenosis, fibroadenoma, and breast cancer, can also occur in accessory breast tissue, with even higher risks. Online information suggests that approximately 0.1% of individuals with accessory breast tissue may develop breast cancer.
Is accessory breast tissue hereditary?
Accessory breast tissue is the result of incomplete regression of mammary rudiment, and it can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Its occurrence rate in females is approximately 2%, but currently, there is no scientific evidence to prove its hereditary nature.
