Fatty lump under 1 armpit after 1 child? (Photo)

Hello!You need to get this imaged and worked up - your gynecologist is right. Likely this area is remote breast tissue up in the armpit; however you need to rule out possibility that this is lymph nodes in your armpit. While this less likely possibility is scary, better to diagnose earlier rather than later!Good luck!

This area can be treated very well with hi definition liposuction and in the majority of cases in my practice avoid patients from needing skin removal surgery which leaves a big scar. Please see an expert who does this area frequently. Best, Dr. Emer.

From this description, you may have either fat, or ectopic breast tissue, or a breast lump.  Evaluation by a physician is necessary and may require imaging studies.  If this is fat or breast tissue, it can be addressed by a plastic surgeon, possibly with liposuction, or open excision through an axillary approach.

The Tail of Spence is a natural part of breast tissue in both men and women.  This breast tissue develops at puberty, and normally turns to fat by the age of 15.  Apparently, you had asymmetric breast tissue in the two armpits.  This is no more unusual than having asymmetric breast which is actually the rule rather than the exception.  From your history, it would appear that because of more breast tissue in the affected side than the contra lateral side, you developed a lump in the one Tail of Spence.  The fact that it has been there for 4 years without any problems would indicate to me that is not fast growing, therefore the possibilities are degenerated breast tissue (fat), breast tissue, or a benign fatty tumor known as a lymphoma.  The shear fact that it has been there for 4 years makes the likelihood of anything fast growing such as a malignant tumor very unlikely.  If I were a betting man, I would bet that this is just degenerated breast tissue with asymmetric armpits, and if you were my patient, I would liposuction this out through a small incision in the armpit.  I am glad to see you put this question up on RealSelf since Board Certified plastic surgeons deal with this problem every week.  I recommend you find a Board Certified plastic surgeon in your region who has significant experience in liposuctioning out the Tail of Spence.  Normally, I would discard this liposuctioned tissue, but since both you and your gynecologist appear to be concerned, it would be highly appropriate to send the suctioned material for pathologic examination.Please don't worry.  Your story and photograph are consistent with a benign lump.

Thank you for your question and I am sorry that this lump has caused you to worry.  Though nothing replaces an in-person examination, there are many benign reasons for this lump.  It may be residual adipose tissue, a fatty mass called a lipoma, or natural breast tissue termed the "tail of Spence." Not to cause you to worry, it is advisable for you to have an appropriate work up performed for your own peace of mind.  

You need to have an exam and assessment as to what this is. It could be just fat, breast tissue, a fatty tulor or other types of masses. Don't be afraid to investigate because it is much better to find out what is going on than to sit and woryy. Ultimately you may decide that because it is benign that you will do nothing about it. But first you have to find out what it is.

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well.. I have to say that liposuction can help you to get rid of fat, but also you have to know that if you have extra skin, which I can see from your provided pictures, your skin can get saggy after the procedure. I recommend you to get a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine this!

After obtaining a scan of the axillary breast tail that you could have excision en bloc of the excess skin + tissue. But there will be a scar...

Hi and thanks for the question and photos. This extra tissue most likely is the result of enlarged axillary breast tissue which is breat tissue located in the arm pit. This does need to be evaluated especially if your GYN desires imaging. I strongly recommend following your doctor's advice as a mass in the armpit can represent other more serious conditions. Best of Luck...

From your history the fatty lump may be accessory breast tissue. Imaging can be helpful. Discuss the risks and benefits of removal with a BCPS. Good luck. Dr. B