Anatomy and histopathology of apocrine sweat glands in axillary fossa

Abstract

Objective To investigate the distribution range and depth of the apocrine sweat glands of the axillary fossa,in order to supply with anatomic and histopathologic basis in the treatment on axillarv osmidrosis.Methods From December 2008 to ()ctober 2010,2 biopsy samples(with axillary osmidrosis),8 biopsy samples(normal,without axillary osmidrosis),were employed into the axillarv anatomy study. 25 patients with severe axillary osmidrosis were observed both maerographicallv and microscopically by using of operation and histopathological methods.Results Secretory portion of apocrine sweat glands was seen clearly,it was pitchy millet-like granules on axillary osmidrosis corpse,and pink millet-like granules in vivo.Secretory portions distributed most within the armpit hair area,exceeded the edge of armpit hair line,but not surpassed the edge of armpit hair line 1.0 cm.The depth of the apocrine sweat glands located vertically at superficial fat tissues between the dermal reticular 1aver and superficial fascia layers which were dissected away easily.Trimming with scissors under dermaIlayer,the secretory portion of apocrine sweat glands was removed cleanly without harms to reticular laver of dermas.Secretory portions became ducts under reticular layer of dermas.White Drominence-like granules were proved to be the compomers of hair follicle and sebaceous glands through Dathological section.Conclusions In order to treat axillary osmidrosis effectively,the secretary portion should be removed away through cutting off the tissues between the dermal reticular layer and suDerficial fastia layers;the ducts of apocrine sweat glands should be handled with removing hair follicle under the reticular layer of dermas．0peration area should not exceed 1.0 cm off the edge. Key words: Apoerine sweat gland; Axillary osmidrosis; Anatomy; Pathology; Axillary fossa