Spectrum of Unusual Cytomorphology of Axillary Swellings: A Series of Four Cases

Abstract

The axilla is a triangular area situated anatomically beneath the shoulder joint, between the upper arm and thorax. It contains lymph nodes and numerous non lymphatic tissues such as neurovascular structures, muscle, and fat. Axillary swellings can arise from any of these mesenchymal soft tissues. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is the first-line investigative technique widely used in evaluating axillary swellings, as it is a simple outpatient procedure that causes minimal complications, unlike core biopsy, which is invasive and carries a high-risk of bleeding. Hereby, the authors present a case series of four unusual cases: bilateral accessory breast tissue (32-year-old female), bilateral galactocele (28-year-old female), unilateral galactocele (24-year-old female), and fibroadenoma (35-year-old female) in the axilla, all of which were cytomorphologically diagnosed with the aid of FNAC. Axillary lumps can present with a variety of unusual lesions and can pose a significant diagnostic challenge to a clinicians. Although histopathology of the biopsy of the lesion remains the gold standard, clinical features along with imaging can aid in the diagnosis with better patient compliance.