The axillary tail (tail of Spence) is an extension of breast tissue from the upper outer part of the breast towards and into the armpit. It passes through an opening in the deep fascia to reach the axilla.
| Location | Upper outer quadrant of the breast extending to the anterior axillary fold and axilla |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Intercostobrachial and lateral cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves |
| Blood Supply | Lateral thoracic artery; Thoracoacromial artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Extends the milk-producing tissue of the breast into the axilla.
The upper outer quadrant, including the tail, is where about half of breast cancers occur, so self-checks and imaging include the armpit. The tail can swell and become painful during lactation and may be mistaken for an enlarged lymph node.
Malignancy most often arising in the upper outer quadrant and axillary tail.
Swelling in the armpit that enlarges during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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