Anatomic and clinical rationale of the V-sign to detect accessory axillary breast tissue

Abstract

Vijay Naraynsingh, Shamir O Cawich, Ravi Maharaj, Dilip Dan, Dale Hassranah Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies Abstract: The potential for breast cancer to present with lymphatic metastases, has instilled anxiety when women present with axillary masses. We discuss a simple and reliable clinical sign that can help clinicians to distinguish between axillary nodal metastases and accessory axillary breast tissue. Awareness and recognition of the “V-sign” can allay anxiety in women with accessary axillary breast tissue and prevent costly investigations in most cases. Keywords: axilla, cancer, axillary nodal metastases, lymphadenopathy, skin-folding