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

Int J Womens Health. 2014 Feb 24:6:245-8. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S58709. eCollection 2014.

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; axillary nodal metastases; cancer; lymphadenopathy; skin-folding.