Spence tail

Spence tail is the prolongation of upper outer quadrant of the breast in the axillary direction. It is also called the axillary tail, once it passes through the foramen of Langer, it pierces the axillary fascia. The duct system is seen to extend into the axilla.

If this direct continuity with the breast tissue is absent, then it is considered as an ectopic breast tissue in the axilla.

History and etmology

It is named after the Scottish surgeon James Spence.