Transaxillary approach for the endoscopic extirpation of benign breast tumors.

Cosmetic factors in the treatment of breast disease have long been neglected despite the fact that patients are highly concerned about the length and extent of the incision. Recent developments in both endoscopy and endoscopic devices have now made it possible to reach breast mass(es) from small incisions in the axilla. We describe the successful extirpation of a giant fibroadenoma of the breast in a 20-year-old woman, using a 3-mm or 10-mm endoscope and a 3-mm or 5-mm endoscopic device with a transaxillary approach. A scar-free breast with an excellent cosmetic result was achieved by use of this technique and these devices. Benign tumors (both single large tumors and multiple masses) are therefore considered to be ideal candidates for this type of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.