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Supernumerary nipples
Polymastia; Polythelia; Accessory nipples
Supernumerary nipples are the presence of extra nipples.
Considerations
Extra nipples are fairly common. They are generally unrelated to other conditions or syndromes. The extra nipples usually occur in a line below the normal nipples. They are usually not recognized as extra nipples because they tend to be small and not well-formed.
Causes
Common causes of supernumerary nipples are:
- Variation of normal development
- Some rare genetic syndromes may be associated with supernumerary nipples
Home Care
Most people do not need treatment. The extra nipples do NOT develop into breasts at puberty.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Talk to your health care provider if there are extra nipples on an infant. Tell the provider if there are other symptoms.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will do a physical exam. The provider may ask questions about the person's medical history. The number and location of extra nipples will be noted.
References
Felsch KN, Merritt DF. Breast concerns. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 551.
Patterson JW. Miscellaneous conditions. In: Patterson JW. Weedon's Skin Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 19.
Smith RP. Breast: accessory nipples. In: Smith RP. Netter's Obstetrics and Gynecology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2008:chap 144.
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Supernumerary nipple - illustration
A supernumerary nipple is the aborted beginning of an additional nipple along the mid-clavicular line of the thorax. The hyperpigmented macule may have features more or less descriptive of a fully formed nipple, and occur a couple centimeters below the usually placed nipple. They are most often singular, and unilateral.
Supernumerary nipple
illustration
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Supernumerary nipples - illustration
Supernummerary nipples, when present, follow a predictable line down the chest.
Supernumerary nipples
illustration
-
Supernumerary nipple - illustration
A supernumerary nipple is the aborted beginning of an additional nipple along the mid-clavicular line of the thorax. The hyperpigmented macule may have features more or less descriptive of a fully formed nipple, and occur a couple centimeters below the usually placed nipple. They are most often singular, and unilateral.
Supernumerary nipple
illustration
-
Supernumerary nipples - illustration
Supernummerary nipples, when present, follow a predictable line down the chest.
Supernumerary nipples
illustration
Review Date: 2/15/2016
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
