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Supernumerary nipples

Definition

Supernumerary nipples are the presence of extra nipples.

Alternative Names

Polymastia; Polythelia; Accessory 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. If you want them removed, the nipples can be removed by surgery.

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.

Gallery

Supernumerary nipple
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
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.

References

Antaya RJ, Schaffer JV. Developmental anomalies. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 64.

Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ. Developmental anomalies. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ, eds. Dermatology Essentials. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 53.

Conner LN, Merritt DF. Breast concerns. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 566.

Cugno S, Azzi AJ. Congenital breast anomalies. In: Farhadieh RD, Bulstrode NW, Mehrara BJ, Cugno S, eds. Plastic Surgery: Principles and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 37.

Egro FM, Davidson EH, Namnoum JD, Shestak KC. Congenital breast deformities. In: Nahabedian MY, Neligan PC, eds. Plastic Surgery: Volume 5: Breast. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 28.

Last reviewed February 24, 2022 by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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