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== Supernumerary nipple ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
A '''supernumerary nipple'''  is an [[supernumerary body part|additional]] [[nipple]] occurring in [[mammal]]s, including [[human]]s. They are often mistaken for [[mole (skin marking)|moles]]. Studies variously report the prevalence of supernumerary nipples as approximately 1 in 18 and 1 in 40.<ref name="Study1">[
| name           = Supernumerary nipple
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s004310050944], Supernumerary nipples: prevalence, size, sex and side predilection – a prospective clinical study, H. Schmidt,  European Journal of Pediatrics volume 157, pages 821–823 (1998).</ref><ref name="Study2">[
| image          = [[File:Trzeci_sutek.jpg|left|thumb|Supernumerary nipple]]
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/511138],
| caption        = A supernumerary nipple located below the normal nipple line
Occurrence of Supernumerary Nipples in Newborns
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
Francis Mimouni, MD; Paul Merlob, MD; Salomon H. Reisner, MB, ChB,  Am J Dis Child. 1983;137(10):952-953.</ref><ref name="Bolognia"/>
| synonyms        = Accessory nipple, third nipple, polythelia
 
| symptoms        = Presence of extra nipple(s) along the "milk line"
[[File:Trzeci sutek.jpg|thumb|300px|Trzeci_sutek]]
| complications  = Rarely, may be associated with [[renal]] or [[cardiac]] anomalies
 
| onset          = Congenital
The nipples appear along the two vertical "[[milk line]]s", which start in the armpit on each side, run down through the typical nipples and end at the groin. They are classified into eight levels of completeness from a simple patch of hair to a milk-bearing [[breast]] in miniature.<ref>Kajava Y. "The proportions of supernumerary nipples in the Finnish population". ''Duodecim'' 1915; 1:143-70.</ref><ref name="eMedicine - Revis">{{cite web |url=http://www.emedicine.com/plastic/topic214.htm |title=Breast Embryology | author=Revis, Don R. Jr. | work=eMedicine |accessdate=3 December 2007 }}</ref>
| duration        = Lifelong
 
| causes          = Developmental anomaly
<youtube>
| risks          = Family history, [[genetic predisposition]]
title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[dermatoscopy]]
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/do4EjBeJ6bY
| differential    = [[Mole (skin marking)|Mole]], [[skin tag]], [[epidermal nevus]]
&rel=1
| treatment      = Usually not required, [[surgical removal]] if desired
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/do4EjBeJ6bY
| frequency      = 1-5% of the population
&rel=1
| prognosis      = Excellent
wrap = yes
width=750
height=600
</youtube>
 
==Types==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Type !! [[Gland|Glandular tissue]] !! [[Nipple]] !! [[Areola]] !! [[Fat tissue]] !! [[hair|Hair patch]]
|-
| 1 || yes  || yes  || yes  || yes  ||
|-
| 2 || yes  || yes  ||  ||  ||
|-
| 3 || yes  ||  || yes  ||  ||
|-
| 4 || yes  ||  ||  ||  ||
|-
| 5 ("pseudomamma") ||  || yes  || yes  || yes  ||
|-
| 6 ("polythelia") ||  || yes  ||  ||  ||
|-
| 7 ("polythelia areolaris") ||  ||  || yes  ||  ||
|-
| 8 ("polythelia pilosa") ||  ||  ||  ||  || yes<ref>{{cite journal |title=Polythelia pilosa: A Particular Form of Accessory Mammary Tissue | author=Camacho F. | author2=González-Cámpora R.  | journal= Dermatology |volume=196 |issue=3 |pages=295–298 |doi=10.1159/000017924 |pmid=9621135 |year=1998 | s2cid=25211741 }}</ref>
|}
 
''Polythelia'' refers to the presence of an additional nipple alone while ''[[Accessory breast|polymastia]]'' denotes the much rarer presence of additional [[mammary gland]]s.
 
Although usually presenting on the milk line, pseudomamma can appear as far away as the foot.<ref name="Pseudomamma on the foot: An unusual presentation of supernumerary breast tissue">{{cite web |url=http://dermatology.cdlib.org/124/case_presentations/pseudomamma/conde.html |title=Pseudomamma on the foot: An unusual presentation of supernumerary breast tissue |accessdate=3 December 2007 |website=}}</ref>
 
A possible relationship with [[mitral valve prolapse]] has been proposed.<ref name="pmid10980229">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rajaratnam K, Kumar PD, Sahasranam KV |title=Supernumerary nipple as a cutaneous marker of mitral valve prolapse in Asian Indians |journal=Am. J. Cardiol. |volume=86 |issue=6 |pages=695–697 |year=2000 |pmid=10980229 |doi=10.1016/S0002-9149(00)01057-2}}</ref>
 
==Clinical significance==
 
===Clinical presentation===
May remain undetected. Occasionally, the supernumerary nipple is noticed when hormonal changes during adolescence, menstruation, or pregnancy cause increased pigmentation, fluctuating swelling, tenderness, or even lactation.
 
===Associations===
It is said to be found in association with many syndromes and other conditions:
 
* ''[[McKusick–Kaufman syndrome]]''
* ''[[Char syndrome]]''
* ''[[Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome]]''
 
===Treatment and prognosis===
Most often no treatment is required; however, a protruding embarrassing supernumerary nipple can be removed surgically, if desired. Removal using liquid nitrogen cryotherapy has also been described.
 
==Society and culture==
 
=== Television ===
''The Triple Nipple Club''<!-- no link, it redirects here --> is a documentary shown on [[Channel 4]] which explored the biological mystery of the supernumerary nipple.<ref>[http://www.channel4.com/video/first-cut-the-triple-nipple-club/series-1/episode-1/throwback_p_1.html Throwback | First Cut: The Triple Nipple Club | Free Video Clips from Channel 4<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> First broadcast on 2 January 2008, it was directed and produced by Dan Louw and commissioned as part of Channel 4's [[First Cut (UK TV series)|''First Cut'']] series.<ref>[http://www.channel4.com/blogs/page/fourdocs?entry=first_cut_line_up Channel 4 - FourDocs blog - First Cut line-up<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
 
The film focuses on Louw's attempts to understand why he was born with extra nipples, a condition he shares with the likes of [[Mark Wahlberg]],<ref>[http://www.askmen.com/gossip/mark-wahlberg/mark-wahlberg-third-nipple-love.html AskMen.com - Mark Wahlberg's third nipple love<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Lily Allen]],<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JbieSOsMIk YouTube - Lilly Allen Third Nipple<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and [[Tilda Swinton]], as well as well known TV and film characters such as the Bond villain [[Francisco Scaramanga|Scaramanga]] and [[Chandler Bing]].
 
Fascinated and confused by this seemingly pointless mutation, Louw sets off on a personal journey of discovery to try and unwrap "the riddle of the triple nipple". He starts out by consulting the man in the street and even a renowned [[teratologist]], an expert in physical [[mutations]]. After testing the notion that extra nipples could be a sign of fertility, he discovers that they are actually an [[atavism]], or evolutionary 'holdover' – a sign of how humans evolved.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/health/feature/1999/06/08/nipples/print.html Salon | Why do men have nipples?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
 
== See also ==
* [[Accessory breast]]
* [[Rudimentary supernumerary digit]]
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Medical resources
|   ICD10          = {{ICD10|Q|83|3|q|80}}
|   ICD9          = {{ICD9|757.6}}
|  ICDO          =
|  OMIM          = 163700
|  MedlinePlus    = 003110
|  eMedicineSubj  = derm
|  eMedicineTopic = 735
|  DiseasesDB    = 32140
}}
}}
{{Congenital malformations and deformations of breast}}
A '''supernumerary nipple''', also known as a third nipple or accessory nipple, is an additional nipple that occurs in humans and other animals. This condition is a type of [[polymastia]], which refers to the presence of more than the usual number of nipples or mammary glands.
 
==Epidemiology==
{{DEFAULTSORT:Supernumerary Nipple}}
Supernumerary nipples are relatively common, occurring in approximately 1-5% of the population. They are more frequently observed in males than in females. The condition can be hereditary, with a tendency to run in families.
[[Category:Supernumerary body parts]]
==Embryology==
[[Category:Cutaneous congenital anomalies]]
During embryonic development, the [[mammary ridge]] or milk line forms along the chest and abdomen. Normally, this ridge regresses except at the site of the primary nipples. However, if parts of the ridge persist, supernumerary nipples can develop along this line.
[[Category:Congenital disorders of breasts]]
==Clinical Presentation==
 
Supernumerary nipples can vary in appearance. They may resemble a normal nipple, or they may appear as small, pigmented moles or bumps. These additional nipples are usually located along the milk line, which extends from the armpit to the groin.
[[de:Milchleiste#Fehlbildungen]]
===Symptoms===
 
Most supernumerary nipples are asymptomatic and do not cause any health problems. However, in some cases, they may become tender or swollen, especially during hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy.
{{stub}}
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of a supernumerary nipple is typically made through physical examination. In some cases, imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]] or [[mammography]] may be used to differentiate a supernumerary nipple from other skin lesions.
==Treatment==
Treatment is usually not necessary unless the supernumerary nipple causes discomfort or psychological distress. In such cases, surgical removal can be performed. The procedure is generally simple and performed on an outpatient basis.
==Associated Conditions==
While supernumerary nipples are usually benign, they have been associated with certain syndromes and conditions, such as:
* [[Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome]]
* [[Polycystic kidney disease]]
* [[Urofacial syndrome]]
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for individuals with a supernumerary nipple is excellent. The condition does not affect overall health or life expectancy.
==See Also==
* [[Polymastia]]
* [[Mammary gland]]
* [[Nipple]]
==External Links==
* [Supernumerary Nipple - DermNet NZ](https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/supernumerary-nipple/)
{{Medical-stub}}
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Breast anatomy]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]

Latest revision as of 22:51, 6 April 2025

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Supernumerary nipple
Supernumerary nipple
Synonyms Accessory nipple, third nipple, polythelia
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Presence of extra nipple(s) along the "milk line"
Complications Rarely, may be associated with renal or cardiac anomalies
Onset Congenital
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Developmental anomaly
Risks Family history, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis Physical examination, dermatoscopy
Differential diagnosis Mole, skin tag, epidermal nevus
Prevention N/A
Treatment Usually not required, surgical removal if desired
Medication N/A
Prognosis Excellent
Frequency 1-5% of the population
Deaths N/A


A supernumerary nipple, also known as a third nipple or accessory nipple, is an additional nipple that occurs in humans and other animals. This condition is a type of polymastia, which refers to the presence of more than the usual number of nipples or mammary glands.

Epidemiology[edit]

Supernumerary nipples are relatively common, occurring in approximately 1-5% of the population. They are more frequently observed in males than in females. The condition can be hereditary, with a tendency to run in families.

Embryology[edit]

During embryonic development, the mammary ridge or milk line forms along the chest and abdomen. Normally, this ridge regresses except at the site of the primary nipples. However, if parts of the ridge persist, supernumerary nipples can develop along this line.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Supernumerary nipples can vary in appearance. They may resemble a normal nipple, or they may appear as small, pigmented moles or bumps. These additional nipples are usually located along the milk line, which extends from the armpit to the groin.

Symptoms[edit]

Most supernumerary nipples are asymptomatic and do not cause any health problems. However, in some cases, they may become tender or swollen, especially during hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of a supernumerary nipple is typically made through physical examination. In some cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or mammography may be used to differentiate a supernumerary nipple from other skin lesions.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment is usually not necessary unless the supernumerary nipple causes discomfort or psychological distress. In such cases, surgical removal can be performed. The procedure is generally simple and performed on an outpatient basis.

Associated Conditions[edit]

While supernumerary nipples are usually benign, they have been associated with certain syndromes and conditions, such as:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with a supernumerary nipple is excellent. The condition does not affect overall health or life expectancy.

See Also[edit]

External Links[edit]

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