Supernumerary nipple: Difference between revisions

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Supernumerary Nipple
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Supernumerary nipple
| image          = [[File:Trzeci_sutek.jpg|left|thumb|Supernumerary nipple]]
| caption        = A supernumerary nipple located below the normal nipple line
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
| synonyms        = Accessory nipple, third nipple, polythelia
| symptoms        = Presence of extra nipple(s) along the "milk line"
| complications  = Rarely, may be associated with [[renal]] or [[cardiac]] anomalies
| onset          = Congenital
| duration        = Lifelong
| causes          = Developmental anomaly
| risks          = Family history, [[genetic predisposition]]
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[dermatoscopy]]
| differential    = [[Mole (skin marking)|Mole]], [[skin tag]], [[epidermal nevus]]
| treatment      = Usually not required, [[surgical removal]] if desired
| frequency      = 1-5% of the population
| prognosis      = Excellent
}}
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.
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==
==Epidemiology==
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.
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==
==Embryology==
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.
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==
==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.
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===
===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.
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==
==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.
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==
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.
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==
==Associated Conditions==
While supernumerary nipples are usually benign, they have been associated with certain syndromes and conditions, such as:
While supernumerary nipples are usually benign, they have been associated with certain syndromes and conditions, such as:
* [[Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome]]
* [[Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome]]
* [[Polycystic kidney disease]]
* [[Polycystic kidney disease]]
* [[Urofacial syndrome]]
* [[Urofacial syndrome]]
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for individuals with a supernumerary nipple is excellent. The condition does not affect overall health or life expectancy.
The prognosis for individuals with a supernumerary nipple is excellent. The condition does not affect overall health or life expectancy.
==See Also==
==See Also==
* [[Polymastia]]
* [[Polymastia]]
* [[Mammary gland]]
* [[Mammary gland]]
* [[Nipple]]
* [[Nipple]]
==External Links==
==External Links==
* [Supernumerary Nipple - DermNet NZ](https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/supernumerary-nipple/)
* [Supernumerary Nipple - DermNet NZ](https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/supernumerary-nipple/)
{{Medical-stub}}
{{Medical-stub}}
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Breast anatomy]]
[[Category:Breast anatomy]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
<gallery>
File:Trzeci sutek.jpg|Supernumerary nipple
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 22:51, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

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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