Have you ever seen, or have you ever had, a small nipple in addition to your normal two? Many people don't know about this, but it's a more common condition than you think. Doctors call it a ``Supernumerary Nipple''. Some also call it an ``Accessory Nipple''. Don't worry, let's talk about it simply.
What is this supernumerary nipple?
Simply put, an extra nipple is an extra nipple that is present on your body when you are born. Most people only have one extra nipple. But, don't be surprised, some people can have up to eight!
These extra nipples develop while we are still in the womb. Specifically, they are most commonly found in the "milk lines" (or "mammary ridges") that run from our armpits to our groin. However, they can also develop in other areas of the body, very rarely.
The important thing is that these extra nipples are usually harmless and nothing to worry about . However, if you have one, it is a good idea to have regular check-ups with a doctor. Then, you can see if anything changes. Usually, this does not require treatment. However, if you want, it can be removed with a minor surgery (`(Surgery)`).
Are there different types of extra nipples?
Yes, doctors classify these extra nipples based on their size, shape, and the tissue inside. Although it's a bit medical, let's simply look at a few of the main types:
- Nipple-only type (`(Polythelia)`): This is the most common type. Here, there is only the extra nipple. There is no dark skin area around it (we call it `(Areola)`) or breast tissue underneath (`(Breast Tissue)`).
- The type with only the dark skin (`(Polythelia Areolaris)`): Here, there is only the dark skin. There is no nipple or breast tissue.
- Hairy type (`(Polythelia Pilosa)`): This has only a few hairs.
- Type with breast tissue (`(Polymastia)`): This type has an extra nipple, a dark area of skin around it, and a little breast tissue underneath.
- The type with breast tissue without dark skin: There is a nipple and breast tissue underneath, but there is no ``areola''.
- Breast tissue and dark skin without a nipple: This type has breast tissue and an areola, but no nipple.
- Aberrant Glandular Tissue Only: This type has only breast tissue . There is no nipple or areola.
- Pseudomamma: This type has an areola around the nipple, but underneath it is fatty tissue instead of breast tissue.
Now you might think these names are a bit complicated. But, simply put, each of these types is just a small variation in the structure of the nipple, the dark skin around it, and one or more parts of the breast tissue that come together in different ways.
Who does this situation affect?
Supernumerary nipples can happen to anyone. As we mentioned earlier, we all develop those milk lines during our fetal years. But, surprisingly, this condition is more common in men than women .
How common is this?
This condition can be seen in different countries around the world to varying degrees. For example, in Hungary, less than 0.22% of the population has this condition. However, in the United States, it is said that up to 6% of the population may have these extra nipples. That means that researchers have estimated that about two hundred thousand people in America alone have one or more extra nipples. There are people with this condition in Sri Lanka too, but it is difficult to find exact statistics about it.
What does an extra nipple look like?
Most of the time, an extra nipple looks like a small birthmark or mole . You may not even know you have it. These are usually located along the milk lines we mentioned earlier, which are on either side of the front of the body from the armpit to the groin.
They are often solitary and may look like small pinkish-brown lumps. They are also much smaller than normal nipples .
Why do these extra nipples develop?
Researchers still don't know exactly what causes these extra nipples. But we do know that they develop early in the fetal period, when the milk lines are formed. These milk lines are two lines that run down the sides of our bodies, from our armpits to our genitals. Breast tissue can develop anywhere along these lines.
As a fetus develops, around the fourth or fifth week, these milk lines begin to form from thickened skin tissue. Shortly after that, breast tissue begins to form. As breast tissue continues to develop, the milk lines form our nipples, and the remaining thickened tissue softens again. If these milk lines don't soften completely, extra nipples can develop in the areas where they were thickened .
Although they usually form along the milk lines, in about 5% of cases they can also form on the skin outside the milk lines, such as the neck, back, genital area, thighs, or feet.
Is this something that comes from generations?
Most of the time, extra nipples develop randomly. That is, there is no specific cause for them. However, there have been reports of this condition being passed down from generation to generation in some families . In such cases, it is thought to be passed down in an autosomal dominant pattern. However, researchers have not yet found a clear genetic link to it. Therefore, just because you have one does not mean that your children will also have it.
How to identify extra nipples?
When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you questions about your medical history and do a complete physical exam . They will note how many extra nipples you have and where they are located. They will also look for any other abnormalities.
Although an extra nipple usually doesn't require treatment, it's important to check for any changes regularly . Very rarely, an extra nipple can be a sign of another underlying medical condition. So, if you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away :
- A rash in that area (`(Rash)`)
- Discomfort or pain
- Lumps or hardened tissue
- Abnormal discharge
Remember, these symptoms are usually very rare, but it's always good to be aware.
How do you treat an extra nipple?
Usually, no treatment is needed for an extra nipple. They are not usually a sign of another medical condition. However, some people choose to have their nipple removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they are experiencing pain or discomfort.
A doctor can remove your extra nipple through a simple, non-invasive procedure (`(Noninvasive Surgery)`) . This surgery is usually completed quickly and is not very painful. The doctor will most likely use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, they will make a few small incisions (`(Incisions)`) in the area and remove the nipple.
There may be some swelling after the surgery. This will subside in about two weeks. Also, a reddish-brown scar may form in that area. It may take about two years for the scar to thin out and become lighter.
What to expect if you have an extra nipple?
Extra nipples are usually harmless and nothing to worry about . If they are bothersome to you, you can talk to a doctor and have them removed.
However, very rarely, an extra nipple can be a sign of another underlying medical condition. Such conditions include:
- Congenital Breast Defects
- Kidney Disease
- Various tumors and growths (`(Tumors and Growths)`)
- Breast cancer or kidney cancer (`(Breast Cancer or Kidney Cancer)`)
But, I repeat, these are very rare things. Not everyone with an extra nipple develops these things. So don't be afraid for nothing.
Can an extra nipple be prevented?
No, we can't. There's nothing we can do to prevent an extra nipple from developing. Because it's something that happens during the fetal stage. Since researchers still don't know the exact cause, there's no way to prevent it.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience any pain or discomfort due to your extra nipple, you should definitely see a doctor. Also, let your doctor know if the area around the nipple becomes hard, if new lumps develop, if it becomes sore, or if there is any unusual discharge .
It's a good idea to have regular physical exams. Then, if you notice any changes in your extra nipples, you can let your doctor know. He or she can then monitor you for any signs of complications.
Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Having an extra nipple, or ``Supernumerary Nipple'', is more common than you might think. These are usually harmless extra nipples that develop during fetal development.
- There is usually nothing to be afraid of about these.
- But, if you have one, it's a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor. That way, you can see if there are any signs of a problem.
- This usually does not require treatment.
- If you want, you can remove it with a simple surgery.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms (pain, lumps, discharge, pus), seek medical advice immediately.
So, I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions regarding this, don't hesitate to talk to your family doctor.
` Third nipple, extra nipple, Supernumerary Nipple, milk lines, birthmarks, skin problems, fetal development
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