Saturday, May 18, 2013

Supernumerary nipples

Table of Contents

Definition

Supernumerary nipples is the presence of extra nipples.


Alternative Names

Polymastia; Polythelia; Accessory nipples


Considerations

Supernumerary 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.


Common Causes
  • Variation of normal development
  • Some rare genetic syndromes may be associated with supernumerary nipples


Review Date: 01/29/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)