MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Supernumerary nipples

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Supernumerary nipples

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Considerations	Causes Home Care When to Contact a Medical Professional What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Illustrations

Supernumerary nipple

Supernumerary nipples

Alternative Names Return to top

Polymastia; Polythelia; Accessory nipples

Definition Return to top

Supernumerary nipples is the presence of additional nipples.

Considerations Return to top

Supernumerary nipples are a fairly common occurrence. They are generally unrelated to other conditions or syndromes. The extra nipples usually occur in a line below the existing nipple. They are usually not be recognized as extra nipples, because they are usually small and not well formed.

Causes Return to top

Variation of normal development
Hay-Wells syndrome (very rare)
Ruvalcaba-Myhre syndrome (very rare)

Home Care Return to top

Usually no treatment is needed. The extra nipples DO NOT develop into breasts at puberty.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Talk to your health care provider if there are supernumerary nipples on an infant and there are other symptoms present.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's medical history. The number and location of extra nipples will be noted.

Update Date: 5/10/2006

Updated by: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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