Supernumerary nipple

Supernumerary nipple
Classification and external resources

Supernumerary nipples. (Third and fourth nipple of Scandinavian male). A - regular birthmark. B - regular nipple. C - Supernumerary nipple
ICD-10 Q83.3
ICD-9 757.6
OMIM 163700
DiseasesDB 32140
MedlinePlus 003110
eMedicine derm/735

A supernumerary nipple (also known as a third nipple, triple nipple, accessory nipple,[1] polythelia or the related condition: polymastia) is an additional nipple occurring in mammals, including humans. Often mistaken for moles, supernumerary nipples are diagnosed at a rate of 1 in 18 males and 1 in approximately 50 female humans.[1][2]

The nipples appear along the two vertical "milk lines", 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.[3][4]

type glandular tissue nipple areola fat tissue 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

Polythelia refers to the presence of an additional nipple alone while polymastia denotes the much rarer presence of additional mammary glands.

Although usually presenting on the milk line, pseudomamma can appear as far away as the foot.[5]

A possible relationship with mitral valve prolapse has been proposed.[6]

Contents

Known examples

Examples in popular culture

Folklore

In folklore, an extra nipple was held to be indicative that the woman concerned was a witch - the nipple being used to suckle the devil.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 1-4160-2999-0. 
  2. ^ "Cancer hope over breast gene find", BBC, 1 September 2005; references the rate of extra nipples appearing in humans.
  3. ^ Kajava Y. "The proportions of supernumerary nipples in the Finnish population". Duodecim 1915; 1:143-70.
  4. ^ Revis, Don R. Jr., MD. "Breast Embryology". eMedicine. http://www.emedicine.com/plastic/topic214.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-03. 
  5. ^ "Pseudomamma on the foot: An unusual presentation of supernumerary breast tissue". http://dermatology.cdlib.org/124/case_presentations/pseudomamma/conde.html. Retrieved 2007-12-03. 
  6. ^ Rajaratnam K, Kumar PD, Sahasranam KV (2000). "Supernumerary nipple as a cutaneous marker of mitral valve prolapse in Asian Indians". Am. J. Cardiol. 86 (6): 695–697. doi:10.1016/S0002-9149(00)01057-2. PMID 10980229. 
  7. ^ Fields, Curt (2005-11-18). "The High (and Low) Notes of 'Idol'". The Washington Post. pp. WE41. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/17/AR2005111700414.html. Retrieved 2009-03-06. 
  8. ^ "Lily Allen". The Friday Night Project. Channel 4. 2007-06-29. Transcript.
  9. ^ "The Joy of Third Nipples", H2G2, 28 October 2005, article citing known examples of supernumerary nipples.
  10. ^ Softpedia article with quotes of Mark Wahlberg discussing his reasons not to have his third nipple surgically removed
  11. ^ Article on the topic of Boleyn's third nipple/breast
  12. ^ Jo Whiley Show. Presenter: Jo Whiley. BBC. BBC Radio 1. February 1, 2005.
  13. ^ Saney, Daniel (February 2, 2005). "Jo Whiley shocked by her nipple". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a18910/jo-whiley-shocked-by-her-nipple.html. Retrieved 27 July 2009. 
  14. ^ Bond villain's nipple triple gives clues to breast cancer treatment(retrieved 26 February 2010)