When people talk about pregnancy woes, they talk a lot about weight gain, stretch marks, heartburn, morning sickness, anticipating breastfeeding challenges and other bodily changes.
One mum, Alice (not her real name), thought all about these things when she first found out she was pregnant. Speaking to theAsianparent, Alice said she read about all these things as she “watched [her] body change before [her] eyes.”
What she noticed next was a small lump starting to grow next to her left breast in the first trimester of her pregnancy. “I didn’t know what it was. It started hurting and of course, it scared me.” Alice saw multiple doctors, and even an oncologist to get it checked, and each time, she was told nothing close to having it identified as an accessory breast. “It really started to worry me. I asked for more and more opinions until I finally got my answer.”
It was only after when Alice went to see a specialist and local professor in the medical field that she finally got some clarity on this condition she was developing. “It was a sigh of relief! I was merely growing a third breast, apparently.” The small lump was instantly identified as an accessory breast.
WHAT IS AN ACCESSORY BREAST?<img alt="" data-caption="Accessory breast with nipple.
Photo: theAsianparent” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”da70f82f-d131-4e4c-a18c-61be2bddf655″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/190703_accessory-breast_theasianparent.png”/>
What’s the Deal with Extra Breasts?
Accessory breasts aren’t a rare or exotic quirk – they’re a fairly common congenital condition. Since the moment a baby is born, a small number of folks may already have an extra breast halfway down their milk line. It’s like having an extra arm you’ve been born with but you’ve just never noticed it until, say, you’re in your twenties.
How Common Is It?
- About 2‑6 % of women worldwide
- About 1‑3 % of men
- Asian women, especially Japanese, tend to show up a bit more often.
Where Does It Hang Out?
Sure, you’d expect it to pop in the armpit (that’s the usual “normal” spot), but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The accessory breast can appear anywhere along the milk line – think front to back, even on your vulva in extreme cases.
A Real‑Life Story from Alice
Picture this: During pregnancy, Alice first spotted a harmless lump next to her left breast. By her second trimester, that lump sprouted a “mole” that turned into a nipple. She then noticed a second “mole” on the right side, which the doctor confirmed was a nipple even though no obvious breast tissue was lurking. The result? Alice ended up with three breasts and four nipples.
How Many Types Are There?
Accessory breasts can be sorted into four main types based on how fully they’re developed. Think of it like a dessert menu – each option is a different level of fullness:
- Type 1 – Full‑Package: This one’s the classic. It has all the components of a normal breast: glandular tissue, a nipple, and an areola. Basically, it looks a bit like you’d see under your shirt.
- Type 2 – Nipple + Areola Only: No underlying glandular tissue, but there’s a nipple and an areola. You’d find it more like a “just a dot” than a full cup.
- Type 3 – Areola Only: Even more stripped down – just an areola without a nipple or glandular tissue. Think of it as a little shiny spot.
- Type 4 – Nipple Only: The barest of all, just a nipple with nothing else. No areola, no breast tissue.
Why Does It Grow?
In most cases, a hormonal cocktail during pregnancy and breastfeeding spurs these extra tissues into budding. That’s why many people first notice their accessory breast after a baby is on the way.
Takeaway
Having an extra breast is just another chapter in the human body’s storybook. If you ever see a lump or a “mole” along that milk line, don’t panic – it might just be a friendly little duplicate of the usual. Most folks keep it invisible and harmless, but if curiosity or discomfort pops up, a quick consult with a doctor will usually sort it out.
<img alt="" data-caption="Polymastia: consists of only the nipple.
Photo: theAsianparent” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”04d0a21a-dfbd-4729-9828-4f0ce0dd8ed7″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/190703_polymastia_theasianparent.png”/>Accessory breasts have many types. This is the entire list of classifications of accessory breast tissue (also known as Polymastia or supernumerary breasts):
Class I consists of a complete breast including glandular tissue, nipple, and areola.
Class II consists of only glandular tissue and nipple, without areola.
Class III consists of only glandular tissue and areola, without a nipple.
Class IV consists of only glandular tissue.
Class V (pseudomamma) consists of only nipple and areola, without glandular tissue.
Class VI (polythelia) consists of only the nipple.
Class VII (polythelia areolaris) consists of only the areola.
Class VIII (polythelia pilosa) consists of only hair.
HOW TO IDENTIFY AN ACCESSORY BREAST
For a conclusive diagnosis, once they can get an ultrasound to make sure that what they have is actually an accessory breast. A radiologist will scan through to ensure that only breast tissue is present. It is typically indistinguishable from a normal breast.
According to Alice, hers was considered a very straightforward case. For very challenging atypical and extremely rare cases, a breast MRI will be performed.
SO WHAT NEXT? CAN YOU TREAT OR REMOVE AN ACCESSORY BREAST?
Accessory breasts can be removed. However, removal involves an excision procedure or liposuction. As such, many hospitals would engage a cosmetic surgeon or a general surgeon to remove the accessory breast tissue. It’s good to note that insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures-only ones that are necessary. They will only cover it if the accessory breast starts to pose a health risk.
It is not necessary to have it removed as it usually should not cause you any inconvenience apart from aesthetics and mild pain or discomfort from time to time.
Removing it can cause surgical complications such as contour irregularities, seromas, and even possible recurrence. Those who worry about the development of carcinoma (cancer) would seek to remove the lump.
As for Alice, she said she’s living with three breasts, four nipples and two areola for the time being. “The only thing I am anticipating now is whether I’ll be able to breastfeed my baby with the third breast.”
This article was first published in theAsianparent.
breastfeedingPregnanciesWomenHealth and Wellbeing
