According to the report, the extra breast enlarged during puberty and produced milk when she became pregnant; a woodcut from the era shows her nursing children both at her breast and her thigh. As is often the case with odd body phenomenon, men and women with supernumerary breasts and nipples were tortured and killed during the European witch hunts.
Even Anne Boleyn, the unpopular second wife of Henry VIII, was said to have either an extra breast or extra nipple along with an extra finger , although this may have just been bad press. These days, polymastia and the more common polythelia are hardly considered a mark of the devil, but a stigma does remain for some, especially men. Hema Sundaram , a Washington, D. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Politics Covid U. News World Opinion Business.
Share this —. Follow NBC News. By The Body Odd. There are many causes of itchy nipples, including pregnancy, dermatitis, and chafing. Most of these are no cause for concern. However, itchy nipples…. Nipple pain is a common occurrence in menstruating, pregnant, or breast-feeding women. In this article, learn about the common causes and how to treat…. Learn about nipple discharge, including information on what the discharge is, the most common causes, and the most effective treatments.
Mastitis is an infection in the tissue of the mammary glands. The infection can arise from a blocked milk duct or bacteria entering the breast through…. What you should know about third nipples. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Overview Apperance Types Causes Diagnosis Complications Treatment Takeaway A third nipple is a condition where a person has an extra nipple on their body in addition to the two nipples located on the breasts or chest.
What is a third nipple? Share on Pinterest Supernumerary third nipples may be smaller compared to regular nipples. Image credit: Zureks, How do you know if you have one? Share on Pinterest A category one nipple, or polymastia, may have an areola around it.
Share on Pinterest In most cases, a third nipple will not cause any health risks, however there are some complications to be aware of. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.
Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What you should know about nipple fissures. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Everything you need to know about itchy nipples. Third nipples sometimes occurs in families, but are more likely to be a random phenomenon. Some cases are linked to other birth defects congenital disorders involving the heart or kidneys.
A possible link between supernumary nipples and BRCA2 gene mutations was proposed in a study in which a brother and sister both had breast cancer, BRCA2 mutations, and bilateral supernumary nipples. While an association is unknown at this time, those who have third nipples may consider asking their relatives about the presence of third nipples or any genetic testing for cancer risk they have done.
Genome wide association studies in other species sheep have found loci in DNA that are associated with the development of supernumerary nipples, but thus far an association in humans has not yet been studied. The breasts form early on in an embryo's development, typically during the fourth week of gestation. Milk lines , the first evidence of mammary gland development, appear soon after, at around the sixth week of development.
These ridges arch down from the armpit to the groin on both sides of the body. As the breasts continue to develop, these lines eventually disintegrate, usually by about week nine. Occasionally, however, milk lines will persist and may be connected to extra breast tissue and extra nipples. Extra nipples that are connected to breast tissue may sometimes produce breast milk after pregnancy.
Supernumerary nipples are usually smaller than regular nipples. Scaramanga, an infamous Bond villain, had an accessory nipple, and this was what made him easy to identify. Scientists named the Scaramanga gene after him; it's this gene that produces a protein called neuregulin-3 NRG3 , which provides a signal to embryonic cells telling them to become breast cells. If you have one or more extra nipples, you may wonder if this increases your risk for breast cancer.
Any breast tissue you have, whether it appears in the standard location or elsewhere, is vulnerable to the same diseases that can affect typical breast tissue.
Extra nipples that occur alone are not attached to breast tissue may uncommonly be affected by a cancer of the nipples known as Paget's disease of the nipple.
Paget's can sometimes also show up in the groin area lower end of the milk lines , where it is called extramammary Paget's disease EMPD. In most people, extra nipples are benign and—because they often occur below the breast—may never be noticed. But if you know you have a third nipple, talk to your healthcare provider if you note any changes such as dryness or flakiness, a rash, or a lump.
Not all nipple changes indicate breast cancer, but knowing which are expected changes and which are signs of disease is critical to your breast health. Now that genetic testing is available for some familial breast cancers, it's important for people to be aware of third nipples at least those associated with breast tissue , as these areas will need to be monitored along with the two "normal" breasts, and considered when developing any treatment plans.
Third nipples don't usually need to be removed, but sometimes people wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. Surgical procedures will vary depending on whether or not the third nipple is associated with underlying breast tissue. Isolated third nipples can be removed via a simple procedure, similar to the removal of a mole. For supernumerary nipples connected with breast tissue, a mastectomy removal can be done.
Third nipples are common, but often go undetected or are thought to be moles. Most often, they're not associated with any underlying problems and don't need any special attention.
But if you believe you may have an extra nipple it's important to bring it to your healthcare provider's attention.
0コメント