Causes and risk factors
Accessory nipples occur due to variation in normal development. In most cases, accessory nipples are not associated with any disease or syndrome. Some rare genetic syndromes may be associated with accessory nipples.
Clinical presentation
The extra nipples usually develop along the embryonic milk lines beneath the normal nipple. Patients are usually asymptomatic. Sometimes, hormonal changes during adolescence, menstruation, or pregnancy cause increased pigmentation, fluctuating swelling, tenderness, or even lactation. Accessory nipples can present itself in various ways – nipple, areola, glandular breast tissue; nipple and glandular tissue (no areola); areola and glandular tissue (no nipple); aberrant glandular tissue; nipple, areola, and fat tissue; only nipple; only areola; patch of hair.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis.
Treatment
Surgical removal of the nipple is an option for those who are disturbed by its presence through complete surgical excision of the nipple.
