Breast Anomalies: Polythelia, Polymastia and Athelia

• August 28, 2023
• By Fernando Amato

What are breast anomalies? Accessory breast? Accessory nipple? Absence of breast? Polythelia, Polymastia and Athelia Explained

In the field of plastic surgery, understanding the nuances and particularities of the human body is essential. It is through this understanding that surgeons can offer effective and safe solutions. Among the various conditions a plastic surgeon may encounter, three are less known, yet deserve attention: Polythelia, Polymastia, and Athelia.

1. Polymastia: Accessory Breast Tissue

Polymastia is a condition that occurs in 0.4% to 0.6% of women. It refers to the presence of additional breast tissue, which is often identified in the armpit. This tissue is present from birth and, under the influence of female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, may become more prominent at certain stages, such as during pregnancy.

What makes polymastia noteworthy is that this additional breast tissue is susceptible to the same conditions as primary breasts, including infections, fibrocystic changes, and even carcinoma. For both aesthetic reasons and to avoid medical complications, you may consider removing this tissue as an option.

2. Polythelia: Understanding Supernumerary Nipples

Polythelia is a more common condition than one might think, occurring in about 1% of women. It refers to the presence of additional nipples, which usually develop along the mammary line of the body. A particularly interesting characteristic of polythelia is its possible association with urinary tract abnormalities. For this reason, when an extra nipple is detected, it may be prudent to perform a renal ultrasound.

However, in terms of management, surgical removal is an option, usually motivated by aesthetic or comfort concerns.

3. Athelia: The Challenge of Absence

Athelia and amastia represent the absence of breast components. While athelia refers to the absence of nipples, amastia is the total lack of breast tissue. Thus, these conditions arise due to embryonic development failures.

An example of complications associated with amastia is Poland syndrome, which involves the absence or underdevelopment of the breast, along with other anomalies in the pectoral muscle and, possibly, in the hands or fingers. In these situations, plastic surgery can be a valuable tool to restore form and function.

Conclusion

In summary, the field of plastic surgery is vast and diverse, ranging from routine aesthetic procedures to complex interventions for rare conditions. Understanding anomalies such as polythelia, polymastia, and athelia is vital to providing quality care. These conditions, though less discussed, are a reminder of the complexity of the human body and the importance of the surgical specialty that seeks to restore, correct, and improve.

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