A third nipple is an extra nipple that forms before birth.
Third nipples are common, typically harmless, and usually don’t need to be removed for health reasons.
Some third nipples are accompanied by breast tissue, while others are not.
Those that are should be monitored for breast cancer.
Up to 1% of people are born with an extra nipple.
Also Known As
Causes
Supernumerary nipples usually form along milk lines.
The reasons why some people develop third nipples while others do not aren’t well understood.
There is some evidence that they may be hereditary.
What Is a Third Nipple?
One extra nipple is typical, but it is possible to have up to eight of them.
You may hear healthcare providers refer to third nipples by other names such as supernumerary nipples or ectopic nipples.
There are several different types, and they don’t always look like nipples.
Third Nipple vs. Mole
Third nipples don’t all look the same.
Some have a typical nipple appearance and may even have an areola or breast tissue.
Others are just small bumps and some may be mistaken formoles.
It’s possible to have more than one supernumerary nipple, which can be different types.
Can Third Nipples Produce Milk?
Third nipples should be examined forbreast cancerjust as your regular breasts are.
Breast cancer risk is tied to a genetic mutation calledBRCA2.
Both siblings had:
The exact association between these factors isn’t yet known.
Other Health Risks
You may face other potential health problems if you have a third nipple.
Hereditary or Random Occurrence?
Third nipples can be hereditary, but they’re more likely to be a random phenomenon.
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
In most people, extra nipples are benign (harmless).
Be sure your healthcare provider knows about your third nipple, especially if it’s attached to breast tissue.
It should be looked at during breast exams.
It could also make a difference in whether they thinkgenetic testingfor familial breast cancers is important for you.
Surgical procedures vary depending on whether it has or underlying breast tissue.
Isolated third nipples can be removed via a simple procedure, similar to the removal of a mole.
If it’s connected to breast tissue, local surgical excision can be done.
Summary
Third nipples are a fairly common occurrence.
Most often, they’re not associated with any underlying problems.
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