There are many atypical breast conditions which may become
apparent as a girl develops into a woman. Breast abnormalities might be
physically noticeable, but the anatomical implications of their presence
pales in comparison to the psycho-emotional consequences they might
enact.
Polythelia and polymastia are 2 conditions which entail
having more than the usual 2 nipples or breasts, respectively. These
extra mammary structures typically grow below the usually placed breasts
or nipples along what are known as the mammary or milk lines.
Polythelia, also called supernumerary or accessory nipples, are more
common and can actually grow anywhere on the anatomy. While some are
little more than an interesting birthmark, others are fully formed
nipples, complete with areolae. Polymastia, also called accessory or
supernumerary breasts are usually more noticeable, but not always.
Sometimes, these are little more than a fatty pouch, while other
circumstances have them as fully formed breast structures, complete with
nipple/areola complex and lactation ability. When these fully formed
breasts grow off the mammary line, they are called mammae erraticae.
Some
women are born missing one or both breasts and/or nipples. There are
many reasons for this to occur, but the effect is devastating.
Alternately, all tissue might be present, but simply does not develop
properly. This is called breast hypoplasia or sometimes breast
hypotrophy. This condition can affect both breasts or only one. While
bilateral hypoplasia creates a flat chested look, unilateral conditions
are extremely disturbing since the unaffected side develops normally and
often winds up significantly larger than the hypotrophic side.
The
opposite condition can also occur, causing breasts to grow
uncontrollably. This condition is called hypertrophy or sometimes
hyperplasia. This condition can also affect one or both breasts and can
be very serious. Most hypertrophic conditions will stop by themselves,
but some continue to grow, necessitating drastic and invasive
interventions, including radical mastectomy in some instances. While
very large and stable bilateral hypertrophic breasts may not be too much
of an issue, as long as they do not get out of control, unilateral
breast hypertrophy is once again a very noticeable concern for any
developing girl.
Typical breasts can also be affected by size and
proportion issues. Most breasts are not symmetrical and it is common for
women to have up to a 30% size discrepancy from one side to the other.
However, sometimes, this difference in size is extremely pronounced,
making the body appear unbalanced and making a proper bra fit impossible
without custom tailoring. Additionally, nipples and areolas may be
considered too large or too small for the breasts they occupy. While
this is a very subjective topic, it can still be troubling to any woman
who views her body as abnormal.
Inverted nipples or nipples and
areola without pigmentation can be an emotional burden for many women,
as well. While these conditions do not seem too serious and may even be
considered aesthetic by some standards, many women who must endure these
atypical breast conditions do so unwillingly and would love to change
their anatomies to be "normal".
Snoopy deformity is a cute name
for a not so kind condition in which breast tissue herniates into the
nipple/areola complex.
This is usually not very pronounced and some
women truly like their puffy nipples. However, some cases are very
severe, leading to a breast which appears odd, as if there was a small
secondary breast growing in the middle of the existing breast mound.
Finally,
tuberous breast condition is one of the atypical breast conditions
which is usually very disturbing to affected women. Tuberous breasts are
characterized by an elongated shape, since the chest wall attachments
are constricted, forcing the tissue to squeeze into a tubular profile,
rather than a traditional half globe shape.
This condition is generally
not considered aesthetic and in some cases may be a major source of
body image issues.
The good news is that plastic, cosmetic and
reconstructive surgeries have been invented to help women overcome not
only the physical abnormalities, but more importantly, beat those truly
domineering emotional issues which can make life a psychological
torture. No one wants to feel betrayed or disgusted by their own body
and plastic surgeons have made it possible for every woman to choose how
to shape her body to suit her own internal motivations. I consider
myself blessed to be a vital part of this industry...
Eve Anderson, RN, CSW, is an experienced plastic surgery nurse
and a practicing social worker in the field of mind/body medicine.
Additional information about Breast Abnormalities and the psychological aspects of many breast health issues can be found at her website, Breast-Plastic-Surgery.Org.
