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Breast Abnormalities

Breast abnormalities can be caused by genetic, environmental, infectious or developmental processes. There are a wide range of breast irregularities and deformities which might present themselves at some point between birth and death. Not all abnormalities are harmful, although some can pose a definite hazard to your health. Even breast irregularities which pose no physical threat are still prime causes and perpetuators of ongoing psychological and emotional problems relating to negative body image issues.

Developing Breast Abnormalities

Abnormal breast issues can affect both males and females, although they are usually more severe and affective in the feminine gender. Some breast irregularities might be present and visible from birth. Other abnormalities occur during prepubescent growth and are not related to sexual maturation. Many abnormal breast conditions become an issue during the adolescent years when a child matures into an adult, enduring considerable physical alteration of the anatomical structures. Other abnormal breast conditions become obvious during the adult years. Finally, there are certain breast related abnormalities which might be more prevalent in the elderly.

Types of Breast Abnormalities

There is a wide range of atypical breast problems. The most common breast irregularities include:

* Polythelia (also called supernumerary nipples or accessory nipples) might exist above or below one or both breasts or virtually anywhere on the anatomy.

* Polymastia is also called accessory breasts, supernumerary breasts or mammae erraticae. Additional breasts may or may not have areola and/or nipples.

* Missing nipple is a congenital defect.

* Missing breast is a congenital or developmental defect. Nipple may or may not be present. Actual breast tissue is simply not present.

* Gynecomastia is the abnormal breast growth in males.

* Trauma can injure, disfigure or cause the loss of a breast or nipple.

* Breast Masses. Foreign masses in the breast can be visible or concealed. Many can be palpated. Masses might be harmful or benign. Common conditions producing abnormal tissue in the breast include Fibroadenoma, Fibrocystic Disease and Cancer.

* Breast Hypertrophy is an abnormal enlargement of the mammary tissue. There are many varieties including gigantomastia, virginal breast hypertrophy (VBH), juvenile macromastia, juvenile gigantomastia and secondary breast hypertrophy.

* Breast Hypoplasia is a condition characterized by an underdeveloped or completely undeveloped breast or breasts. All tissue is present, but never matures.

* Asymmetrical breasts, areolas or nipples.

* Disproportionate areola to breast, nipple to breast or nipple to areola size ratio.

* Unusual or complete lack of areola pigmentation.

* Inverted Nipple is also called an invaginated nipple or retracted nipple. Inverted nipple correction can be achieved surgically or non-surgically.

* Tuberous breast condition is a developmental deformity which creates a distinctive tube shaped breast mound with constricted attachments to the chest wall. Tuberous Breast Surgery can correct this condition and create a more typical breast appearance. Implants in tuberous breasts can help to resolve aesthetic issues after interior re-sculpting has been performed. Tuberous breast correction is performed more for psycho-emotional reasons than for physical indications.

* Abnormal early ptosis of breast tissue.

* Snoopy deformity is characterized by the herniation of breast tissue into the areola complex. There are specialized surgical methods of enacting Snoopy Deformity Correction using modified breast lift procedures.

* Skin lesions and marks might be harmless or possibly malignant.

* Poland’s Syndrome or Poland’s Anomaly is a condition in which the pectoralis muscle is missing below the breast, causing a physical deformity.

Recommendation on Breast Abnormalities

Regardless of which type of irregularity you might have, there are appropriate and effective treatments which can correct the aesthetic appearance of your breasts and address any possible health risks of the condition. While some of these conditions are very serious and might require drastic and ongoing medical treatment, the majority are simply cosmetic issues which can be resolved easily by a qualified plastic surgeon.

Remember to love your body regardless, but never stop trying to improve yourself as a complete person. If correcting an abnormality is an important component of your mind/body/spirit evolution, then you should proceed with clarity and confidence. Talk to your doctor about the best course of action to correct your specific breast issue and you will soon be on your way to a more typical breast profile and a happier you.

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Breast Abnormalities to Breast Implants Home
11/21/07 Revised 11/26/09