What is the most common congenital breast anomaly?

What is the most common congenital breast anomaly?

• A. Amastia
• B. Amazia
• C. Athelia
• D. Polythelia

Answer: (D)

The most common congenital breast anomaly is polythelia, which refers to the presence of additional nipples. This condition arises from the failure of the mammary ridges, or milk lines, to fully regress during embryonic development, leading to the formation of supernumerary nipples. Polythelia can occur along the milk line, which extends from the armpit to the groin, and while often asymptomatic, it may occasionally be associated with other breast anomalies or developmental issues. The diagnosis is typically made during physical examination, and many individuals may remain unaware of the condition unless it is pointed out, as the additional nipples can be small and inconspicuous. Amastia, amazia, and athelia are much rarer congenital conditions involving the absence or underdevelopment of breast tissue or nipples. Amastia describes the complete absence of breast tissue, whereas amazia refers specifically to the absence of the breasts without the absence of nipples. Athelia indicates the absence of nipples. Given their rarity compared to polythelia, they are not considered as common congenital breast anomalies.

The most common congenital breast anomaly is polythelia, which refers to the presence of additional nipples. This condition arises from the failure of the mammary ridges, or milk lines, to fully regress during embryonic development, leading to the formation of supernumerary nipples.

Polythelia can occur along the milk line, which extends from the armpit to the groin, and while often asymptomatic, it may occasionally be associated with other breast anomalies or developmental issues. The diagnosis is typically made during physical examination, and many individuals may remain unaware of the condition unless it is pointed out, as the additional nipples can be small and inconspicuous.

Amastia, amazia, and athelia are much rarer congenital conditions involving the absence or underdevelopment of breast tissue or nipples. Amastia describes the complete absence of breast tissue, whereas amazia refers specifically to the absence of the breasts without the absence of nipples. Athelia indicates the absence of nipples. Given their rarity compared to polythelia, they are not considered as common congenital breast anomalies.