Third Nipple

What is a third nipple?

A third nipple is a condition in which you’re born with an extra nipple. Healthcare providers call this having a supernumerary nipple. You may also hear it called an accessory nipple or an ectopic nipple. While one extra nipple is the most common occurrence, you may have up to eight extra nipples.

Third nipples form during embryonic development. They most commonly appear along the milk lines (mammary ridges), which extend from your armpits down to your groin region. However, they sometimes appear in other areas of your body.

Third nipples are usually harmless and not a cause for concern. However, if you have one, you should keep up with regular checkups with your healthcare provider. That way, they can monitor your condition for any changes that may indicate an issue. Supernumerary nipples don’t usually require treatment, but your provider can remove a third nipple through surgery.

What are the different types of supernumerary nipples?

Healthcare providers classify supernumerary nipples based on their size, shape and tissue makeup. The main types include:

• Polythelia: Your third nipple is present by itself with no areola (the area of darker skin around your nipple) or underlying breast tissue. This is the most common type of supernumerary nipple.
• Polythelia areolaris: You have an areola present, but no nipple or breast tissue.
• Polythelia pilosa: You have a patch of hair only.
• Polymastia: Your third nipple has an areola and has some underlying breast tissue.
• Supernumerary nipple (no areola): Your third nipple has breast tissue underneath it, but it doesn’t have an areola.
• Supernumerary nipple (no nipple): You have breast tissue and an areola, but no nipple is present.
• Aberrant glandular tissue only: You have breast tissue, but no nipple or areola is present.
• Pseudomamma: Your third nipple has an areola around it, but instead of breast tissue, you have fatty tissue beneath.

Who does this condition affect?

Supernumerary nipples can affect anyone. People assigned female at birth (AFAB) and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) both develop milk lines during embryonic development. However, third nipples are less common in people AFAB than in people AMAB.

How common are third nipples?

The rate of supernumerary nipples varies around the world. In Hungary, they affect less than 0.22% of the population. But in the United States, supernumerary nipples affect up to 6% of the population. Researchers estimate about 200,000 people living in the U.S. have one or more extra nipples.

What does a third nipple look like?

A third nipple often looks like a birthmark or a mole. You may not even notice it. They typically appear on either side of the front of your body along your milk lines, where breast tissue could appear. These lines stretch from above your armpits down to your groin.

Most often, supernumerary nipples appear alone. They may look like small pink or brown bumps. But they’re usually much smaller than regular nipples.

What causes third nipples?

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of third nipples. However, they typically form along the milk lines during early embryonic development. The milk lines run along both sides of your body from your armpits to your genitals. Breast tissue can potentially form anywhere along these lines.

During the fourth or fifth week of an embryo’s development, the milk lines begin to form from thickened skin tissue. Soon after, breast tissue starts to develop. As breast tissue continues to develop, the milk lines form your nipples and the rest of the thickened tissue softens up. When the milk lines don’t completely soften again, supernumerary nipples may form where the tissue stayed thick.

Third nipples usually appear along the milk lines, but about 5% of them form outside this area, along the skin on your neck, back, genitals, thighs or feet.

Are third nipples hereditary?

Most cases of supernumerary nipples are random. There have been some reports of the condition being passed down through families. In these cases, the condition appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. However, researchers haven’t determined any kind of hereditary link.

How are supernumerary nipples diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical history and perform a physical exam. They’ll note the number of extra nipples you have and where they are on your body. They’ll also check for any abnormalities.

You don’t normally need to seek treatment for a third nipple, but it’s important to keep up with regular checkups to monitor for any changes. In rare cases, a third nipple can indicate an underlying medical condition. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, reach out to your provider immediately:

• Rash.
• Discomfort or pain.
• Lumps or hardened tissue.
• Abnormal discharge.

How is a third nipple treated?

You usually won’t need treatment for a third nipple. They typically aren’t a sign of any underlying medical conditions. However, some people opt for third nipple removal for cosmetic reasons or if they’re causing pain or discomfort.

A healthcare provider can perform a noninvasive surgery to remove your third nipple. The surgery is normally quick and fairly painless. Your provider will likely use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, they’ll make a few cuts (incisions) in the area and remove the nipple.

You may experience some swelling after the surgery. This should go away within two weeks. You may also develop a red or brown scar in the area that could take up to two years to thin and brighten.

How can I prevent a third nipple?

You can’t prevent a third nipple because it’s a condition that forms during embryonic development. Researchers don’t know the exact cause.

What can I expect if I have a third nipple?

Supernumerary nipples are usually harmless and not a cause for any concern. If they’re bothering you, you can speak with a healthcare provider about removal.

In rare cases, a third nipple is a sign of an underlying medical condition. These may include:

• Congenital (present from birth) breast defects.
• Kidney disease.
• Tumors and growths.
• Breast cancer or kidney cancer.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should see your healthcare provider if your third nipple is causing you pain or discomfort. You should also check in with them if the area around the nipple hardens, forms new lumps or develops a rash. In addition, you should report any abnormal discharge to your provider.

You should get regular physical exams and let your provider know if you develop any changes in your extra nipples. This allows them to monitor for signs of potential complications.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Having a third nipple, or a supernumerary nipple, is more common than you think. These typically harmless extra nipples form during embryonic development. While they’re usually not a cause for concern, you should see your healthcare provider so they can monitor you for any changes that may indicate an issue. You usually don’t need treatment for a supernumerary nipple, but your provider can remove it through a noninvasive surgery.