What causes accessory breasts?

Accessory breast refers to the presence of extra breast tissue or nipples outside the normal breast. It is a common congenital malformation. Its formation is mainly related to genetic factors, abnormal embryonic development, physiological factors, and endocrine disorders. By understanding the specific causes and reasonable treatment methods, this problem can be further improved.

1) The role of genetic factors

The occurrence of accessory breasts may be related to family inheritance. If a close relative in the family has accessory breasts, the chance of having them in the offspring will increase. This is closely related to the influence of genetic genes on the development of the mammary glands in the early embryo. However, there is currently no clear genetic marker for this disease.

2) Abnormal embryonic development

During embryonic development, breast tissue develops along the "breast line" on both sides of the chest. If this development process is blocked, a portion of the breast tissue will not complete the normal regression and may exist as "accessory breast". This abnormality may occur due to the influence of maternal hormones or the embryonic development environment.

3) Physiological factors or endocrine disorders

For some women, during special stages such as puberty, pregnancy and lactation, the level of sex hormones in the body fluctuates, which may cause accessory breasts to become more obvious, and may even be accompanied by lumps, pain or nipple discharge. This phenomenon is mostly related to hormone sensitivity, especially the stimulation of estrogen.

4) Pathological factors

Some accessory breasts may develop pathological changes such as breast hyperplasia, fibroadenoma, or even cancer. In this case, symptoms such as local lumps, irregular hyperplasia, or persistent discomfort may occur, so special attention should be paid and medical attention should be sought in a timely manner.

The solution to accessory breast

1. Non-symptomatic accessory breast: If there is only excess breast tissue in appearance, without pain or functional problems, no special treatment is required. Laser or traditional excision surgery can improve the appearance.

2. Those with abnormal hormone levels: For patients with obvious accessory breasts due to hormone imbalance, symptoms can be relieved by medication that regulates hormone levels, such as taking anti-estrogen drugs (under the guidance of a doctor).

3. Pathological accessory breast: If there is a lump, nipple secretion or suspected cancer, further diagnosis is required through ultrasound and biopsy, and standardized treatment such as surgical resection, radiotherapy or chemotherapy should be selected based on the pathological results.

Through genetic counseling, adjusting lifestyle habits and timely medical examinations, the development of accessory breasts and possible threats to health can be effectively controlled. For those with obvious symptoms or psychological distress, it is key to actively seek evaluation and treatment from a specialist. Optimizing endocrine balance and paying attention to breast health are important parts of women's health management.