How Common Is It to Have a Third Nipple?
Key takeaways:
Third nipples can be embarrassing — especially if they are associated with breast tissue.
Supernumerary or “accessory” nipples are very common. They can be as small as a freckle or come with breast tissue — and anything in between. As many as 1 in 20 people may have them.
They aren’t usually a cause for medical concern. If there’s breast tissue with the nipple, then you should screen it for breast lumps just like any other breast.
Having a third nipple turns out to be quite common. These can form while still in the womb. You may not recognize it as such, or you may mistake it for a birthmark or a mole. Third nipples are usually harmless and don’t need treatment, though some people choose to surgically remove them. Read on to learn more about third nipples, if you might have one, and when to see a healthcare provider about it.
What is a third nipple?
Third nipples may also be referred to as “supernumerary nipples” or “accessory nipples.” They are exactly what they sound like — an extra nipple.
Third nipples are a very minor birth defect, and in some cases they may be genetic. They are actually quite common, occurring in 1% to 5% of the population. Third nipples may also have an areola and underlying breast tissue. Some people may have more than one additional nipple.
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There are different categories of accessory nipples, based on if they have a nipple, areola, and underlying breast tissue — or any combination of those. When there’s underlying breast tissue, this is referred to as “polymastia.” When it is only a nipple, it is called “polythelia.”
Rarely, an additional nipple can be associated with developmental abnormalities such as heart or kidney problems.
What causes a third nipple to grow?
Additional nipples form while the baby is developing in the uterus. They occur as a normal part of development and will go away most of the time. If they don’t completely go away, the baby is born with an additional nipple.
Sometimes you don’t notice these nipples until later in life, such as when there are hormonal changes and the area darkens. Sometimes you may notice it when there’s pain or even milk production (lactation) at the site of the third nipple.
What does a third nipple look like?
Supernumerary nipples can look different in different people. Their location may be anywhere along the developmental line from near the armpit down to the groin. There may be areola and breast tissue with the nipple, or there could be just areola or breast tissue alone (without a nipple). It may look like a birthmark or mole.
Do third nipples go away?
Third nipples will not go away on their own, but they may change in size and color over time — just like normal nipples.
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How to tell a mole from a third nipple
It might be hard to tell the difference between a mole or birthmark and a third nipple, but here are some signs that it might be a nipple:
Location: It’s along the line between the armpit and the groin.
Size: It’s smaller than a normal nipple and areola.
Elevation: It’s slightly raised from the skin, possibly with a dimple.
Texture: It has more texture and bumpiness than a mole.
Are there any health risks in having a third nipple?
No, having an additional nipple does not increase your risk of breast cancer or other health problems.
Do third nipples increase risk of breast cancer?
No, third nipples do not increase your risk of breast cancer. But if there’s breast tissue with it, breast cancer can develop. So you should monitor it for changes like any other breast tissue.
When to see a doctor about a third nipple
In general, you do not need to see a healthcare provider for your third nipple. But it’s always a good idea to have skin lesions checked out. And if you notice new pain or changes in the way something on your body looks or feels, it’s helpful to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Should I have my third nipple removed?
There isn’t a medical reason to have additional nipples removed. But you may choose to have it removed if it causes pain or discomfort, or if it bothers you cosmetically.
How are third nipples removed?
The way a healthcare provider removes a third nipple depends on location, size, and if there’s any associated breast tissue. If there’s just a nipple with no other tissue, this can be similar to a simple mole removal that a provider can do in their office.
The bottom line
Third nipples are common and harmless, and they may be confused with birthmarks or moles. They do not increase risk of breast cancer or other medical conditions. If your accessory nipple is causing pain or irritation or changing in any way, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider.
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References
McKay, M., et al. (2017). A brother and sister with breast cancer, BRCA2 mutations and bilateral supernumerary nipples. Annals of Translational Medicine.
National Center for Advancing Translational Science. (2016). Supernumerary nipple.
Patel, P., et al. (2012). Accessory breast tissue. Eplasty.
Pellegrini, J., et al. (1983). Polythelia and associated conditions. American Family Physician.
Urbani, C., et al. (1986). Accessory mammary tissue associated with congenital and hereditary nephrourinary malformations. International Journal Dermatology.
Zheng, K. (2015). Supernumerary nipple. DermNet NZ.
Zucca-Matthes, G., et al. (2016). Anatomy of the nipple and breast ducts. Gland Surgery.
