II. Epidemiology

  1. Prevalence: 5% of newborns

III. Pathophysiology

  1. Multiple nipples form in mammalian development
    1. Mammary glands form along bilateral mammary ridges on the ventral trunk wall
    2. These ridges course from mid-axilla to inguinal area
  2. These nipples usually recede in the human Embryo

IV. Signs

  1. Unilateral or bilateral extra areola and/or nipple

V. Differential diagnosis

  1. Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (when supernumerary areola present)

VI. Management

  1. Benign finding that does not require further evaluation or removal
  2. Previously thought to be associated with renal anomalies, but not supported in recent literature
    1. Meggyessy (1987) J Pediatr 111:412-3 [PubMed]

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