National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Supernumerary nipple


Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Accessory nipple; Ectopic nipple; Extra nipple
Categories:

A supernumerary nipple is a common, minor birth defect that consists of an extra nipple (and/or related tissue) in addition to the two nipples that normally appear on the chest. Most supernumerary nipples do not cause symptoms or complications. They often are small and go undetected. Sometimes they are first noticed during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy when hormonal changes affect breast tissue. They can be present with no other tissue (polythelia); with some related tissue; or with breast tissue and ducts (then referred to as polymastia). They are usually located along areas of the body known as the "embryonic milk lines," the lines of potentially appearing breast tissue. The embryonic milk lines extend on both sides of the body from slightly above the armpit, down the chest and abdomen, to the inner thighs near the groin. Supernumerary nipples are usually not inherited but familial cases have been reported.[1] Most people do not need treatment, but the nipple and related tissue can be removed for cosmetic purposes or if there is discomfort.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 12/22/2016

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

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Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO
Abnormality of the kidney
Abnormal kidney
0000077
Abnormality of the thorax
Abnormality of the chest
0000765
Autosomal dominant inheritance 0000006
Supernumerary nipple
Accessory nipple
0002558
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Last updated: 7/1/2020

Most people do not need any treatment for a supernumerary nipple.[2] Removal via surgery or another technique may be considered for cosmetic purposes or if there are symptoms that cause discomfort, such as lactation or tenderness.[3]

A thorough work-up for other malformations typically is not needed in a person with a supernumerary nipple who is otherwise healthy. However, a work-up may be recommended if a person has:[1]
  • a supernumerary nipple accompanied by additional minor malformations
  • a prominent ectopic (abnormally-positioned) supernumerary nipple
  • an established family history of supernumerary nipples
Physical exams and mammography of ectopic breast tissue should occur at the frequency recommended for normal breast tissue in any particular person.[1] Supernumerary nipples can undergo similar diseases to normal breast tissue.[3]
Last updated: 2/7/2017

If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources


Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Providing General Support


These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • I have a third nipple since birth. I would like to ask what type it is. I have an areola the size of my normal nipple and it has a small patch of hair. See answer



  1. Nicholas V Nguyen. Supernumerary Nipple. Medscape Reference. April 8, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1117825-overview.
  2. Supernumerary Nipples. MedlinePlus. February 15, 2016; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003110.htm.
  3. Kevin Zheng. Supernumerary Nipple. DermNet NZ. August, 2015; https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/supernumerary-nipple.