Three-breasted women: Reality or Myth?
In the realm of medical curiosities, polymastia stands out as a unique condition that can lead to the growth of one or more extra breasts. This condition, which develops along the embryonic milk line that spans from the armpit to the groin, is a genuine medical phenomenon[1][3][5].
Polymastia is not an uncommon occurrence, appearing in approximately 2-6% of women, with Asian women showing a higher incidence compared to black or white women[6]. Most often, these extra breasts are found in the armpit region, presenting as soft, mobile, and painless swellings[1][3].
While polymastia is the focus, it's essential to acknowledge supernumerary nipples, a related condition. These extra nipples, sometimes without accompanying breast tissue, are genetic and typically asymptomatic[4].
When it comes to body modification, there are anecdotal reports of an interest in having three breasts as a form of self-expression. However, medically confirmed cases of artificially created third breasts are not comparable to polymastia, as documented in the medical literature[1][3].
One of the most discussed cases in recent years is that of Jasmine Tridevil, an entertainer who claimed to have had a third breast implanted for aesthetic reasons. While images have circulated online, the photographic "evidence" is largely based on self-taken photos and videos, leading some experts like Dr. Matthew Schulman, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to question the authenticity of the claim[2].
Despite the controversy, Jasmine denies that she underwent the procedure for fame and fortune, stating that her intention was to make herself less attractive to men[7]. It's worth noting that Jasmine reached out to over 50 doctors before one agreed to perform the surgery, and the potential ethical implications could get a real plastic surgeon in trouble with professional societies[8].
Extra breasts can sometimes be hidden and require diagnostic tools like MRI to be detected[1]. In some cases, these extra breasts may lactate, as illustrated in a historical woodcut showing a child nursing at ectopic breast tissue on the lateral thigh[5].
Another intriguing case is that of Taylor Chanel, an actress, who claimed to have three breasts in an adult video from 2011. However, further investigation reveals that she only has two breasts in other videos[9]. It's important to note that this claim of a three-breasted woman in a beer advertisement is a Photoshop fake.
In conclusion, while medically confirmed cases of polymastia exist and can lead to the growth of extra breasts, the realm of body modification is less documented in the medical literature. The existence of women with three breasts due to polymastia is a genuine medical phenomenon, while reports of body modification cases exist separately from congenital polymastia.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929140/ [2] https://www.today.com/health/jasmine-tridevil-third-breast-surgery-real-or-fake-t113955 [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3137044/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1766691/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154844/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3137044/ [7] https://www.today.com/health/jasmine-tridevil-third-breast-surgery-real-or-fake-t113955 [8] https://www.today.com/health/jasmine-tridevil-third-breast-surgery-real-or-fake-t113955 [9] https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-woman-who-claimed-to-have-three-breasts-was-caught-in-a-lie-the-real-story-of-jasmine-tridevil [10] https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/three-breasted-woman-in-beer-ad/
Doctors might encounter cases of skin conditions on patients with extra breasts, given that polymastia can lead to the growth of one or more extra breasts. Science and medicine have documented the existence of polymastia, a rare medical condition where supernumerary nipples can also occur, which is more common in women, particularly Asian women. Nowadays, mental health discussions often include the impact of conditions like polymastia on individuals' well-being and self-esteem. Health and wellness, including sexual health and mental health, are essential aspects that doctors should consider when treating patients with polymastia or related conditions like supernumerary nipples. As for men, their health also matters in this context because men can also experience polymastia, albeit it's less common than in women.
