What is Breast Asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry is a condition where one of your breasts has a different shape, size, and position than the other. It is a common condition that affects nearly 50% of women. In certain women, this abnormality affects self-esteem, confidence, and body image. Breast asymmetry is usually not a cause for medical concern unless the asymmetry occurs rapidly or there is a marked difference between the breasts as such conditions have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Classification of Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry may be classified into three types:
- Anisomastia: In this condition, there is a difference in the volume and size of the breasts.
- Anisothelia: In this condition, there is a difference in the size of nipples and areolas.
- Combined asymmetry: This condition involves both anisomastia and anesthesia.
Causes of Breast Asymmetry
Some of the common causes of breast asymmetry include:
- Puberty: During the stage of puberty, the breasts may develop at a slightly different rate from each other until complete growth has occurred. In some instances, slight differences may persist throughout one’s life.
- Hormonal variations: Hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle may result in asymmetrical breasts.
- Tubular breast: This is also known as breast hypoplasia and can affect one or both breasts.
- Menopause: Breast asymmetry can occur during or while nearing the stage of menopause.
- Amastia: This condition affects the development of the breast tissues, nipples, and areola.
- Poland syndrome: The breast size varies due to poor development of the chest muscles.
- Physical trauma
- Breastfeeding and pregnancy
- Genetic factor
- Breast infection
- Skeletal abnormality
- Changes caused by surgery
- Breast cancer
Diagnosis of Breast Asymmetry
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and based on this a physical examination of the breasts will be performed. Your doctor may also recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- Ultrasound Scan: This test uses sound waves of high frequency to produce images of the lymph nodes and soft tissues of the breast.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: This is an imaging study that uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to detect breast cancer or any other abnormalities.
- Mammogram: This is a diagnostic screening technique to detect the early stages of breast cancer.
- Biopsy: This is the removal of a small sample of the skin tissue or cells that are observed under a microscope to detect the presence of cancer.
Treatment for Breast Asymmetry
Depending on the severity of the breast asymmetry, your doctor may recommend certain surgical techniques that include:
- Non-Surgical Methods: You may be recommended specially fitted pads or gel inserts for the bra to make the breast look even shaped.
- Breast Reduction: Also known as reduction mammoplasty, this is a surgical procedure in which excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed from the breasts.
- Breast Augmentation: This surgical procedure, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is designed to enhance the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts by inserting breast implants.
- Breast Lift: Also known as mastopexy, this is a surgical procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This may also involve repositioning the areola and nipple in the asymmetrical breast.