Accessory nipple reconstruction following a central quadrantectomy: a case report

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Oncology
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Nipple dichotomy, or intra-areolar polythelia, is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Supernumerary nipples within the same areola present unique clinical challenges.
• This case explores the reconstructive potential of accessory nipples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel application of a congenital dichotomic nipple for breast reconstruction.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of the "nipple-sharing" technique in breast conserving surgery.
• To highlight a unique solution for post-operative defects.

Main Methods:

• A 73-year-old woman with suspected local recurrence underwent central quadrantectomy.
• A congenital dichotomic nipple from the contralateral breast was utilized for reconstruction.
• The "nipple-sharing" technique was employed for immediate defect repair.

Main Results:

• The patient underwent central quadrantectomy and reconstruction with a contralateral accessory nipple.
• Histological examination revealed fibrotic mastopathy without atypia.
• The "nipple-sharing" technique successfully addressed both the congenital defect and surgical reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• The "nipple-sharing" technique offers a dual benefit: correcting congenital nipple dichotomy and facilitating breast reconstruction.
• This approach provides a viable option for immediate reconstruction after breast conserving surgery.
• This case represents a unique reconstructive use of an accessory nipple in the literature.