Mismatched Breasts

If you have ever looked closely at your breasts in a mirror, you have probably noticed that they are not mirror images of each other. One is often slightly larger, lower, or more off-center than the other. But if you find that one breast is a different cup size from its partner, it may be a sign of a usually benign condition, appropriately called BREAST ASYMMETRY. This discrepancy in breast size or shape can develop at any point but often first becomes apparent during puberty, when the breasts themselves are developing, or during pregnancy, when the breasts are preparing for breastfeeding.

Though rare, uneven breasts can also be a sign of a congenital defect called POLAND'S SYNDROME, in which the chest muscles on one side of the body are underdeveloped. Although present from birth, and sometimes hereditary, this type of breast asymmetry may go unnoticed until puberty when the breasts start to develop. Poland's syndrome is actually more common in men than women.

Sometimes other signs, such as, webbed fingers (syndactyly) on the same side as the small breast, are noticeable. In general, Poland's syndrome doesn't usually cause serious problems. But some people with this condition do suffer from kidney and bladder problems. Last, but not least, mismatched breasts in both men and women are in important warning sign of breast cancer.

Women with asymmetrical breasts should be especially diligent about having mammograms. British study found that even small irregularities in breast symmetry as measured by mammography may become an importatnt indicator of increased risk of breast cancer.