Macromastia (Abnormally Large Breasts)
Macromastia refers to enlarged breasts in females. This condition may cause back and neck pain, as well as rashes and limitations with daily activities. In those situations, surgery may be beneficial.
What Is Macromastia?
Macromastia, or abnormally large breasts, is a common condition among female teenagers. Girls with macromastia may have pain in their back, shoulders and neck. They may have difficulty finding clothes that fit, and may require specialized sports bras with wide straps. They may develop rashes under their breasts, and they may even be unable to perform activities that they wish to perform, such as sports. A proportion of girls with macromastia have anxiety and decreased body image. Treatment by a specialized team, which includes plastic surgeons and psychologists, may be beneficial.
What Causes Abnormally Large Breasts?
In the vast majority of cases, macromastia is idiopathic, which means that its cause is unknown.
Rarely, macromastia may be caused by another factor, such as a breast mass.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Macromastia?
Signs and symptoms of macromastia include:
- Breast enlargement (sometimes asymmetric)
- Breast tenderness
- Pain in the back, neck and shoulders
- Headaches
- Rashes under or between the breasts
- Discharge from the nipples
- Decreased body image
How Is Macromastia Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of macromastia is usually based on history and physical examination. In the rare circumstances where a mass is suspected, or if there is a strong family history of breast tumors, imaging may be obtained.How Is Macromastia Treated?
If the breast size has changed over the past 12 months, observation is usually recommended. In addition, conservative treatment, including NSAIDs (unless contraindicated), massage and exercise, are usually recommended to treat the symptoms of macromastia.
If the breast size has been stable for over 12 months, and if the symptoms of macromastia have not responded to conservative measures, then breast reduction surgery may be considered.
Why Choose Nationwide Children's Hospital?
Our team of highly specialized breast providers includes plastic surgeons, psychologists, nurses and nurse practitioners, dedicated to optimizing the experience and outcome of our patients.
