ABSTRACT
Developmental anomalies of the breast are a group of congenital conditions that affect the growth and development of the breast tissue in women. These anomalies can range from minor variations in breast size or shape to more complex conditions that involve the absence or duplication of breast tissue. The diagnosis of developmental anomalies of the breast is usually made through physical examination and imaging studies. Treatment may not be necessary for minor variations in breast size or shape, but more complex conditions may require surgical correction. While developmental anomalies of the breast do not increase the risk of breast cancer, they can cause physical and psychological distress for women. This chapter discusses the development of the mammary glands in both males and females and the origin and development of the mammary glands in the fetus and postnatal and pubertal development of the female and male breasts. The chapter also details the morphological changes that occur during breast development, the Tanner stages of female breast development, and the cellular changes that occur during breast development.
