Poland Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in India

Poland Syndrome Breast is a congenital condition. It is a rare condition that can affect the chest and upper limbs on one side of the body. This syndrome, first described in the early 19th century by British surgeon Alfred Poland, is characterized by the underdevelopment or absence of chest muscles and, at times, the hand and fingers on the affected side.

There are some women who suffer from this particular condition. For those women, opting for breast implant surgery might be a good option. But before jumping to treatment, find out all that you need to know about this condition and how you can treat it.

What Is Poland Syndrome Breast ?

Poland Syndrome Breast

Poland Syndrome Breast Image

Poland Syndrome is a complex condition that varies widely in its presentation and severity. While it predominantly affects the chest and upper limbs on one side of the body, its manifestations can be quite diverse. The key characteristics of Poland Syndrome include:

  • Chest Abnormalities: One of the most common features is the underdevelopment or absence of chest muscles on the affected side. This can lead to a noticeable difference in chest size and shape. This is a huge symptom within women as it often leads to them feeling low self-esteem and confidence.
  • Hand and Finger Abnormalities: In some cases, individuals with Poland Syndrome may also have hand and finger abnormalities on the same side as the chest deformity. These can range from minor finger anomalies to complete absence of fingers.
  • Breast Abnormalities: Women with Breast Poland Syndrome may experience underdevelopment of the breast on the affected side, leading to a noticeable asymmetry.

The severity of Breast Poland Syndrome can vary greatly, with some individuals exhibiting only mild chest muscle underdevelopment and others experiencing more extensive anomalies that affect both the chest and upper limbs.

 

What Are The Causes Of Poland Syndrome Breast?

The exact cause of Poland Syndrome is unknown. However, it is believed to be a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. One leading theory regarding the cause of the condition suggests that vascular disruption during fetal development may be a contributing factor, potentially affecting blood flow and resulting in the underdevelopment of tissues on one side of the body.

Breast Poland Syndrome is not typically inherited, and it occurs randomly in families. It is important to note that while the condition is congenital, it is not related to lifestyle factors or actions taken by the mother during pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Poland Syndrome

Some of the common signs and symptoms that someone with Poland Syndrome Breast might experience are:

  • Chest Muscle Underdevelopment: The chest on one side of the body may appear flatter and smaller than the other side due to the underdevelopment or absence of the pectoral muscle.
  • Hand and Finger Anomalies: The affected hand and fingers may exhibit a range of abnormalities, from minor deformities to more severe issues such as the absence of fingers or fused fingers.
  • Breast Asymmetry: In females, Poland Syndrome can lead to breast underdevelopment, resulting in noticeable differences in breast size and shape.
  • Rib Abnormalities: In some cases, rib abnormalities may be present on the affected side, which can further contribute to the chest’s atypical appearance.
  • Underlying Health Concerns: While Poland Syndrome itself is not typically associated with significant health issues, the cosmetic and functional aspects of the condition may have psychological and social effects on patients.

How Is Breast Poland Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Poland Syndrome usually involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, including:

  • Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination helps identify the characteristic features of Poland Syndrome, such as chest and hand abnormalities.

  • Imaging Studies

X-rays or other imaging studies may be ordered to assess the chest and upper limb structures.

  • Genetic Testing

In some cases, genetic testing may be performed to rule out other congenital conditions with similar features.

  • Medical History

A detailed medical history may be taken to better understand the patient’s family history and the presence of any other associated conditions.

Book an appointment with Dr. Amit Gupta 

Treatment Options For Poland Syndrome in India

If a patient has been diagnosed with Breast Poland Syndrome, then he or she should start looking into treatment options. However, it should be noted that the management of Poland Syndrome typically depends on the specific features and individual needs of each patient. Some treatment options may include:

  • Psychological Support

Living with Breast Poland Syndrome can have emotional and social implications. Psychological support and counseling can help individuals cope with self-esteem and body image concerns.

  • Prosthetics

For those with hand and finger anomalies, prosthetic devices may be considered to improve function and aesthetics.

  • Surgery

Plastic surgery intervention may be an option to address chest or breast deformities. Procedures can include:

Breast Augmentation: For females with breast underdevelopment, breast augmentation surgery can help create breast symmetry.

Breast Implants: A woman might choose to get breast implants to address any lack of symmetry or concerns from this surgery.

Pectoral Muscle Reconstruction: In cases of severe chest muscle underdevelopment, plastic and reconstructive surgeons may perform muscle reconstruction to improve the chest’s appearance.

Hand and Finger Surgery: Surgical procedures can be tailored to the specific hand and finger anomalies present. These may involve finger reconstruction, release of webbed fingers, or thumb reconstruction, among others.

  • Physical and Occupational Therapy

For individuals with hand and upper limb abnormalities, physical and occupational therapy can help improve hand function and adapt to daily activities.

Why Choose Divine Cosmetic Surgery?

If you are suffering from Poland Syndrome Breast and want to seek a permanent solution to your problems, then you should consider opting for a breast augmentation or breast implant procedure. But what if you are not sure about which surgical option is best for you?

In that case, you should book a consultation with Dr. Amit Gupta. He is the founder and director at Divine Cosmetic Surgery with 20+ years of experience. He has provided amazing results to patients who have opted for breast augmentation and breast implants at Divine Cosmetic Surgery. Watch what a recent patient has to say about him and his team.