PEDIATRICS Vol. 79 No. 5 May 1987, pp. 745-747
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Nipple (Papilla) Development in Puberty: Longitudinal Observations in Girls

Reuben D. Rohn MD1

1 From the Adolescent Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Childrens Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk

The purpose of this study was to determine the manner of breast nipple (papilla) development occurring during puberty in girls on a longitudinal basis and to compare this development to the established criteria of sexual maturation. Forty-six girls (19 white and 27 black) were followed for periods of 2 to 5 years (mean 2.67 years). In each, the nipple diameter was measured and the Tanner stage assessed. Minimal nipple development occurred from stages PH1 to PH3 (3.24 to 4.44 mm) and B1 to B3 (3.00 to 4.72 mm) or more than 1 year prior to menarche (3.75 mm). Significant growth occurred beyond stages PH3 (PH4 6.54 mm, PH5 8.98 mm) and B3 (B4 7.25 mm, B5 9.41 mm) and from less than 1 year prior to menarche to more than 1 year after menarche (5.92 mm for girls less than 1 year premenarche, 7.88 mm for girls in their first year after menarche, and 9.05 mm for girls more than 1 year beyond menarche). A more objective definition for breast stages B4 and B5, based upon nipple diameter, is now feasible. Thus, these data enhance the precision with which physiologic events occurring toward the close of puberty in girls can be studied.

Key Words: papilla • nipple development • puberty • sexual maturity rating • Tanner staging

Submitted on December 27, 1985
Accepted on June 10, 1986




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