What Is Poland Syndrome?
6. Onset
Poland syndrome is a congenital condition, which means symptoms are present at birth. In severe cases, abnormalities of the chest and hands are readily apparent in newborns. Parents who are made aware of their child’s problem can choose among treatment options and help him or her live with whatever deformities persist. Some cases are made evident even before birth by using ultrasound technology.
In cases where the hands are asymptomatic, it is possible to overlook more subtle symptoms of Poland syndrome during childhood. Girls especially may not realize they are missing part of their breast until after puberty, when they begin to notice that one breast is significantly smaller than the other. At this time teenagers of both sexes are in danger of losing self-esteem due to feeling they are not “normal,” and a correct diagnosis can be the first step in giving them the emotional support they need.
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