Conditions
Poland's Syndrome
Anyone remember Jeremy Beadle’s unusually small right hand? Well that was a result of the rare birth defect known as Poland’s syndrome. Poland’s syndrome is a rare malformation, present from birth that only affects one side of the body, more commonly the right side. The extent to which, and the way in which, Poland’s syndrome manifests itself can vary greatly but its main symptom is the lack of, or underdevelopment of, a chest muscle. Furthermore the hand on the affected side of the body will often be webbed, may be smaller than average and in some cases missing some fingers entirely. The exact cause isn’t known, but it’s thought to be to do with a change in blood flow at around week 7 during pregnancy. Whilst some of the problems, such as the webbed hand, are sorted out in the first few years of childhood, further adjustments are left until after puberty to allow natural growth to finish. Bioengineered cartilage is sometimes fitted to give the chest a more normal appearance and breast reconstruction may be considered in girls after all natural development has occurred. Poland’s syndrome correction can be a long and gruelling process but those afflicted can lead completely normal, healthy lives without corrective surgery.
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Hi. I'm 23 and have no pectoralis major on my left hand side. When I was at school I thought it was because I predominantly used my right hand and arm for all sports, so I tried doing weights to build up my left hand side which obviously made no difference. I then found out I had Poland's syndrome. As I do a lot of weights and sports it is very noticeable, although I do feel for the females affected with the condition, and it does annoy me. Great to share it with fellow sufferes. Just wondered if anyone had any tips on where to look for surgery and any reviews from people who have had it. Cheers
My youngest son has PS and has recently experienced chest pains, is this connected to his condition?
Hi, I am a 23 year old female born with Poland's syndrome. No affect to hands or ribs but had a very noticable deformity to my chest wall and like the rest of you, had a lot of problems with confidence and relationships in my teenage years because of this. Finally got fed up of wearing big jumpers all through the summer and stuffing tissue into my bra. When I was 18 I underwent surgery to reconstruct the right side, this included a muscle and skin graft from my back to the front. Then implants were put in to even out size differences. I had three operations all in all and my confidence has rocketed since then. Even though they will never be able to make your breasts symmetrical (but who has perfect boobs?!) the impact it had on my life was amazing. Like most of you who have written on this message board, I thought I was alone....and thankfully none of us are :)
I'm 13 and have Poland Syndrome in my breast,too. I have a question. Sorry, it's a little personal. Did you have friend that noticed and asked you about it? If you did, how did you deal with it. I mean what did you say to them?
Hey, I'm 14 and have none about my missing right pectoral for about 4 years now. I get laughed at my high school and bullied a lot. I really want to go swimming with friends but I'm to nervous to take my shirt off.. None of the girls like me because of it. I just wish I was normal :'( Thankfully I can possibly get surgery when I'm 19 or older.... At least that's possible :-/
Hi, I also have PS and got an surgery when I was 16, I'm 18 soon and have done 3 surgeries because of this. I'm from Sweden. If you don't feel confident with yourself, ofc you shall have an surgery. Fight for it!
Hey man I am 24 and I have the same problem. I got bullied in elementary and first few years in high school. I have seriously considered getting corrective surgery and I am still on the fence about it. But I want to let you know that its not all bad. When you do take off your shirt most people ask what happened and you can say anything like a bear attack or shark attack. Im not kidding it is a great ice breaker. I am the only person I have ever seen with poland syndrome and I used to tell the ladies that I am one of a kind. You just have to make it work for you, surgery is an option later but dont be miserable now. I also worked out my abs and gave everyone something else to look at when I took off my shirt. By the time I was a junior nobody made fun of me and everyone wanted to touch my chest. Just remember you didnt have a choice to be born like this, so its not your fault. Hope this helps.
I'm an 18 year old female and i suspect that i was born with Poland Syndrome. Although i have normal breast development my right hand is significantly smaller than the left. I was born with my first two fingers webbed and had an operation when i was 7 years old to correct this but we were never told at the hospital why my hand was so much smaller than the other. The knuckles in my right hand are very lumpy and ugly looking and my index finger on my right hand has only developed up to the first knuckle - although it has a nail. People have rarely commented nastily about it. The most someone says is 'aww thats so cute' Patronising but i guess it is better than being bullied. I'ved just learnt to live with my smaller hand. Some things are harder to do but i've learnt ways of coping. I've accepted my hand the way it is and have even grown to love it - i don't think i would change it for a 'normal' hand if i had the chance. Boyfriends have never minded either.
Hi - i am a 37 yr old woman and recently (3 weeks ago) diagnosed with Polands. all my life i have had deformed ribs on one side causing odd bust size. i am now goin to have boob job (nhs funded) without any porblems or battles whatsoever! i cannot understand how people are being refused when i have been allowed so easily??!! My GP is the best ever for actually taking time to listen and help. - she is even searching for a specialist to find out as much as she can! i can honestly say i am sooo relieved to be listened to at last (after begging docs 15ys ago to break all ribs n reset them! + obviosly being refused lol) and at last bras are of interst to be for first time in my life!! loli say to anyone struggling change GP's like i did. best move i ever made! dont give up the fight! good luck xxx :0)
hi...im an international student in the uk with ps. will i be eligible for the nhs funding? and who do i contact for treatment?
hi can you tell me what area you are in as my daughter has been refused by nhs .Thanks and good luck with the surgery
Hi - I am on the list in lancashire. I am having surgery at Preston. I dont know much else just yet as still waiting. hope this helps. :0)
Hello i am a 22 male i have had this condition for several years now but this is the first research i have done because for a long time i thought was it just the build of my body and natural and that there was nothing i could do about it. what is the surgery procedure used for this condition and how long can it take to recover.
I am a 37 year old male with PS. I only noticed it around puberty age, before that I loved swimming, especially when going to the beach, sadly this is something I have avoided for years, on occasions when I have went to the local pool or to the beach it is only after plucking up tremendous courage and I feel so frustrated that I cant be like those that are 'normal' who take their bodies for granted. It has also greatly affected my confidence with the opposite sex, and I have even suffered rejection as a result of PS which has added to my frustration with the condition. I feel that PS has even been some of the root cause of addiction issues in my life. I have an appointment now for plastic surgery on NHS as I see this as the only solution, the last time I went swimming I had people pointing and staring at me like I was a freak, I just want to go swimming and take my shirt off without all the hassle
hi my name is chris i am 26 and have ps. i always knew i was different and my mom never ttok to to get it fixed as a kid. i am missing my right pec muscles and i have notible hand shortining and i also have the gi and liver problems. i went to the doctor last week and tried to explain to him what i have and he didnt kno what it was. i am noticin my health deterierating. i also have many emotional problems from this what should i do
Hi, im 15 and born with PS. I didnt really start noticing anything about myself... until I hit puberty. My right breast started getting larger while my left one has been the same. Going into my second year of high school, I am so scared, especially in this generation, how people look at me whenever I go out. I am not sure if I could go with reconstruction because if I am too young... But all I want is a normal high school happiness.
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