Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOrgans AffectedCausesTypes With SymptomsWithout SymptomsTreatmentMangagement and Coping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Organs Affected
Causes
Types With Symptoms
Without Symptoms
Treatment
Mangagement and Coping
Hypoplasia is when organs or tissues have fewer than the average number of cells and cells that areunderdeveloped. This condition can affect any part of the body. It is usually present at birth but may be diagnosed during pregnancy, at birth, during infancy, or even later.Some of the more common areas that it affects include thebrain, breasts, eyes, heart, teeth,testicles,thymus, oruterus.
Learn about hypoplasia, its causes, types, symptoms, treatments, and more.
Morten Falch Sortland / Getty Images
Hypoplasia of Different Organs in Women and Men
Hypoplasia can affect any organ or body system in both men and women, but usually in different ways. For example, while both women and men can experience breast hypoplasia, it is more common among women due to the breast development that occurs in puberty. People with breast hypoplasia may experience more significant mammary gland development on one side compared to the other.
While roughly the same number of men and women get enamel hypoplasia, women with this condition tend to have more severe cases.Hypoplasia of the heart affects more men than women.
In terms of hypoplasia, “men” refers to people born with a penis, while “women” describes those born with a uterus.
Causes: Why Does Hypoplasia Occur?
Most people with this condition are born with it. In addition to genetics,premature birthincreases the risk. Because the cerebellum is a part of the brain that grows during the final stages of pregnancy, babies born early may experience cerebellar hypoplasia.
Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
Hypoplasia Types With Symptoms
Some types of hypoplasia are:
Hypoplasia Without Symptoms: How Do You Know?
Some people with hypoplasia do not experience symptoms. For example, it is possible to have 20/20 vision with optic nerve hypoplasia and to not notice any symptoms when the condition is mild.
Treatment for Positive Hypoplasia Results
The treatment for hypoplasia depends on the type, severity, and person. For example,
It is important to consult a healthcare provider or medical care team for a treatment plan for hypoplasia. This may include a primary care practitioner, a pediatric specialist for babies and young children, and a specialist for the part of the body affected. For example, someone with hypoplastic left heart syndrome may be referred to a cardiologist.
Managing and Living With Congenital Hypoplasia
Like treatment options, managing and living with congenital hypoplasia depends on the type, severity, and individual. People with coordination challenges related to cerebellar hypoplasia may benefit from assistance devices such aswheelchairs.
In some cases, symptoms can be treated. Educational adaptations can support learning challenges, and therapies such as speech can benefit those experiencing developmental delays.
Summary
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Connolly JO, Neild GH.Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. In:Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Elsevier; 2010:609-626. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-05876-6.00050-2
Bhardwaj M, Joshi A, Chakole S, Goel DB, Sardesai A.Becker’s nevus in a male: a case report.Cureus. 15(9):e45005. doi:10.7759/cureus.45005
Basson MA, Wingate RJ.Congenital hypoplasia of the cerebellum: developmental causes and behavioral consequences.Front Neuroanat. 2013;7. doi:10.3389/fnana.2013.00029
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.Optic nerve hypoplasia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Salanitri S, Seow WK.Developmental enamel defects in the primary dentition: aetiology and clinical management.Aust Dent J. 2013;58(2):133-266. doi:10.1111/adj.12039
Shissler SC, Bhandoola A.ThymUS in times of stress.Nat Immunol. 2021;22(5):545-549. doi:10.1038/s41590-021-00897-2
Spoto G, Amore G, Vetri L, et al.Cerebellum and prematurity: a complex interplay between disruptive and dysmaturational events.Front Syst Neurosci. 2021;15:655164. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2021.655164
MedlinePlus.Kleinfelter syndrome.
Lakshman AR, Kanneppady SK, Castelino RL.Turner’s tooth with unique radiographic presentation: a case report.Gen Dent. 2014;62(5):52-54.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
