Poland Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Poland Syndrome?
A plastic surgeon, a surgeon who rebuilds and reshapes parts of the body, often leads treatment for Poland syndrome. A medical geneticist, a doctor who studies conditions that run in families, can also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Poland syndrome?
Poland syndrome is a condition in which people are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body. It can affect the chest, shoulder, arm, and hand. How severe it is varies from person to person.
Poland syndrome is rare. It has been estimated to occur in 1 in 20,000 newborns. Some mild cases without hand differences may never come to a doctor's attention.
Symptoms
People with Poland syndrome are typically missing part of a major chest muscle called the pectoralis major. This can make the chest look caved in, which doctors call concave. Other features can include:
- Other muscles in the chest wall, side, and shoulder may be missing or underdeveloped.
- Shortened ribs, which may be easier to see because there is less fat under the skin.
- Breast and nipple differences.
- Underarm hair that is sparse or placed in an unusual spot.
- An underdeveloped hand with short fingers, or fingers that are fused together.
- Shortened forearm bones in some people.
In about 75 percent of cases, these differences affect the right side of the body. In most people, the chest differences do not cause health problems or affect movement. A more severe hand difference can cause problems with using the hand.
Mild cases without hand differences may not show until puberty. Then the two sides of the chest look more different. Severe cases have chest or hand differences that are clear at birth. In rare severe cases, a lung or a kidney is affected. The heart may also sit on the right side of the chest.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of Poland syndrome is unknown. Researchers have suggested that it may result from a disruption of blood flow during development before birth. Most cases are not inherited and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their families. Rarely, the condition is passed through generations in families.
For unknown reasons, Poland syndrome occurs more than twice as often in males as in females.
How doctors diagnose it
The diagnosis is usually made at birth. It is based on physical findings, a thorough exam, and special tests. A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to make pictures of slices of the body. It can show how much the muscles are affected. X-rays may be used to help identify problems in the hands, forearms, ribs, or shoulder blades.
Treatment
Treatment is directed toward the specific symptoms each person has. It may require a team of specialists working together. Options include:
- Plastic surgery may be done to rebuild the chest wall and to graft ribs into their proper places.
- In females, plastic surgery may also be done to construct a breast mound.
- In some cases, surgery may help correct bone differences in other areas, such as the hands.
- Physical therapy may be prescribed to help improve limits in movement.
Genetic counseling will be of benefit for affected people and their families.
When to see a doctor
Talk with a doctor if you or your child has missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body. Mild cases may not be noticed until puberty.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine you or your child, explain the findings, and help you reach a plastic surgeon or a genetics doctor. They can also keep track of follow-up care.
Common questions
Is Poland syndrome inherited?
Usually not. Most cases are sporadic, which means they are not inherited and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their families. Rarely, it is passed through generations in families.
Does Poland syndrome affect health or movement?
In most people, no. The chest differences do not cause health problems or affect movement. A more severe hand difference can cause problems with using the hand.
Can Poland syndrome be treated?
Yes. Treatment is directed toward the specific symptoms each person has. Plastic surgery may be done to rebuild the chest wall, and physical therapy may be prescribed to help improve limits in movement.
Is Poland syndrome more common in males?
Yes. It occurs more than twice as often in males as in females. It most often affects the right side of the body, in about 75 percent of cases.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
