At the moment, Jemma's discrepancy is at 4 cm, but just 2 months ago it was 2 cm. Since she has been diagnosed the discrepancy has remained fairly consistent before her most recent growth spurt. Most people are not aware of this important medical condition. Someone with hemihypertrophy might have acne on only one side of the face. The skin is often thicker, and there may be more hair on the head, on the larger side.
Theories abound as to the cause of hemihypertrophy.
Perhaps it is increased blood flow or decreased lymph drainage, or nerve or hormone abnormalities. To date, not enough research has been conducted to choose between the theories. Hemihypertrophy, though, is a key warning signal to be on the lookout for several kinds of cancers. Sadly, hemihypertrophy is often not looked for and not diagnosed until after the cancer has been discovered. None of us is exactly symmetric.