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214-456-9099
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In pediatric patients, breast masses are relatively rare and – if they do occur – most are benign. The most common breast abnormality seen in children younger than 12 is a unilateral breast growth where one breast grows faster than the other. In these cases, while one breast develops earlier than the other, most often they ultimately become symmetrical.
214-456-9099
Fax: 214-456-2230
469-497-2501
Fax: 469-497-2507
Breast pathology is an abnormal area of development or an abnormal growth in the breast. In rare cases, breast abnormalities can occur from birth. Athelia (absence of nipples) and amastia (absence of breast tissue) may occur on one side or in both breasts.
An extra breast (polymastia) or extra nipple (polythelia) occurs in about 1 percent of the population, and are slightly more common in males than in females. This extra tissue may cause discomfort during menstrual cycles and may need to be removed.
In pre-pubertal children, other breast infections and conditions may include:
This is caused by an influx of maternal hormones through the placenta – this disappears over time.
Infection of the breast tissue in newborns is called mastitis neonatorum. This can often be treated with antibiotics.
Commonly caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, this manifests as a tender, reddish mass and can be treated with antibiotics and/or drainage of the infection.
This is isolated breast development in young girls aged 6 months to 9 years. This may be of no concern, but may be a sign of early puberty.
This is more common in girls and is often idiopathic but may be a sign of an underlying condition
Adolescent girls may present with the following breast conditions:
Unilateral breast growth where one breast grows faster than the other
Commonly caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus, this manifests as a tender, reddish mass and can be treated with antibiotics and/or drainage of the infection.
Common, benign masses that are smooth, mobile, and round and may enlarge just before menstruation
Less common, painless breast masses that can be quite large and need to be removed. Most are benign, but some are cancerous.
Rare, painless masses similar to fibroadenomas that can come back if not completely removed
caused by breakdown of fat tissue
Discrete breast cysts or diffuse small lumps that are very common in the adolescent population. They can cause tenderness and heaviness during menstruation.
A benign lesion that consists of swelling of the mammary ducts. This can cause nipple discharge that may be bloody.
Malignant breast disease is very rare in children and in adolescents. Risk factors for breast malignancies include:
If your child is experiencing any of the following breast symptoms, you should bring her in for examination by a doctor:
If your daughter has a breast mass, the doctor will talk to you about the situation, and questions asked may include:
Her doctor will then perform a complete examination of both breasts to evaluate for masses and nipple discharge.
Because breast tissue in young children is very dense, mammography is not usually very helpful for diagnosis. If your doctor cannot immediately diagnose the condition with physical examination, they may order an ultrasound test.
In young and pre-adolescent children, doctors avoid biopsy unless completely necessary, as it can harm the developing breast.
If your child is showing signs of early breast development, her doctor will examine her for other signs of puberty such as pubic hair. If your daughter’s doctor suspects precocious puberty, they may order blood hormone tests and an x-ray of the wrist (called a bone age test).
Your doctor may want to monitor benign masses every few months to ensure they don’t enlarge, cause pain, or develop atypical changes.
In pediatric patients, breast masses are relatively rare and – if they do occur – most are benign. The most common breast abnormality seen in children younger than 12 is a unilateral breast mass corresponding to asymmetrical breast development. In adolescent girls, most masses are also benign.
Bring your daughter in for an examination if she has a mass that’s painful or painless, redness, swelling, nipple discharge, pain, breast tenderness not associated with menstruation, or early breast development.