Areolar discharge and peri-areolar breast cysts in adolescent females

Nipple discharge in adolescents is well documented, and usually results from endocrine dysfunction or local breast disease. Areolar discharge, however, in healthy adolescent girls is a rare finding, and is sometimes associated with peri-areolar lumps. These patients usually present with painless discharge from around the nipple, and sometimes with a lump at the site. Some patients present with a lump only, and secondary inflammation at the site can occur. Although the lesions often resolve spontaneously, they can recur, and the treatment options are discussed. There are very few cases in the literature of areolar discharge in young girls, which perhaps reflects its incidence. The following case report of 16 patients appears to be the largest collection of patients reported with this apparently benign condition. Ultrasound examination is a useful tool in the diagnosis of this condition. Fine needle aspiration was sometimes curative, but surgical excision appeared definitive therapy.