Breast disorders in the adolescent patient

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Adolescent Gynecology
• Pediatric Radiology

Background:

• Breast cancer is rare in pediatric and adolescent populations.
• Breast concerns, including benign masses like fibroadenomas, are common in adolescents.
• Adolescent breast conditions require specific diagnostic and management approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the evaluation and management of breast concerns in pediatric and adolescent patients.
• To highlight the common benign breast entities in this age group.
• To provide guidance on appropriate diagnostic imaging and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical history and physical examination findings.
• Utilization of ultrasonography as the primary radiologic modality.
• Consideration of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

• Benign proliferative changes and fibroadenomas are the most frequent findings.
• Ultrasonography is the preferred imaging technique for the adolescent breast.
• Surgical intervention is generally avoided in prepubertal patients.
• Observation, FNA, or surgical removal are viable options for non-suspicious postpubertal masses.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent breast concerns are typically benign and require a tailored evaluation.
• Ultrasonography is crucial for assessing breast masses in this demographic.
• Management strategies should be individualized based on patient age and clinical findings.