Breast fibroadenoma in female adolescents

Palpable breast masses in pediatric patients are uncommon. Fibroadenoma which must be distinguished from malignant tumors is the most frequent breast tumor in adolescent girl. Fine needle aspiration FNA biopsy is highly specific in breast masses. The final cosmetic result is important when planning the surgical excision. Therefore it is mandatory to know preoperative cytology of the mass. Five girls who had undergone operation with breast masses between 1999-2004 were evaluated retrospectively. The mean age at presentation was 13 years. Each patient underwent FNA biopsy before excision. Aspiration cytology of the lump showed fibroadenoma confirmed by subsequent histopathology. The breast masses can be handled operatively through a circumareolar incision without any complication. Protection of the developing breast bud, nipple and areola is as important as appropriate excision of the lesion. Cosmetic results have been satisfactory and there has been no evidence of recurrence.