Paediatric and Adolescent Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, predominantly affecting adult women.
• Pediatric breast cancer is exceedingly rare, necessitating specific research into its unique characteristics.
• Understanding rare cancer presentations in children and adolescents is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics of primary glandular breast cancer in the pediatric age group (under 18 years old).
• To analyze data from published case reports focusing on gender, age, histology, receptor status, lymph node involvement, treatment, and genetics.
• To identify the most common histological type and treatment strategies for pediatric breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of 32 case reports published between 1999 and 2023.
• Inclusion criteria focused on primary glandular breast cancer in patients under 18, excluding other cancer types.
• Data extraction and analysis of key clinicopathological and treatment parameters.

Main Results:

• Secretory breast carcinoma was identified as the most common histological type of breast cancer in children and adolescents.
• The condition predominantly affects females and is typically hormone receptor-negative.
• Mastectomy is the preferred treatment due to challenges with breast conservation in this age group.

Conclusions:

• Secretory breast carcinoma is the primary subtype of breast cancer in pediatric patients.
• Hormone receptor negativity is a common characteristic of pediatric breast cancer.
• Surgical management, primarily mastectomy, is crucial for treating breast cancer in children and adolescents.