Breast Masses in Adolescent Females: A Scoping Review

Breast masses are relatively rare in adolescent females, but they can carry significant clinical implications and psychological impact. While many published studies have reported on adolescent breast pathologies, there is no centralized source for this information.

Using predefined search terms, a comprehensive review across databases was performed. Two independent reviewers conducted the screening and data extraction. Discrepancies were resolved by arbitration of a third reviewer, as needed.

One thousand seventy-seven abstracts and 315 full-text manuscripts were reviewed. Data were extracted from 44 studies. A majority of studies were retrospective cohort studies or case reports. Fibroadenomas were the most commonly diagnosed breast lesion, although there was a wide breadth of other breast pathologies reported in adolescent females. Breast malignancies were rare but were associated with high morbidity and mortality. Imaging was frequently utilized and useful in assisting in the diagnosis of breast masses.

This review affirms current knowledge of adolescent breast masses and also reveals gaps in scientific literature that may direct future research. Judicious work-up of all patients presenting with breast masses is recommended, and this study proposes a structured clinical algorithm to guide this work up.