Surgical Breast Lesions in Adolescent Patients and a Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background/purpose: Breast disease in adolescence is uncommon, with most presenting lesions being benign. Breast lesions in adolescent patients are discussed in this article with a review of world literature. Patients and methods: The clinical records of 30 patients operated upon for breast lesions in our hospital during 18 years were reviewed.

Results: There were 25 female and five male patients, ranging in age from 16 years. Twenty-five female patients were operated on for breast mass and/or discharge, and five male adolescents were operated on for gynaecomastia. The most frequent (n = 27) complaint was palpation of mass in the breast. The most common histologies were fibro-adenoma (n = 14) and gynaecomastia (n = 5). The average duration of pre-operative symptoms was 2.9 months for fibro-adeno-ma, 1. 6 years for gynaecomastia (extremes 2 days to 1 year). Nipple discharge was observed in three patients. Average diameters of palpable masses were 2.9 cm for fibro-adenomas and 5 cm for gynaecomastia. Lesions were excised surgically in all patients. Masses diagnosed as fibro-adenomas in the pre-operative period were reported upon pathological examination to be precancerous lesions such as cystosarcoma phylloiedes, juvenile fibro-adenoma, solitary intra-ductal papilloma, tubular adenoma and juvenile papilloma. One postoperative wound infection and one recurrence of fibro-adenoma was seen.

Conclusion: The most frequently encountered breast masses were fibro-adenomas. These lesions are mostly benign in nature and can be treated conservatively but the possibility of precancerous lesion should be considered during follow-up.

Key Words:

• Breast tumour
• adolescent
• fibro-adenoma

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Notes on contributors

K. Sönmez

K. Sönmez, M.D. 46.Sokak 28/3 06490 Bahçelievler Ankara, Turkey Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]