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Semin Plast Surg 2013; 27(01): 026-028
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1343993
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Uncommon Benign Breast Abnormalities in Adolescents

Rebekkah Warren
1   Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Amy C. Degnim
1   Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 May 2013 (online)

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Abstract

The authors discuss benign breast abnormalities in the adolescent breast other than fibroadenoma. Although fibroadenoma is the most common benign abnormality in the adolescent breast, other diagnoses are possible. The majority of adolescents who present with a palpable concern or lump have no discrete abnormality on ultrasound and are diagnosed with clinical fibrocystic change and followed up to ensure clinical stability. Intraductal papilloma and duct ectasia are two benign abnormalities associated with bloody nipple discharge, occurring more rarely in adolescents compared with adult women. Breast infections can occur in adolescents, including both mastitis and/or abscess, and are treated similarly to adults, with drainage and antibiotic coverage for Staphylococcus. When infections are due to nipple piercing, other organisms should be suspected. All surgical procedures in the developing breast should be performed cautiously, as trauma to the undeveloped breast can result in failure of breast development or asymmetry, and surgical disruption of subareolar ducts can impair or preclude future lactation.

Keywords

benign breast - fibrocystic change - papilloma - duct ectasia - adolescent