Discrete Breast Masses in Female Children and Adolescents: Is there a Place for Non-operative Management by Pediatric Surgeons?

Abstract

Background: The treatment of breast masses in female children and adolescents is controversial. While some advocate for early surgical removal others prefer the conservative non operative approach. The aim of this study is ascertain the evidence for the current protocol of early surgical removal in our centre. Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational study to highlight the epidemiology of discrete breast masses in female children and adolescents 0.05). Conclusion: This series show that breast masses in children and adolescents are almost always benign. It is advocated that conservative non-operative management (with close follow up with imaging such as breast ultrasound and/or MRI) should be adopted by paediatric surgeons in cases of breast masses in children except when surgery is specifically indicated. These indications which should be individualized include: cosmesis, bloody nipple discharge, persistent history of pain in the mass, rapid growth of the mass and malignancies with predilection for the breasts.