Breast disorders in the adolescent patient.

Although breast cancer is rare in childhood and adolescence, breast concerns among patients in this age group are common. Benign proliferative changes and benign masses such as fibroadenomas are the most common entities encountered in the adolescent patient. Evaluation of breast complaints includes a careful history and physical examination. Ultrasonography is the best adjunctive radiologic modality to assess the adolescent breast. Surgical intervention usually is contraindicated in prepubertal patients. In the postpubertal patient, discrete breast masses, which are not suspicious on clinical examination, may be observed. Additionally, FNA and surgical removal are also safe diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives in this patient population.