Biopsied Breast Masses in Adolescents. Analysis of Clinical Features

Objective: Breast lesions in childhood are mostly benign and self-limiting, and the biopsy indications are restricted in this period. The differentiation between fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors is difficult with imaging because of their overlap in initial size and growth rate. Therefore, biopsy or excision may be required. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 531 patients (404 females, 76.1%; 127 males, 23.9%) that were applied to our center between 2009 and 2019. Breast US was performed to all applicants with pain and swelling in the their breast. Patients with fibroadenoma with and without core biopsy were recorded. Results: Thirty-one solid breast lesions were detected. Twenty-one lesions were performed biopsy (21/531, 3.9 %). The most common mass lesion was fibroadenoma (27/31, 87.1%) and the most frequently biopsied lesion was fibroadenoma (11/21; 52.3%). The 10 simple fibroadenomas, one juvenil fibroadenoma, one benign phyllodes tumors, and two invasive ductal carcinomas have been identified. A statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) was detected between the groups with or without core biopsy for the size of fibroadenomas, but there was no statistically significant difference between both groups for patients’ age with fibroadenoma. Conclusion: Malignancies in the breast and lesions such as fibroadenoma that requires a malignancy exclusion are observed in children and adolescents. Large size is a statistically significant parameter in the biopsy decision.