Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females age 15 to 39, but less than 5% of all breast cancer cases occur in this group. There are other benign reasons why a child or adolescent might develop a lump in their breast.
This article covers what causes breast lumps in children, when to see your healthcare provider, and how to cope with a cancer diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Tumors vs. Fibroadenomas in Children
Breast cancer tumors are malignant tumors that can grow and spread throughout the breast and body. Fibroadenomas are benign (not cancerous) tumors that may develop in a child’s chest or breast. While they are harmless, fibroadenomas can become cancerous in rare cases.
Leukemia Brain and spinal cord tumors Neuroblastomas (cancer affecting the sympathetic nervous system) Wilms’ tumors (childhood cancer that affects the kidneys) Lymphoma
Most Masses Are Benign
The majority of lumps detected in children’s breasts are benign. Breast buds, small, disc-shaped lumps that develop under the nipple and areola, are one of the most common causes of breast lumps in females 8 to 12.
Once breast buds form, they grow into breast tissue over the next two to three years. They are normal and often mark the beginning of puberty. For most people, the menstrual period begins about two years after breast buds first develop.
Breast buds are not at risk of becoming cancerous. It is normal for a breast bud to develop on one side of the chest first. The other side should develop within three months.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for breast cancer in children include:
History of radiation to the chest for past cancer History of cancer that may spread to the breast Family history of breast cancer Presence of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
When to Examine Your Child
If your child is concerned about breast pain or a new lump, take them to a healthcare provider for an exam. Possible symptoms to alert your provider about include:
Lump or thickening in or around the breast Nipple discharge with blood or pus Change in the shape or size of the breast Nipple turned inward Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast The skin on the breast appears red, swollen, or scaly
Diagnostic Tests
When your child has a breast lump, your provider will likely start with a physical exam to assess their overall health. They may also conduct a breast exam to palpate (feel) the lump. Alert your provider if your child has a history of cancer or radiation treatment and if breast cancer runs in your family.
Diagnostic tests that may be needed include:
Ultrasound exam: High-energy sound waves to provide pictures of body tissues Blood tests: To check your child’s blood for substances released by tumors Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast to detect cancer Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Detailed pictures of both breasts Positron-emission tomography (PET) scan: Detects cancer cells in the body Biopsy: Needle is inserted to remove cells or tissues for a pathologist to review under a microscope
Treatment Differences in Children and Adults
In the rare case that a child has breast cancer, the treatment differs from traditional methods for adults. Often, they are treated by a healthcare provider specializing in childhood cancers.
Once the medical team has determined that the breast tumor is cancerous, they will present you with several options for treatment. The medical team may recommend close monitoring or surgical removal if the tumor is benign.
If the tumor is cancerous, the following treatments are possible:
Surgery to remove the tumor Radiation therapy to shrink and treat the tumor Targeted therapy to attack the cancer cells
Because childhood breast cancer is rare, your child’s medical team may recommend enrolling in a clinical trial for treatment.
Coping Tips for Parents of Children With Breast Cancer
Having a child with any cancer is unspeakably difficult for a parent, including rare cancers such as childhood breast cancer.
To cope with this diagnosis, consider taking the following steps:
Ask questions: This is an overwhelming time. Continue to ask questions of your medical team until you feel like you understand your child’s diagnosis and prognosis. Get help: No one can go at it alone when it comes to cancer. Ask for help with meal preparation, laundry, childcare, financial planning, and more. Take a break: You are likely spending hours researching your child’s condition. While this is important, be sure to give your brain and body their needed rest. Plan for fun: A child with cancer still needs time to be silly and have fun. Do your best to allow your child to play and take a break from cancer talk. Meet with a therapist: Consider meeting with a mental health provider or joining a parents’ support group for much-needed support.
Summary
Breast cancer in children and adolescents is very rare but possible. Children who had cancer in the past and received radiation therapy to the chest are at the highest risk of developing breast cancer. Most breast lumps in children and adolescents are benign growths or breast buds. See your healthcare provider if your child develops a breast lump, nipple discharge, or breast pain.
A Word From Verywell
Breast cancer is a rare cancer in children and adolescents. If you are concerned about a lump in your child’s breast, know it is likely benign. Talk with your healthcare provider, especially if your child has had cancer.
