Review Article


Breast concerns and disorders in adolescent females: a narrative review

Donald E. Greydanus, Lyubov Matytsina-Quinlan

Abstract

Background and Objective: Breast disorders are an important aspect of health care for adolescent females and this discussion presents principles for education and management of breast concerns as well as problems for this population of patients. Normal and abnormal breast development are considered. Breast pathology that is reviewed include congenital lesions as well as breast asymmetry, atrophy, tuberous breasts, fibroadenoma, cystosarcoma phyllodes, benign breast disease, mastalgia and other breast disorders.
Methods: An electronic search was performed on MEDLINE to identify relevant articles from 2010 to 2017.
Key Content and Findings: A review of relevant literature confirms that adolescent females have a variety of breast concerns and would benefit from the clinician asking these patients about this aspect of their body and dealing with issues that arise. Understanding of embryology and anatomy of the breast area is also important for clinicians in this regard. A careful and sensitive examination by the clinicians is important to help this young patients learn key information related to their sexuality and health.
Conclusions: A review of relevant literature confirms that adolescent females have a variety of breast concerns and would benefit from the clinician asking these patients about this aspect of their body and dealing with issues that arise. Understanding of embryology and anatomy of the breast area is also important for clinicians in this regard. A careful and sensitive examination by the clinicians is important to help this young patients learn key information related to their sexuality and health.

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