The female adolescent breast: Disorders of development

Anam Khaja, Nirupama Desilva

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThis article will provide an overview on female breast development and focus on common abnormalities of growth, the emerging role of breast self-awareness, and discuss trends in the evaluation and treatment of the breast masses and disorders most often encountered in the female adolescent population.Recent findingsAlthough the embryology of breast development is unchanged, data are emerging on the role of environmental factors on the timing of puberty and thelarche. As breast development occurs, the role of breast self-awareness is also a new trend that allows teens to be cognizant of changes in their own breast and to become more comfortable with their own anatomy. Finally, when breast treatments are needed or desired, the timing of breast treatments is a subject that must be individualized.SummaryThere are numerous conditions that can result from disruption of normal breast development. These resultant breast disorders are generally benign but can still cause emotional distress to both the patient and family. It is thus imperative that healthcare providers be educated on breast development, the common breast masses that occur in the adolescent population and be prepared to discuss breast self-awareness and shared decision-making in this population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)293-297
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume31
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • breast development
  • breast hypertrophy
  • breast mass
  • breast self-awareness
  • premature thelarche

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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