Breast Lumps in Young Girls: When to Seek Medical Advice

Mass

The 8-and-a-half-year-old girl is about to enter the third grade and has recently developed a small hard lump under her left breast, with a slight protrusion on the left side (the right breast shows no such symptoms).
She feels little discomfort while standing or walking, but the lump becomes more noticeable when lying down, and there is some pain when lying on her stomach or applying pressure.
Is this related to development or could it be due to other reasons? (The girl is slender, measuring 124 cm and weighing 23.5 kg.) Which medical specialty should she see for this issue? Thank you for your time in answering.

Mi Mi, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/08/27

Dr. Hong Shaohui reply Pediatrics

The Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health recommends that you schedule an appointment with the breast surgery outpatient clinic for further diagnosis and explanation by a specialist.

Reply Date: 2003/08/27

More Info

When it comes to understanding breast lumps in young girls, especially in a case like your 8.5-year-old daughter, it is essential to approach the situation with care and awareness. Breast development in young girls can begin as early as age 8, and it is not uncommon for them to experience changes in their breast tissue during this time. However, any noticeable lumps or changes should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out any underlying issues.

In your daughter’s case, the presence of a small hard lump in her left breast, along with slight protrusion and tenderness when lying down, could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that this lump is related to normal breast development, which can include the formation of breast tissue and glandular structures. During puberty, hormonal changes can lead to the development of breast tissue, and it is not unusual for girls to experience tenderness or discomfort as their bodies change.

However, it is crucial to differentiate between normal developmental changes and potential concerns that may require medical attention. The fact that the lump is only present on one side and is associated with tenderness when pressure is applied could warrant further investigation. While many breast lumps in young girls are benign and related to hormonal changes, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

Given your daughter’s age and the symptoms you described, I recommend that you seek a consultation with a pediatrician or a pediatric endocrinologist. These specialists are well-equipped to evaluate breast development in young girls and can provide guidance on whether further imaging or examination is necessary. If the pediatrician feels it is appropriate, they may refer you to a pediatric surgeon or a breast specialist for further evaluation.

In addition to seeking medical advice, it is essential to monitor the lump for any changes in size, shape, or associated symptoms such as increased pain or changes in skin texture. Keeping a record of these observations can be helpful for the healthcare provider during the evaluation.

It is also important to consider the overall health and development of your daughter. Her height and weight suggest that she may be on the lower end of the growth spectrum, which could be a factor in her overall development. Ensuring that she has a balanced diet and regular check-ups with her pediatrician can help monitor her growth and development.

In summary, while breast lumps in young girls can often be benign and related to normal development, it is crucial to seek medical advice to ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Consulting with a pediatrician or a specialist will provide you with the best course of action and peace of mind regarding your daughter’s health.

Similar Q&A

Breast Pain and Lumps in a 14-Year-Old: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello, doctor. My daughter is 14 years old. She sometimes experiences pain below her left breast, and there are hard lumps in the center of both breasts. Should I take her for a check-up? If so, should I schedule an appointment with a pediatrician (since she is under 15) or with ...

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Kaka: 1. Breast pain can sometimes be caused by hormonal stimulation leading to hyperplasia of the breast tissue and ducts; regular self-examinations are recommended. 2. A hard lump in the center of the breast may be normal breast tissue. During palpation, observe whethe...

Essential Knowledge and FAQs About Breast Health and Cancer Prevention

Hello Doctor: I am Reena, a news editor for a women's website. I noticed that your site emphasizes "the importance of cherishing medical resources," but many of our female readers still lack clarity and implementation regarding breast cancer prevention. Therefore, ...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! 1. A breast examination during puberty is not too early, as if a lump is detected and an ultrasound reveals a tumor, it is usually benign and can be monitored. At least there will be a record for future comparisons in adulthood. 2. Hard lumps can occur not only in the b...

Understanding Breast Lumps in Teens: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Dr. Lin, My 15-year-old daughter informed me yesterday that she has discovered a small hard lump located beneath the areola of her left breast (this lump was not present before). The lump appears to have a slightly dark green color, and when touched, it feels approximatel...

Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Miss Helen has a hard lump beneath the skin of her areola that moves with the hand and is not painful. This occurs in a 15-year-old girl and is likely a benign tumor; however, its presence is abnormal. It is recommended to consult a breast surgeon or a general surgeon for an ultr...

Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Your Health

In the first year of junior high school, I discovered a small hard lump in my chest. At first, I thought it was a normal part of development, so I ignored it. Later, the lump seemed to grow larger. By the time I was in the third year of junior high, I became aware that I might ha...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello: 1. The breast lump has been present since the first year of junior high school and has not changed, so it is likely not cancer and is probably a benign tumor. 2. However, benign tumors can potentially become malignant in the future. 3. It is recommended to be brave and def...