Breast tumours of adolescents in an African population

Abstract

Background: Tumours of the breast are uncommon in childhood and adolescence. Patients in this age group often require a different approach to diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study is to highlight
the clinicopathologic features of breast tumours in adolescents in a Nigerian city.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-four breast tumour materials from patients aged 10–19 years were analyzed over a 10-year period at the
Department of Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Benin City, Nigeria.

Results: A majority of the breast tumours were benign. Fibroadenoma was the most common tumour with 46 cases (54.8%), followed by fibrocystic changes with 15 cases (17%). Malignancy was extremely rare
in this group, with only one case (1.2%) of an invasive ductal carcinoma. Histologically, most tumours were indistinguishable from the adult types. Conclusion: Fibroadenoma is the most common breast tumour
in adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria. Breast cancer and male breast tumours are rare in this age group. Routine complete physical examination of children and adolescents should include breast examination.