While rare, children can still develop breast cancer, causing lumps in their upper chest. However, not every bump in the breast is cancerous.
While most breast lumps in children are benign, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional if any changes in a child’s breasts occur. These changes may include a lump, thickening, pain, discharge, or skin alterations.
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the outlook for childhood breast cancer is usually positive.
This article will review childhood breast cancer, its symptoms, its potential causes, how doctors diagnose and treat it, and the outlook for the disease.
Breast cancer
While breast cancer primarily affects biological females and risk
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells, forming tumors. These tumors
However, in the later stages, cancer can spread to nearby tissues, forming lumps or thickening. Further spread to lymph nodes or other organs — metastasis — is life threatening and potentially fatal.
Learn more about breast cancer.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer in children
- the development of a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm
- changes in the breast’s size or shape
- puckering on the breast skin
- having an inverted nipple
- nipple discharge, including blood
- scaly, swollen, or discolored skin on the nipple, areola, or breast
- dimpled breast skin resembling an orange peel
If a person notices any new lumps or growths on the chest of their child, or if they develop any symptoms of childhood breast cancer, they should contact a doctor. A specialist can perform the relevant tests to determine the cause of the child’s symptoms and recommend the most appropriate steps.
Receiving a diagnosis in the initial stages of cancer and starting the treatment as soon as possible
Breast cancer in children is rare. While abnormal breast cell growth may cause it, breast tumors in children sometimes develop when cancer cells have spread from another part of the body. These secondary cancers typically originate from more common childhood cancers,
Other potential risk factors that may increase the risk of childhood breast cancer
- previous chest or breast radiation treatment for another cancer
- family history of breast cancer, especially in parents or siblings
- inherited genetic changes to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- other genetic mutations with links to breast cancer
To diagnose cancer, a doctor gathers information about the child’s medical history and conducts a thorough physical examination. If the symptoms suggest a cancerous condition, the doctor
The specialist may also perform a biopsy, collecting a sample of liquid or tissue from the lump in the chest if there is one. They will then send the sample for laboratory testing to determine if cancer cells are present or if the lump is benign.
Treatment for childhood breast cancer varies
Malignant breast cancer in children needs comprehensive treatment from a pediatric oncology team. Treatment plans
Sometimes, doctors
The outlook for children with breast cancer is generally positive, especially with early detection and after receiving appropriate treatment.
Unlike adults, children do not typically undergo routine cancer screenings. This is because childhood cancers
However, this changes for children with a family history of cancer or specific genetic mutations that may increase their risk of developing cancer during childhood. These children may require closer medical monitoring, including specialized genetic tests or screening exams, to detect early signs of cancer.
Many charities and nonprofit organizations offer support and resources to children with cancer and their loved ones, including:
Breast cancer in children is rare. Most breast lumps in children are benign growths known as fibroadenomas, which do not usually require treatment but simple monitoring. However, in some cases, these lumps can be cancerous.
The main treatment options for childhood breast cancer include surgery or radiation therapy. With an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the outlook for childhood breast cancer is generally positive.