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