Breast cysts in adolescents – diagnostics, monitoring, treatment

BACKGROUND The aim of the paper was the US evaluation of hormonal disorders and treatment results in adolescent girls and boys with breast cysts. MATERIAL/METHODS In the years 2001-2009, US examination of the breast was performed in 427 children aged 10-18 years, with clinically suspected breast pathologies. The indications for US examination typically included pain, breast swelling and a palpable tumor. The US examination was performed using a 7-12 MHz linear transducer. RESULTS Breast cysts were found in 42 children: 36 adolescent girls and 6 boys with gynecomastia. Infected cysts were found in 35 children. The cysts ranged in size from 5 mm to 30 mm. In 5 of the girls, large cysts were treated by an incision and drainage, and in all the children with infected cysts, antibiotic therapy was used. Hormonal disorders were found in 30 girls. A follow-up examination was performed, and the observation time varied from 1/12 to 2 years. The cysts disappeared completely in 30 children. Hormonal therapy was introduced in 5 girls. CONCLUSIONS Breast cysts found in US examinations are indications for check-up examinations including endocrinological diagnostics and, if the cyst is persistent, possibly for hormonal treatment.