Abnormalities
Lack of breast development — This may be due to a health problem; an endocrine (hormonal) problem; a rare condition called amastia or radiation therapy involving the chest.
Breast hypertrophy — Also known as excessive breast growth, this can cause back pain, breast pain, shoulder pain, poor posture, rashes under the breasts and psychological concerns. Breast reduction surgery is an option after breast growth is complete.
Tuberous breasts — These breasts have narrow bases and very large nipple-areola complexes. Plastic surgery can be done for cosmetic reasons.
Significant breast-size differences — This may indicate an underlying problem, such as a cyst or a mass. A doctor can determine if this is the case. If no underlying problem is found, one option is to use bra padding or a bra insert for the smaller breast. Another option is plastic surgery. This can be considered once breast growth has finished.
If you are considering any type of breast surgery, be sure to see a plastic surgeon who has experience with that particular procedure in women your age. Learn about the risks and benefits of any surgery before you proceed.
Infections
Bacteria that enter small cracks or breaks in the skin cause breast infections. These can occur from:
In breast cellulitis the skin is red, tender, warm and swollen. It is treated with an antibiotic and warm compresses.
A breast abscess is a collection of pus, which usually requires incision and drainage in addition to an antibiotic and warm compresses.
Yeast infections may occur under large breasts and appear as bright red rashes. A topical anti-fungal cream is used to treat it.
Seek medical care right away if you think you have a breast infection.
Lumps and Bumps
Breast cancer is extremely rare in adolescents. Since adolescent breasts are normally dense, firm and nodular, most of the lumps girls feel in their breasts are normal breast tissue or fibrocystic changes.
Fibrocystic changes are cyclic or menstrual-related breast changes. Symptoms include breast pain or discomfort the week before menstruation. Breasts are usually tender and feel granular due to small microcysts, which may merge into a larger cyst that can be felt as a mass. The cysts may go away then recur with successive menstrual cycles.
Treatment includes a well-fitting support bra and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription medication. Oral contraceptives may be used for more severe cases.
Of all breast masses that are surgically removed in adolescents, the most common type is the fibroadenoma. Cancerous tumors are one of the least common types removed in adolescents.
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