Breast Ultrasound for Teenage Girls
June 25, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
Breast ultrasound examination might eliminate the need for biopsy in many cases of lumps found in a teenager’s breast, researchers at Loyola University Health System recently concluded.
While teenage girls often will undergo an excisional biopsy when a lump is found, that may not be necessary, say the researchers. Breast cancer is rare in adolescents, and most lumps are benign masses related to hormones.
For the study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, radiologists performed ultrasound examinations on 20 girls who had lumps in their breasts. The girls were ages 13 to 19. The ultrasounds showed that 15 of the 21 lumps appeared benign. Six of the lumps were suspicious.
After the ultrasound exams, biopsies or examinations revealed that all 21 lumps were benign. Loyola researchers believe that the study findings suggest that if a breast ultrasound finds nothing suspicious, the teen likely doesn’t need an excisional biopsy.
Of course, rare doesn’t mean impossible. Persistent lumps in a teen’s breast should always be examined by a doctor who can provide the medical advice necessary in each individual case.
Are you a teen who’s undergone excisional biopsy of the breast?
(Image via stock.xchng)
Lost my 31-year-old daughter-in-law to metastatic breast cancer October 2008. She was originally diagnosed at age 28, followed by a right breast mastectomy within a month just before her 29th birthday. Her mother, maternal great-aunt, paternal grandmother all died from breast cancer.
Early breast scanning for lumps and for routine well-checks *especially for young women, ages 18-30, with cancer histories in their families is crucial to stem the current breast cancer epidemic. Early breast screenings may have saved Briana’s life…( Read more about Bri: http://www.FigsWithBri.com )
Non-invasive thermograms are known to detect breast abnormalities up to 7 years before a malignancy forms. Ultrasound is a wise idea as a follow-up for worrisome lumps.
It’s crucial not to overuse mammograms, which expose breast tissue to radiation – a known cancer causing modality – even though dosages have been greatly reduced in current protocols.
All women need to be totally familiar with their breasts and to keep an eye on them for texture, skin, and other changes. We are our best advocates!
Cynthe, Sorry to hear about your daughter in law. I agree with you about not overusing mammograms. I wish they didn’t involve radiation.
Thanks for sharing.