The clinical records of 51 female patients between the ages of 8 and 20 years who underwent excision of breast masses at Boston's Children's Hospital Medical Center were reviewed. In most instances excisional biopsy using local or general anesthesia was performed on an ambulatory basis. Fibroadenomas account for the majority of breast masses (81.4%). There were no malignancies. Breast tumors in pediatric and adolescent populations are best managed by careful physical examination, careful follow-up, needle aspiration when feasible, observation and surgical excision of persistent, enlarging or sympto matic masses. Patient education and breast self-examination teaching are highly recommended. Excisional biopsy of unilateral subareolar masses in the early pubertal female should be avoided, since these usually represent a physiologically enlarged breast bud.
