Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Teens

Breast cancer in teenage girls and young women is rare, accounting for less than 2% of all breast cancers diagnosed. However, it’s important to be aware of potential warning signs as early detection leads to better treatment outcomes. In this blog, we will discuss common symptoms of breast cancer in teens and the importance of prompt medical evaluation.

Symptom Development

While breast cancer presenting as a painful, red lump is typical in adult women, the symptoms in teenage girls tend to be more subtle and varied:

• Swelling or lump in the breast: A painless lump that is hard, irregular or uneven can be a sign of cancer. Teen lumps are usually not tender.
• Changes in breast size or shape: Gynecomastia or breast asymmetry developing suddenly needs evaluation.
• Bloody or clear nipple discharge: Spontaneous unilateral discharge without signs of inflammation needs medical attention.
• Peau d’orange or dimpling of skin: Stretching or pebbling of the breast skin can indicate a tumour growing beneath.
• Changes to the nipple: Inversion, retraction or scaliness of the nipple warrants further investigation.
• Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes in underarm: When persistent and firm, enlarged lymph nodes require an oncologist’s opinion.

Risk Factors

While family history, genetic mutations and dense breast tissue are established risk factors in adults, some unique risk factors for breast cancer in teens include:

• Previous chest radiation: For conditions like Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Early menarche or late menopause: Longer breast cell exposure to estrogen hormones increases risk.

Evaluation by a Breast Cancer Specialist

Any concerning breast symptoms persisting for 2-3 weeks need to be evaluated by a breast cancer specialist in Bangalore without delay. Initial tests may include:

• Clinical breast exam: Inspection and palpation of breasts and axilla by an experienced oncologist in Bangalore.
• Mammogram and ultrasound: To visualize internal structures and characterize worrisome lumps.
• MRI: Useful for denser breasts of teens where mammography has lower sensitivity.
• Biopsy: Tissue removal to determine if abnormalities are benign or cancerous.

Treatment at a Cancer Hospital

Prompt diagnosis and management improves prognosis significantly in teens. Definitive treatment depends on tumour stage, biology and patient’s age, but may involve:

• Surgery: Lumpectomy or mastectomy with reconstruction options.
• Chemotherapy: Stronger regimes given over 6 months to treat aggressive cancers.
• Radiation therapy: External beam radiation with newer techniques to reduce long-term side effects.
• Targeted drug therapies: Tailored to individual tumour subtype and genes for precision treatment.

Multidisciplinary teams at dedicated cancer hospital in Bangalore utilize the latest diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans for teen patients. Long-term support and counselling aid in the physical and emotional recovery of young survivors.

Conclusion – Expert Care at Amrutha Hospital

Any persistent breast changes require urgent evaluation by an oncologist. Early detection before clinical symptoms appears saves lives. Amrutha Hospital is a leading comprehensive cancer center in Bangalore offering expert breast cancer care. Specialized oncologists conduct advanced diagnostics and collaborate with surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists to devise individualized treatment protocols customized for teens. A multidisciplinary team approach improves outcomes. Thus, Amrutha Hospital can be trusted for excellent breast cancer management in teenagers and young women.