A giant juvenile fibroadenoma in a 12-year-old girl: Case report and brief literature review

Juvenile fibroadenoma is the most common breast mass in adolescents accounting for 0.5–4% of all cases of fibroadenomas. Giant fibroadenomas are rare variants and represent only 0.5% of all fibroadenomas, usually occurring in girls between the ages of 10 and 18. They are characterized by massive and rapid enlargement of a rubbery, mobile, and non-tender mass and defined as being larger than 5 cm or weighing more than 500 g. The aetiology is not well understood and is believed to be an increased sensitivity to normal oestrogen level. We present a 12-year-old Asian girl treated at the age of 8 for idiopathic precocious puberty, without known family history of breast masses or cancers, who developed spontaneous giant fibro-adenoma measuring 15cm X 17 cm. The patient was further evaluated via ultrasonography showing a sole large lesion of 15 X 17 cm in the left breast. Surgical excision with conservation of the developing breast parenchyma and nipple-areolar complex under general anaesthesia was performed. Histopathological findings after the surgical excision were suggestive of juvenile fibroadenoma. The patient has a normal breast development throughout 4 years follow-up. The rapid growth of a breast mass in such young patients can be of great concern causing a considerable impact on these patients' psychological and emotional condition. One of the most important concerns is the impact on potential future mammary gland development. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly rule out malignant processes or phyllodes tumors and educate young patients and their families on treatment options that fit their concerns. In addition, the final cosmetic result is essential after the surgical excision; although the primary cause of asymmetrical breast enlargement is a benign mass, early surgical excision is efficient concerning the best possible cosmetic outcome