Breast Development in Children

Talk to your child's pediatrician about early breast develpment.

Breast development in children has several causes. Certain infections, accidents, obesity or endocrine issues could be the culprit. In many instances, something can be done to solve the problem. Your first step is to talk to your child's pediatrician about what might be causing early breast development.

Bump or Infection

Two common causes of breast swelling are breast abscesses or contusions. An abscess is an infection of the tissue; it can cause redness, swelling, fever, pain and nipple discharge and is treated with antibiotics or drainage. A contusion is a lump or trauma caused from a fall or bump. This tender mass should go away in a few weeks.

Breast Development in Infants and Toddlers

Newborns commonly have neonatal breast hypertrophy. This is normal and, if not pestered, should go away within a few months. However, if the area exhibits any signs of infection---redness, swelling---contact your pediatrician. Premature thelarche is seen mostly in girls under age 2. The child will have firm tissue under one or both nipples. The pediatrician should evaluate and monitor this condition.

Obesity

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a child obesity specialist, attributes some breast development to excess weight. Excess fat produces excess hormones, which can look like breast tissue and may actually trigger puberty. It is extremely important to prevent childhood obesity and decrease the possibility of early puberty.

Naturally Occurring and Precocious Puberty

Puberty is an adolescent growth spurt occurring between ages 8 to 13 in girls and 10 to 15 in boys. It lasts 2 to 5 years and is accompanied by pubic and underarm hair, sex-organ development and female menstruation. Puberty hormones can even cause breast development in boys (gynecomastia). The website Keep Kids Healthy emphasizes how common this is and that the breast tissue should eventually go away. Reassure your child this is normal and only temporary. Precocious, or early, puberty can cause several complications; children showing symptoms should be seen by a pediatric endocrinologist as soon as possible.

References

• KeepKidsHealthy: Breast Swelling
• MedicineNet: Definition of Contusion
• WebMD: Breast Lumps in Your Newborn Baby
• Dr. Dolgoff: Early Puberty: Another Result of the Child Obesity Epidemic?
• KidsHealth: Your Child's Growth