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Panorama Pediatrics

Breast Buds

Definition

  • A small disc-shaped lump felt under the nipple (areola)
  • Indicates the start of puberty

Call or Return If

Call Your Doctor If:

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • You think your child needs to be seen

About This Topic

Symptoms

  • A small disc-shaped lump felt under the areola. The areola is the dark skin around the nipple.
  • They sometimes start just on one side. Don't worry about that.
  • Within 2 or 3 months, a breast bud will also appear on the other side.
  • Breast buds normally can be somewhat tender.
  • They normally become more tender if they are injured, such as in sports.

Cause

  • Triggered by the release of female hormones from the ovaries
  • Breast buds are the first sign of puberty.
  • They normally start in 8-12 year old girls.
  • Sometimes, they are even normal in 7 year olds.

After Care Advice

Overview:
  • Breast buds are small disc-shaped rubbery lumps felt under the nipple.
  • They are always normal. Nothing else looks like them.
  • Breast buds have no risk of turning into cancer.
  • Here is some care advice that should help.
Reassure Your Daughter:
  • Tell her that this is normal sign of puberty.
  • If the breast bud is only on 1 side, the other side will soon develop. This happens in about 2 to 3 months.
Treatment:
  • No treatment is needed.
Avoid Squeezing:
  • Caution: Never squeeze or massage breast buds. Reason: Can cause a serious infection.
  • Biopsy of breast buds is never indicated. Reason: It will disfigure the future breast.
What to Expect:
  • The entire breast develops from the breast bud. It will take 2 or 3 years to be complete.
  • The first menstrual period (menarche) usually occurs 2 years after breast buds appear.

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

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