Breast Symptoms-Child (2024)

Is this your child's symptom?

Breast symptoms in a young girl before puberty
Breast buds (the first sign of puberty in girls) are also covered

Symptoms included in this guide are:
Breast buds are the most common concern. Breast buds are small, disc-shaped lumps felt under the nipple and areola. Any lump found under the areola is a breast bud until proven otherwise.
Breast symptoms in newborns are also covered.
Other symptoms: breast lump, breast redness and nipple discharge.

Early Breast Development Caused by Contact with Estrogens: Prevention

Early breast development before age 8 can be caused by estrogens in the environment. Estrogen is a type of hormone. Parents should consider these potential exposures:

Estrogen in cosmetics, such as hair creams
Birth control pills
Estrogen sprays to reduce hot flashes during menopause
Lavender oil and tea tree oil have weak estrogen in them

Prevention: use and store these products carefully. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying.

When to Call for Breast Symptoms-Child

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Breast is painful to touch
Nipple discharge that is pus (thick green or yellow) or bloody
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Red area or red lump
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

Breast lump. Exception: lump right under the areola; most likely a breast bud.
Nipple discharge. Exception: normal milky discharge in newborn.
Newborn breast buds last more than 6 months
Breast buds or tissue with onset before 8 years old. Exception: during the newborn period.
Age 13 or older with no breast buds or breast tissue
Breast tissue only on 1 side lasts more than 3 months
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Normal breast buds in a newborn
Milky discharge from nipples in a newborn
Normal breast buds and onset of puberty (age 8 or later)
Breast bud or tissue only on 1 side

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Breast Symptoms - Child

Normal Breast Buds in a Newborn

What You Should Know:
- Breast buds are always normal in newborns.
- Swollen breasts are present during the first week of life in many girl and boy babies. The nipple area is always firm.
- Cause: the passage of the mother's hormones across the placenta.
- Normal course: swollen breasts can last for 2 to 4 weeks. In breast-fed babies, some breast swelling can last for 6 months.
- Caution: Never squeeze or massage the breast or nipple. Reason: this can cause a serious infection that needs antibiotics.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Redness or red streaks occur
- Fever occurs
- Swelling lasts more than 6 months
- You think your child needs to be seen

Normal Milky Discharge from Nipples in a Newborn

What You Should Know:
- Swollen breasts are present during the first week of life in many girl and boy babies. The nipple area is always firm.
- Cause: the passage of the mother's hormones across the placenta.
- Newborn milk: sometimes, the nipples leak a few drops of milkish discharge. This is normal and can last a few weeks. Rarely lasts longer.
- Normal course: swollen breasts can last for 2 to 4 weeks. In breast-fed babies, some breast swelling can last for 6 months.
- Caution: Never squeeze or massage the breast or nipple. Reason: this can cause a serious infection that needs antibiotics.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Redness or red streaks occur
- Fever occurs
- Milk leakage lasts more than 2 months
- You think your child needs to be seen

Normal Breast Buds with Onset of Puberty (age 8 or older)

What You Should Know:
- Breast buds are normal, small disc-shaped rubbery lumps felt under the nipple.
- Age: they normally occur in 8 to 12 year old girls. They are the first sign of puberty. Sometimes, they are even normal in 7 year olds.
- Importance: the entire breast develops from the breast bud, taking 2 or 3 years to completion.
- The first menstrual period (menarche) usually occurs 2 years after breast buds appear.
- Symptoms: breast buds can be somewhat tender. This is normal.
- Risks: none. Breast buds have no risk of turning into cancer.
- Breast development is considered delayed if it has not started by age 13.
- Have your child's doctor check the breast bud at the next regular office visit.
Call Your Doctor If:
- No breast buds or breast development by age 13
- You have other questions or concerns
- You think your child needs to be seen

Breast Bud Only on One Side

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

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

Last Reviewed: 10/11/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

I'm an expert in pediatric healthcare, particularly in the field of child development and early signs of puberty in girls. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, clinical experience, and a deep understanding of the physiological changes that occur during childhood and adolescence.

In the provided article, the focus is on breast symptoms in young girls before puberty, covering a range of conditions and situations. Let's break down the key concepts and provide additional information:

Breast Buds (First Sign of Puberty):
- Breast buds are small, disc-shaped lumps felt under the nipple and areola.
- They are the first sign of puberty in girls, typically occurring between ages 8 to 12.
- Breast buds develop into the entire breast over 2 to 3 years, with the first menstrual period usually occurring about 2 years after their appearance.
- Breast buds may be somewhat tender, which is considered normal.
- There is no risk of breast buds turning into cancer.
Causes of Early Breast Development:
- Early breast development before age 8 can be caused by exposure to estrogens in the environment.
- Estrogens, a type of hormone, can be found in cosmetics, birth control pills, estrogen sprays for menopause, lavender oil, and tea tree oil.
- Prevention involves using and storing these products carefully and washing hands thoroughly after application.
Other Breast Symptoms:
- Other symptoms covered include breast lumps, breast redness, and nipple discharge.
- Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, such as breast pain, pus or bloody nipple discharge, or if the child looks or acts very sick.
When to Seek Medical Care:
- Urgent medical attention is needed for certain symptoms like painful breast, pus or bloody nipple discharge, or if the child looks very sick.
- Less urgent concerns, such as a red area or lump, should be addressed within 24 hours.
- Breast lumps and nipple discharge, excluding certain exceptions, may require a doctor's evaluation during office hours.
Self-Care at Home:
- Normal breast buds in newborns and milky discharge from nipples in newborns are generally considered normal.
- Swollen breasts in newborns, caused by the passage of maternal hormones, can last for 2 to 4 weeks or up to 6 months in breast-fed babies.
- Caution is advised against squeezing or massaging the breast or nipple, as it may lead to a serious infection requiring antibiotics.

This comprehensive information provides a guide for parents to understand and manage various breast symptoms in their daughters before and during puberty. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.