Differential Diagnosis for a 3 Year Old Breast Mass
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Fibroadenoma: This is the most common benign breast tumor in children and adolescents, often presenting as a firm, mobile mass.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Breast cyst: Simple cysts can occur in young children, although they are less common than in adults.
- Phyllodes tumor: Although rare, these tumors can occur in children and can be either benign, borderline, or malignant.
- Infection or abscess: Mastitis or a breast abscess can present as a mass, especially if there is associated redness, warmth, or fever.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Rhabdomyosarcoma: A rare but aggressive malignant tumor that can present as a breast mass in children.
- Neuroblastoma: Although more commonly associated with the adrenal glands, neuroblastoma can metastasize to the breast and present as a mass.
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can involve the breast, although this is exceedingly rare in young children.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hemangioma: A benign vascular tumor that can occur in the breast, although it is more common in other locations.
- Lipoma: A benign fatty tumor that can occur in the breast, but is less common in children.
- Granuloma: A benign inflammatory lesion that can mimic a tumor, often associated with trauma or infection.