Medical Problems: Neonatal Palpable Breast Mass

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of a neonatal palpable breast mass. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.

Neonates may have palpable breast masses. It is important to have a clear approach to working up this medical problem (source)
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. A neonatal palpable breast mass is a very self explanatory medical term. The content of this page refers to both male and female neonates.

This page is a subcategory of the broader topic of palpable breast mass.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Often times a neonatal breast masses are benign, however their presence may be concerning to caretakers of the child (who would benefit from re-assuracne that the child’s health is preserved).

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for a neonatal palpable breast mass can be organized in a few different ways:

CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of a neonatal palpable breast mass have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with neonatal palpable breast mass. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data

 

Page Updated: 01.04.2016