Primary Pediatric Breast Lesions: Comparing the Prevalence of Malignancies in the Middle East with North America; Review of 1031 Cases

Benign breast masses are uncommon but are becoming more recognized among the pediatric population. Malignant breast lesions are very rare. The aim of our study was to review and compare the demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of breast lesions, including primary malignancies, and to discuss theories that may explain why there is an increased rate of breast cancers diagnosed at a younger age in the Egyptian population. A total of 1031 cases were reviewed. Comparisons were made between the Egyptian (n = 846) and US (n = 185) cohorts. There were 30 (3.5%) malignant tumors in the Egyptian group with 17 (2%) deaths versus 3 (1.6%) malignant tumors in the US group with 2 (1%) deaths (p = 0.247). The relative risk of breast cancer in the Egyptian group was 2.16 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-7.01) compared with the US group. The trend for increased risk of breast cancer in Egypt may be due to delayed diagnosis because of decreased awareness.