Tele-triage for Breast Lump in Children

Audience: pediatric

Finding a breast lump in a child or adolescent can be concerning for parents and caregivers. Many breast lumps in young people are benign and related to normal development, but some may need further evaluation. Telemedicine can help assess the lump by gathering information about its size, location, and any associated symptoms. This helps decide if an in-person visit or urgent care is needed. Tele-triage allows healthcare providers to guide families calmly and clearly, reducing unnecessary visits while ensuring timely care when needed. It is important to watch for warning signs such as rapid growth, pain, redness, or systemic symptoms like fever. Early evaluation of suspicious lumps helps rule out serious conditions. This guide explains how telemedicine can assist in triaging a breast lump in children and when to seek direct medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Lump growing quickly over days to weeks — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• Redness, warmth, or swelling around the lump indicating possible infection — get immediate care.
• Fever, unexplained weight loss, or other systemic symptoms — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of lump characteristics and symptoms.
• Providing guidance on monitoring and next steps.
• Answering questions and alleviating concerns about breast lumps.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or palpation of the lump.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like ultrasound or mammogram.
• Diagnosing or treating serious conditions requiring in-person care.

Understanding Breast Lumps in Children

Breast lumps in children and teenagers are often harmless. Common causes include normal breast development during puberty, cysts, or benign growths called fibroadenomas. These lumps usually feel firm, smooth, and move slightly under the skin. Most do not cause pain. However, any new lump should be evaluated to ensure it is not a sign of infection, injury, or rarely, cancer.

How Tele-triage Works for Breast Lumps

During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about the lump, such as when it was first noticed, its size, whether it changes, and if there is pain or skin changes. They may guide caregivers to describe or show the lump via video. This information helps determine the urgency and type of care needed. Tele-triage is a safe first step to decide if an in-person exam or imaging tests are necessary.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs require urgent medical evaluation in person. These include:

If any of these occur, prompt physical examination and possibly imaging or lab tests are needed.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a tele-triage appointment:

This preparation helps the provider make an accurate assessment.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Based on the tele-triage, the provider may:

Families should monitor the lump and report any new symptoms promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting and privacy for the tele-visit.
• Have the child or adolescent in a comfortable position to show the breast area if needed.
• Note the lump’s size, location, and any changes over time.
• Observe and record any associated symptoms such as pain, redness, or fever.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider recommendations for monitoring or in-person evaluation.
• Schedule imaging or specialist appointments if advised.
• Watch for any new or worsening symptoms and report them promptly.
• Keep a symptom diary to share with healthcare providers during follow-up.
• Maintain open communication with the healthcare team for ongoing care.

FAQs

Are breast lumps common in children and teens?

Yes, breast lumps are relatively common during puberty and are often related to normal breast development. Most lumps in children and teenagers are benign and not cancerous.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of a breast lump?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care, but it cannot replace a physical exam or imaging tests needed for a definitive diagnosis.

When should I be worried about a breast lump in my child?

Seek prompt medical attention if the lump grows quickly, is painful, shows redness or swelling, or if your child has fever or other illness symptoms.

What tests might be needed after tele-triage?

If the provider recommends, your child may need an ultrasound or other imaging tests to better understand the lump. Sometimes a biopsy is needed if the lump is suspicious.

Can boys have breast lumps too?

Yes, boys can develop breast lumps, often due to a condition called gynecomastia, which is benign. Any lump in a boy should also be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Breast Lumps in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. Breast Lump: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Breast Disorders in Adolescents — Mayo Clinic.
4. Breast Cancer in Children and Adolescents — National Cancer Institute.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about a breast lump or your child's health, please seek direct care from a healthcare professional promptly.