Breast Buds
Definition
- A small disc-shaped lump felt under the nipple (areola)
- Indicates the start of puberty
Call or Return If
Call Your Doctor If:
- You have other questions or concerns
- You think your child needs to be seen
About This Topic
Symptoms
- A small disc-shaped lump felt under the areola. The areola is the dark skin around the nipple.
- They sometimes start just on one side. Don't worry about that.
- Within 2 or 3 months, a breast bud will also appear on the other side.
- Breast buds normally can be somewhat tender.
- They normally become more tender if they are injured, such as in sports.
Cause
- Triggered by the release of female hormones from the ovaries
- Breast buds are the first sign of puberty.
- They normally start in 8-12 year old girls.
- Sometimes, they are even normal in 7 year olds.
After Care Advice
Overview:
- Breast buds are small disc-shaped rubbery lumps felt under the nipple.
- They are always normal. Nothing else looks like them.
- Breast buds have no risk of turning into cancer.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Reassure Your Daughter:
- Tell her that this is normal sign of puberty.
- If the breast bud is only on 1 side, the other side will soon develop. This happens in about 2 to 3 months.
Treatment:
- No treatment is needed.
Avoid Squeezing:
- Caution: Never squeeze or massage breast buds. Reason: Can cause a serious infection.
- Biopsy of breast buds is never indicated. Reason: It will disfigure the future breast.
What to Expect:
- The entire breast develops from the breast bud. It will take 2 or 3 years to be complete.
- The first menstrual period (menarche) usually occurs 2 years after breast buds appear.
