Every third woman suffers from mastopathy - a benign pathology of the mammary glands, the essence of which is the degeneration of their structure. Changes in this case may affect the glandular (functional) part of the organ or affect the connective tissue stroma, or may have a combined nature.
In addition, a distinction is made between a widespread form of the disease and a localized one. When a woman’s breast exhibits simultaneous degeneration of the glandular component of the organ and excessive growth of connective tissue without signs of a clear predominance of the first or second, the disease is called fibrocystic mastopathy.
The main reason why FCM is subject to mandatory treatment is the increased risk of developing cancer pathology in already changed areas of the gland.
Comparing the development of breast cancer in groups of women with and without mastopathy, we can talk about a threefold increase in the risk of malignancy.
Fibrocystic mastopathy disguises itself as ordinary premenstrual syndrome, so it is difficult to recognize in the early stages. A woman rarely visits a mammologist or gynecologist and does not engage in self-examination - as a result, mastopathy acquires such pronounced symptoms that it is easy for a doctor to make a diagnosis based on a mere history and objective examination. Ultrasound examination (or mammography, if age permits) is necessary to clarify the size of palpable formations, as well as to search for those that are not yet perceptible during an objective examination.
Fibrocystic mastopathy causes the following symptoms:
The pain is nagging, aching in nature, but there are often cases of acute pain, which makes it impossible to sleep on the stomach, side, or even on the back under a thick blanket. More often, the pain reaches this intensity in the last phase of the menstrual cycle, decreasing somewhat after the onset of bleeding. The more advanced the process, the more pronounced the pain becomes, passing only for a few days at the end of menstruation or not passing at all.
The breast increases in volume and fills up until the skin becomes tense. The formations that can be detected by palpation are dense, moving “balls” with clear boundaries, the sizes of which vary depending on the stage of the disease. Due to constant chest pain, a woman becomes irritable, physically and mentally exhausted. Lack of sleep and neuroses appear. Treatment if you have symptoms of mastopathy is the only sure way out.
The pharmaceutical market offers a number of medicines whose action is aimed specifically at treating mastopathy. Among them there are both registered drugs and dietary supplements, homeopathic or simply herbal remedies: herbal preparations, herbal teas.
From a medical point of view, the following areas of therapy are distinguished:
The direct cause of mastopathy is considered to be a violation of the relationship between the main sex hormones: estrogens, prolactin and progesterone. The traditional hormonal course of treatment is selected exclusively by the doctor after studying the patient’s hormonal background. Self-therapy is strictly prohibited.
Estrogens have a direct effect on the mammary gland, stimulating the growth of the endothelial lining of the milk ducts and alveoli, as well as causing excessive growth of the stroma. The classic anti-estrogenic drug is Tamoxifen. The medicine reduces the intensity of pain and restores the disrupted cycle. To achieve a therapeutic effect, you will have to take it for at least 2 months, and treatment may be accompanied by side reactions (dyspeptic symptoms, sweating, dizziness). Replace the medicine with softer ones - Toremifene or Fareston.
A representative of this group, Bromocriptine, not only affects prolactin, but also reduces the level of growth hormone (growth hormone). It has no effect on pituitary hormones, the levels of which remain within physiological norms. Reduces prolactin-dependent growth of mammary gland tissue, and suppresses it in the presence of lactation. Cysts under the influence of Bromocriptine undergo reverse development, decreasing in size or resolving. Analogue drugs are Laktodel, Parlodel.
Prescribing medications from this group prevents cyclical changes in hormone levels and associated pain. In addition to protecting against unplanned pregnancy, oral contraceptives prevent cancer of the female reproductive system. There are monophasic and combined contraceptives, which are prescribed individually after studying hormone levels.
They have an inhibitory effect on the gonadotropic function of the pituitary gland, and act as antiestrogens on the mammary glands. Oral dosage forms include Pregnil, Pregnin, and norethisterone preparations. An alternative to oral forms are ointments, gels, and creams applied topically. Most often, gynecologists prescribe Progestogel to patients in the form of an ointment or gel, which is a progesterone preparation. The oral form of progesterone is Utrozhestan.
Prescribed for absolute hyperestrogenism, as well as for the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy in women over 45 years of age. Androgens include danazol drugs - Danol or Danoval. The medicine evens out the structure of the mammary glands, has a minimal contraceptive effect, but cannot be used as the only means of contraception.
Treatment of mastopathy with hormonal drugs involves precise adherence to dosage and monitoring of effectiveness through regular testing of hormone levels. To achieve the expected treatment, long periods of therapy are indicated.
An important place in the treatment of mastopathy is occupied by non-hormonal drugs that strengthen the body, restore its defenses and eliminate the cause-and-effect relationships of the disease.
Treatment with folk remedies is an independent and seriously developed area. Despite the fact that such drugs do not have such strict indications as pharmaceutical drugs, it is better to discuss the possibility of their use with your doctor. Inform about your intention to include alternative medicine in your course of treatment. A practicing mammologist can advise the most appropriate and effective methods in your case.
Traditional methods of treatment have a large number of recipes. You can use two or more at once, but you need to be patient. Each of the methods implies regularity and courses: after completing one you will have to take a break, then start again, etc. Only this approach will help to significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease or get rid of it.
This method involves applying leaves to the chest at night or during the day. To do this, wash one or more leaves of the plant and distribute evenly over the surface of the chest. First, you can lightly beat them or mash them so that they release the juice. Change leaves as they dry out.
The following plants are used for this treatment:
There are modifications of recipes according to which the leaves are smeared with honey before applying to the breast or placed on top of other compresses. Also, plants can be used not whole, but chopped.
Plant juices are actively used as a means of treating mastopathy.
Traditional medicine knows many recipes for decoctions and infusions for mastopathy.
Treatment of mastopathy must be supplemented with soothing herbal infusions or teas. To do this, brew and infuse the following herbs:
Herbs can be brewed individually or mixed. Also, folk recipes advise mixing these herbs in equal parts with the following, using weak infusions instead of tea:
Fibrocystic mastopathy is treated with compresses prepared from the following ingredients:
Carrot, pumpkin and beet compresses are prepared from grated raw materials, used separately or mixed with each other. You can mix the vegetable mass with honey. Compresses made from steamed plants are also effective. This is how a compress from wormwood is prepared: the plant is poured with boiling water, left for 15 minutes, after which the liquid is drained, and the remaining herbal mass is wrapped in a thin cloth and applied to the chest. Using the same recipe, a compress is prepared from birch leaves and roots.
For applications, prepare a mixture of honey and flour: mix 2:1 parts and apply to the chest. You can cover the top of the applique with a leaf of burdock or cabbage or apply cling film. Wrap your chest with a scarf.
Rye flatbreads are prepared using the same principle: an egg and a teaspoon of honey are added to three tablespoons of rye flour. The resulting mass is formed into small cakes and applied to the chest.
Mastopathy can be treated with clay applications. For this purpose, unrefined clay is used, which is mixed with water and applied to the chest in a layer of no more than a millimeter. The chest is covered with dry heat from above.
Update: December 2018
It is known that most women suffer from this pathology, and the peak incidence is observed during childbearing age (about 30–45 years). Fibrocystic mastopathy is considered one of the most common diseases in women, and its incidence is 30–40%; in the case of concomitant gynecological diseases in the fairer sex, this pathology reaches 58%.
Fibrocystic mastopathy or fibrocystic disease is a benign dyshormonal pathology of the mammary glands, in which both proliferative and regressive changes are noted in their tissues, as a result of which a pathological relationship between the epithelial and connective tissue components is formed.
The mammary gland is a paired organ and is represented by three types of tissue. The main one is parenchyma or glandular tissue, in which ducts of various diameters pass; the glandular tissue is divided into lobules and lobes (there are about 15 - 20 of them). The lobules and lobes are separated by stroma or connective tissue, which makes up the framework of the mammary gland. And the third type of tissue is adipose tissue, it is in it that the lobules, lobes and stroma of the mammary gland are immersed. The percentage of parenchyma, stroma and adipose tissue is directly related to the physiological state (age) of the reproductive system.
During gestation, the mammary glands reach morphological maturity. Their size and weight increase, the number of lobules and ducts increases, and milk secretion begins in the alveoli (the morphomolecular unit of the mammary gland). After childbirth, due to the production of milk, the mammary glands increase even more (lacteal sinuses are formed in the ducts of the lobes, in which milk accumulates). And after the cessation of lactation, involution occurs in the mammary glands, and the stroma is replaced by adipose tissue. With age (after 40), the parenchyma is also replaced by adipose tissue.
Both the growth and development of the mammary glands are regulated by numerous hormones. The main ones are, and. A role in regulating the development of mammary glands and somatotropic hormone has also been proven. The main changes in the mammary glands under the influence of hormones are the parenchyma, and to a lesser extent the stroma is subject to hormonal influence. The condition of the mammary glands depends on the ratio of the content of these hormones. When the hormonal balance is disturbed, mammary gland mastopathy develops.
In modern medicine there are a large number of classifications of this disease. The following is considered the most convenient in clinical work:
In the case of damage to both mammary glands, they speak of bilateral fibrocystic mastopathy, and if the process develops in one gland - about unilateral (for example, a cyst of the left mammary gland).
Depending on the severity of clinical manifestations, the disease can be mild, moderate or severe.
In addition, both diffuse and nodular mastopathy can be of proliferating and non-proliferating forms. Fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM) of the first form is prognostically unfavorable. In this case, proliferation of the epithelium of the milk ducts occurs, which leads to the formation of intraductal papillomas or proliferative changes in the epithelium of the internal walls of the cysts, which leads to the development of cystadenopapilloma.
All the described changes are fraught with malignant degeneration and are dangerous.
A special form of the mammary gland also appears at the end of the second phase of the cycle, which is called mastodynia or mastalgia. Mastodynia is caused by cyclic engorgement of the gland due to venous stagnation and stromal edema, which leads to a sharp increase and soreness of the mammary gland (more than 15%).
The etiological factors and the mechanism of development of the disease are caused by hormonal imbalance. The leading role in the formation of mastopathy is given to conditions in which there is progesterone deficiency, impaired ovarian function and/or absolute or relative hyperestrogenism. This is due to the fact that estrogens promote the proliferation of epithelium in the alveoli, milk ducts, and enhance the activity of fibroblasts, which causes proliferation of the stroma. Also in the mechanism of formation of the disease, hyperprolactinemia and excess prostaglandins are also important (causing mastodynia, and then mastopathy). For the development of hormonal imbalance, the action of provoking factors is necessary. But even with their existence, mastopathy does not develop immediately, since it requires their long-term influence (several years) and “layering” of one factor on top of another. Such provoking factors include:
With mastopathy, the symptoms and their severity depend not only on the form of the disease, but also on the emotional state and character of the woman and on existing concomitant pathologies. In the mastopathy clinic, the following symptoms predominate:
Pain syndrome can be of varying nature and intensity. In the initial stage of the disease, chest pain appears on the eve of menstruation, which many women regard as premenstrual syndrome. The pain can be dull, aching, or so sharp that it is impossible to touch the chest. The pain syndrome is caused by stagnation of blood in the veins and tissue swelling and is described by patients as breast engorgement. Women also note an increase in the volume of the mammary glands (edema). After menstruation, the pain disappears, but as the pathology progresses, the pain becomes constant, only its intensity changes depending on the phase of the cycle. Severe pain also negatively affects the psycho-emotional state of a woman. In addition to sleep disturbances, mental lability is noted, irritability, aggressiveness and tearfulness appear.
Discharge from the nipples is a characteristic, but not obligatory symptom of mastopathy. The severity and color of the discharge also varies. The discharge may be insignificant and appear only when the nipple is compressed, or it may occur independently, as evidenced by stains on the underwear. The color of the discharge may be whitish or transparent, or greenish, which indicates a secondary infection. The appearance of discharge from the breast indicates involvement of the milk ducts in the process. An unfavorable prognostic sign is the appearance of brown or bloody discharge, which is characteristic of malignant tumors.
It is more often diagnosed in young women, and palpation reveals enlarged and painful mammary glands with rough heaviness and pronounced lobulation, as well as fine granularity.
Nodular is the next stage in the development of the disease, which occurs in the absence of treatment for the diffuse form of the pathology. Palpation of the mammary glands allows you to feel with your fingers individual or individual areas of the lump or cyst. Foci of compaction are palpated as dense nodes without obvious boundaries with pronounced lobulation. The nodes can reach impressive sizes (up to 6–7 cm). In the case of the formation of a mammary gland cyst, round or oval elastic formations with obvious boundaries that are not connected with the surrounding tissues are palpated.
Diagnosis of the disease begins with collecting anamnesis and complaints. After the survey, the patient’s doctor examines and palpates the mammary glands. During the examination, the contours of the breast, the presence/absence of asymmetry of the mammary glands, skin tone and venous pattern, the position of the nipples and whether there is any deformation are clarified.
Next, the mammary glands are palpated (necessarily in the first phase of the cycle) in two positions: standing and lying, since some formations may not be palpable in one position. In addition, the doctor squeezes the nipples and determines the presence/absence of discharge from them, and also palpates the regional lymph nodes (axillary, sub- and supraclavicular).
Instrumental methods for diagnosing mastopathy include:
The essence of this method is an X-ray examination of the chest. Mammography is indicated for women at significant risk for breast cancer, as well as all women 35 years of age and older during medical examination. inspection. X-rays of the mammary glands are performed in the first half of the cycle (7 – 10 days) and always in 2 projections (direct and lateral). The advantages of mammography include high information content (up to 97%) and the ability to detect non-palpable formations.
This examination is indicated for women under 35 years of age, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The advantages of the method are harmlessness and safety, high resolution, the ability to examine breast implants or in case of existing trauma and/or inflammation of the breast, and the ability to examine regional lymph nodes. Among the disadvantages of the method: it is impossible to examine the mammary gland as a whole, but only a “slice”, little information content in case of fatty degeneration of the breast, subjective assessment of the images (depending on the qualifications and experience of the doctor).
If a suspicious area (compaction or cavity formation) is identified, a fine-needle puncture of the pathological focus is performed, followed by a histological examination of the contents.
First of all, the level of estrogen and progesterone is determined; if hyperprolactinemia is suspected, the level of prolactin is determined, and if necessary, adrenal and thyroid hormones are examined.
It is carried out to exclude diseases of the ovaries and uterus.
Liver enzymes, blood sugar and other indicators are examined to exclude concomitant extragenital diseases.
In addition, additional methods for examining the mammary glands include (if necessary) ductography (examination of the milk ducts), pneumocystography (examination of cavity formation), laser and digital mammography, thermography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
When mastopathy is detected, treatment must be carried out without fail and its tactics depend on a number of factors: the patient’s age, the form of the disease, the presence of concomitant pathology, interest in pregnancy or contraception. Fibrocystic mastopathy involves treatment both conservatively and surgically.
Conservative treatment Patients are treated only with a diagnosed form of diffuse mastopathy, and after consultation with a mammologist-oncologist. Conservative therapy is carried out with non-hormonal and hormonal drugs.
Vitamin A is prescribed, which has an anti-estrogenic effect, vitamin E, which enhances the effect of progesterone, vitamin B6, which reduces the content of prolactin, vitamins PP, P and ascorbic acid, which strengthen the vascular wall, normalize microcirculation and reduce swelling of the mammary glands. In addition, all of these vitamin preparations improve liver function, where estrogens are inactivated and generally have a beneficial effect on mammary gland tissue.
Iodomarin and iodine active are used, which normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland and participate in the formation of its hormones (see).
Prescription (motherwort, valerian, peony tincture) normalizes the patient’s psycho-emotional state, improves sleep and increases resistance to stress. Adaptogens (eleutherococcus, radiola rosea) stimulate the immune system, normalize metabolic processes in the body, improve liver and brain function.
Mastodinone, cyclodinone or remens are used, which have a beneficial effect on hormonal balance, eliminate pathological processes in the mammary glands, and reduce the concentration of prolactin.
The prescription of drugs such as indomethacin, nise, or not only reduces pain by suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandins, the “causative agents” of pain, but also relieves swelling and engorgement of the mammary glands.
Diuretics (Lasix or: lingonberry leaf, kidney tea,) help reduce swelling in the mammary glands and reduce pain.
This is the main link of conservative treatment, it consists of prescribing the following groups of drugs:
Taking utrozhestan, duphaston, norkolut, pregnin and other drugs in the second phase of the cycle reduces the synthesis of estrogen and normalizes progesterone levels, which has a beneficial effect on the course of mastopathy. The duration of taking progestin agents is at least 4 months. Local use of gestagens (progestogel) is also possible - applying the gel to the surface of the mammary glands twice a day for at least 3 to 4 months, which promotes the absorption of 90% of progesterone by mammary tissue and eliminates side effects.
Parlodel suppresses the secretion of prolactin and is prescribed for detected hyperprolactinemia.
Treatment with androgens (methyltestosterone, danazol, testobromlecid) is carried out for women after 45 years of age for 4 to 6 months continuously. Androgens inhibit the release of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland, suppress their effect on the ovaries and inhibit the production of hormones by the ovaries.
Tamoxifen and other drugs in this group are taken continuously for 3 months.
Taking Marvelon, Rigevidon and other contraceptive drugs is indicated for patients under 35 years of age with anovulation and disruption of the second phase of the cycle.
Surgical treatment indicated for the detection of nodular mastopathy (fibroadenoma or cyst) and consists of either sectoral resection of the mammary gland (removal of the pathological focus along with the breast sector) or enucleation (husking) of the tumor/cyst. Indications for surgery are: suspicion of cancer according to histological examination of the puncture, rapid growth of fibroadenoma, recurrence of the cyst after a previous puncture.
Pregnancy has a beneficial effect on the course of mastopathy, since the change (increased secretion of progesterone) during gestation not only stops the disease, but promotes complete recovery.
Not only is it possible, but it is also necessary. Lactation is the prevention of breast diseases, and in the case of mastopathy, it helps to normalize processes in the tissues of the mammary glands (the growth of the epithelium of the glandular tissue increases, which suppresses the proliferation of pathological cells).
Yes, it is possible to use traditional treatment methods for this disease, but only when combined with drug treatment and after consulting a doctor.
One of the effective methods of traditional therapy is the use of fresh cabbage. You can apply a fresh cabbage leaf with cut veins to your chest overnight, wrapping it in a towel, or you can twist the cabbage and pumpkin (1:1) through a meat grinder, distribute the resulting mass evenly over the mammary glands, wrap it in plastic, and then with gauze and leave the compress for 2 hours. . Such treatment relieves pain and inflammation, reduces swelling in the mammary glands and is carried out in courses of 7 to 14 days.
Complications of mastopathy include relapse of the disease after drug treatment, which is possible with undiagnosed hormonal disorders, suppuration and rupture of a breast cyst and the degeneration of fibroadenoma into cancer (less than 1% in the non-proliferating form and reaches 32% in the case of pronounced proliferation of fibroadenoma). Therefore, nodular mastopathy must be treated surgically without delay.
Sunbathing, as well as other thermal procedures (visiting a bathhouse or sauna) is prohibited for this disease. It should be remembered that with any form of mastopathy, a woman is at high risk for breast cancer, and insolation and any other type of “heating” of the breast contributes to the transition of diffuse mastopathy to nodular or malignancy of a benign breast tumor.
Yes, for mastopathy, you should adhere to the principles of therapeutic nutrition, which excludes the intake of chocolate, coffee, tea and cocoa due to their high content of methylxanthines, which not only increase the pain syndrome, but also contribute to the progression of the disease. The diet should be rich in fresh vegetables and fruits (sources of vitamins and coarse fiber, which improves intestinal function), grains and bran products, fermented milk and seafood (sources of calcium and iodine), vegetable oils (vitamin E).
To prevent the development of mastopathy, it is necessary to adhere to several principles:
Fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM) is a pathological condition of the mammary glands, accompanied by the appearance of lumps and cysts of various sizes and shapes. This is a fairly common disease among women of reproductive age, affecting at least half of the female population. The disease responds well to treatment in the early stages: it is better to undergo all therapeutic procedures in advance, without waiting for adverse consequences to develop.
N60.1 Diffuse cystic mastopathy
The main reason for the development of fibrocystic mastopathy is hormonal destabilization in the body: the hormones progesterone and estradiol play a leading role in the process. Factors that determine hormone imbalance may include the following:
Initially, the fibrocystic form of mastopathy was not defined as a condition predisposing to breast cancer. However, recent scientific research has shown that mastopathy should be considered precisely as a precancerous condition, which under certain circumstances can transform into a malignant tumor.
The likelihood of developing breast cancer as a consequence of FCM depends on many factors, for example, the total duration of the disease, its stage, intensity and brightness of manifestations. A history of multiple and large cysts, fibroadenoma, adenosis, hyperplasia and proliferative mastopathy increases the risk of developing cancer by 2-4 times.
Although fibrocystic mastopathy is considered a benign disease, in some cases it is an intermediate process in the formation of a malignant formation. That is why clinical examination of patients with treated FCM and long-term monitoring of their condition is an important link in the prevention of breast cancer.
The clinical symptoms of fibrocystic mastopathy are determined by painful sensations, thickening of the mammary gland and the appearance of discharge from the milk ducts. By palpation you can feel small- and coarse-grained formations, dense areas of breast tissue. Pain in this disease can appear spontaneously, or occur only when trying to touch: a feeling of slight discomfort can be replaced by sharp, severe pain even from a small touch.
Pain in the mammary gland may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, puffiness, squeezing, and sometimes radiates to the shoulder joint or to the axillary area.
Patients often note the appearance of secretion from the milk canals: the secreted liquid resembles colostrum, or may be slightly yellow or greenish.
The initial symptoms of fibrocystic mastopathy may be more pronounced with the onset of menstruation or PMS. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced, the pain is more noticeable, and tissue compactions can be detected regardless of the frequency of the cycle.
The presence of pain in fibrocystic mastopathy is a fairly common, but very individual symptom. Dull, aching, shooting, twitching, it can have varying intensity and be accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the mammary glands.
The pain often intensifies before the onset of menstruation (at the same time the level of hormones increases), may be limited to local manifestations or radiate to the shoulder joint, subscapularis and axillary region.
Not all women feel pain with mastopathy: about 10% of patients usually do not observe signs of painful discomfort, and some feel pain only during their menstrual period. At the same time, the general symptoms of the disease may be absolutely the same. The reason for this phenomenon may be differences in pressure on nerve endings and differences in individual pain thresholds.
Also, soreness can be observed not only in the mammary glands, but also in nearby lymph nodes, which may be slightly enlarged and tense.
Discharge from fibrocystic mastopathy may not be observed in all cases of the disease. This phenomenon is individual: there may be no liquid discharge at all, sometimes it can be very copious (often this sign allows one to independently detect the disease), or occur only when the peripapillary area is slightly compressed. The discharge usually does not have a specific odor, its color varies from transparent, light, whitish to yellowish and greenish. Sometimes their appearance resembles colostrum (the secretion of the mammary glands, secreted in the last days of pregnancy and in the first days after childbirth).
In some cases, the discharge may acquire a brownish or bloody tint: this is a rather serious symptom that requires mandatory medical examination. Bloody discharge from the milk ducts can be a sign of a malignant process in the mammary glands, destruction of the capillary blood supply system and damage to the walls of the ducts.
In principle, any detected nipple discharge requires consultation with a specialist, and this especially applies to discharge mixed with blood.
Pregnancy with fibrocystic mastopathy is not only possible, but also desirable. Everyone knows that during the period of bearing a child, a significant restructuring of the hormonal status in a woman’s body occurs. This can serve as an impetus for further stabilization of hormone levels and stopping the development of the disease. For this reason, many gynecologists strongly recommend that women become pregnant, boldly bear the child, and then breastfeed the child.
By the way, the natural period of lactation often becomes the main medicine to combat the disease. You should not interrupt breastfeeding in advance: the period of breastfeeding often brings women relief and even complete recovery with the resorption of cystic formations and nodes.
If a woman was treated for FCM with hormonal drugs and became pregnant in the same cycle, treatment of the disease should be stopped immediately, since the use of hormones during pregnancy requires great caution. In this situation, consult your doctor; perhaps he will prescribe you other, non-hormonal drugs approved for use during pregnancy.
The question of breastfeeding a child with fibrocystic mastopathy should be decided by a mammologist, since the degree of progression and severity of the disease is individual for all women.
The bottom line is that breastfeeding promotes certain physiological processes in a woman’s body: in particular, the growth and reproduction of epithelial cells of the mammary glands are activated, which tend to synthesize their own antibodies that can affect various neoplasms, including cysts and fibromatous nodes.
Long-term breastfeeding should be carried out with constant monitoring of the condition of the mammary glands, with periodic examination by a doctor and measures to prevent lactostasis. Taking medications during the lactation period must be agreed with the doctor.
According to recent scientific research, fibrocystic mastopathy should be considered as a possible precancerous condition. This concept is morphological in nature, it can include intraductal atypical proliferation of the epithelium and manifestations of carcinoma.
If you notice the following signs and symptoms on your breasts, you should immediately seek advice from a specialist:
ICD-10 is a generally accepted international classification of diseases, among which there are all types of mastopathy. It is the primary information document used by healthcare professionals around the world. Standardization and unification of diseases has the right to be revised only once a decade.
This classification is intended to create the most comfortable conditions for determining the analytical data of world statistics regarding the level of disease cases and deaths that are periodically recorded and sent by various regions and countries of the world. Diagnostic indicators are described as an alphanumeric code, which is extremely convenient in the process of storing and retrieving the necessary information. Data received from all over the world is carefully structured and processed.
Diseases and pathological conditions of the mammary gland in the ICD 10 list are in the subsection of diseases of the genitourinary system, numbered N60-N64.
Diffuse lesions of the mammary gland are characterized by excessive growth of connective tissue areas of various shapes. This condition can disrupt the structure of the canals and lobular structure of the glandular organ and contribute to the appearance of small cystic formations.
The diverse etiology of diffuse mastopathy can be associated with genetic predisposition, ecology, and multiple external factors. The determining causes are a disorder of neurohumoral processes, increased estrogen synthesis and progesterone deficiency.
Depending on the structure and nature of tissue damage, the following types of diffuse mastopathy are distinguished:
The intensity of the detected disorders makes it possible to divide diffuse mastopathy into minor, moderate and severe forms.
The term “focal fibrocystic mastopathy” is often also applied to nodular FCM. Nodular mastopathy can be characterized by the proliferation of connective tissue areas and the formation of cystic formations resembling single or multiple nodes.
With this disease, one or a group of nodules with clear, limited contours can be palpated in the mammary gland. Before the onset of menstruation, nodular formations may swell, enlarge, and become somewhat painful. At the end of menstruation, you can easily palpate low-painful nodules of various shapes, densely elastic consistency, having clear boundaries that are not fused with the surrounding tissues. It is noteworthy that in a horizontal position the nodules can be palpated extremely weakly, or even completely absent.
Peripheral nodes usually do not enlarge.
Pain may be insignificant or absent at all, and the presence of nodules in women is more often discovered completely by accident: thus, the manifestations of the disease can be very individual.
Nodular mastopathy is quite often a consequence of a diffuse disease.
The medical term non-proliferative fibrocystic mastopathy refers to a disease of the mammary glands that does not have characteristic signs of proliferation, namely tissue proliferation of the glandular organ with the formation of a neoplasm and intensive cell division and multiplication. With this pathology, there is no increase in the number of structural elements of the tissue and the organ as a whole, and there is no excessive growth of tissue, as in many other pathological conditions. There may be significant or localized tissue swelling that cannot be described as the formation of new structures.
Proliferation is the process of cell reproduction, which in most cases turns out to be the final stage of any inflammation, in which a clear separation of the pathological focus from healthy nearby tissues can be observed.
The non-proliferative form of FCM has a more favorable course and prognosis, but requires no less careful medical monitoring and treatment.
With a mixed form of fibrocystic mastopathy, the characteristic symptoms of all forms of the disease are combined:
This form of the disease is a somewhat advanced version of the disease, is more difficult to treat and requires long-term therapeutic interventions.
The name of this form of FCM speaks for itself - manifestations of fibrocystic disease with this pathology are present on two mammary glands simultaneously. The changes are expressed in hyperplasia of connective tissue, fibrous, glandular elements in both mammary glands, affecting the organs themselves and their milk canals, which contributes to the disruption of trophic processes and the formation of cystic formations.
Such bilateral damage to the mammary glands approximately doubles the risk of a malignant tumor, although FCM itself does not pose a life-threatening threat.
Bilateral fibrocystic mastopathy is a consequence of a persistent, long-term and serious imbalance in the hormonal balance in the body, so its treatment should be aimed primarily at restoring the normal natural level of hormones, identifying the cause of the imbalance (pathology of the ovaries, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary system, etc. .).
Violation of the regularity of the appearance of menstruation and their complete disappearance for a woman of fifty years of age is considered a normal physiological state, moreover, it determines the positive dynamics of the current pathological processes of the reproductive system of the body, up to complete recovery.
The risk of acquiring additional or aggravating existing breast disease may increase if the onset of menopause occurs too early (before 45 years) or too late (after 55 years).
With the first symptoms of menopause, a significant change in hormonal balance occurs. During this time, the mammary glands may cause pain and a feeling of tension and pressure.
Typically, the signs of fibrocystic mastopathy weaken in this period. Cystic formations, cords and nodes in the mammary glands can significantly decrease or disappear altogether, pain and heaviness in the chest gradually fade away.
Simultaneously with the decrease in ovarian function, the glandular tissue in the mammary glands gradually atrophies and is replaced by connective tissue and lipid areas.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the so-called “test tube conception”, sometimes the only way for childless couples to have their own child. Before preparing for artificial insemination, you should see many doctors to determine possible contraindications to the procedure. Often women are very worried about the presence of various forms of FCM: what will the doctor say, and is mastopathy a contraindication to IVF?
Honestly, their worries are not groundless: during artificial insemination, the method of hormonal stimulation is used, and this can significantly complicate the course of the disease and provoke a rapid increase in cystic formations.
However, many doctors understand the importance of this procedure for a woman. Also taken into account is the fact that FCM phenomena tend to regress during the period of breastfeeding. Therefore, reproductology and mammology often give permission to perform in vitro fertilization procedures even in the presence of fibrocystic mastopathy.
The most common consequences of FCM may be the following conditions:
Fibrocystic mastopathy cannot pose any immediate danger to the patient’s life and is not the cause of significant discomfort and inability to live a full life (in the absence of advanced stages with huge cystic formations).
The severity of the pathological process is aggravated only with the background development of the inflammatory reaction, the entry of an infectious agent, and signs of suppuration of the nodes.
There are also cases of transformation of a cyst into a cancerous tumor, because it is known that the development of mastopathy significantly increases the risk of the formation of a malignant tumor.
Cystic FCM can be detected by independently palpating the mammary glands. To confirm the diagnosis, ultrasound and mammography (x-ray of the mammary glands) are used.
The mammography method is quite informative and determines the size, contours and number of cystic formations.
The ultrasound method provides the opportunity for a detailed examination of formations with examination of the cystic wall.
Magnetic resonance imaging is used quite rarely; this method allows for a thorough examination of each layer of tissue and formations.
Aspiration biopsy of the breast determines the nature of the cystic formation; a similar result can be demonstrated by pneumocystography.
Histological examination of the material extracted during biopsy is mandatory: this method is necessary to study the cellular structure of the cyst and allows you to refute the malignant nature of the formations, determine the presence of intraductal papilloma, or clarify the presence of inflammatory and purulent processes in the cyst.
Also, standard diagnosis of mastopathy is impossible without palpation of the mammary glands and collection of anamnesis characteristic of this pathology. Sometimes blood tests may be ordered to determine the extent of hormonal imbalance.
The ultrasound method allows you to measure the thickness of the layer of glandular tissue in each area of the mammary glands from the periphery to the peripapillary zone, as well as evaluate tissue density in various zones of the organs.
The image obtained using ultrasound changes steadily depending on the patient’s age: over the years, the thickness of the glandular tissue layer decreases, and the density increases, reaching maximum values by the age of 55.
The structure of the mammary glands varies significantly during adolescence, the reproductive period, menopause, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
With fibroadenomatosis and diffuse mastopathy, the picture may be different depending on the dominance of any sign of the disease: it can be glandular hyperplasia, cystic formations, fibrous changes or a mixed type of pathology. Very often, the cystic manifestation of FCM is combined with signs of fibrosis of glandular tissues.
The main ultrasound signs of fibrocystic mastopathy are:
The puncture is usually performed by aspiration using a thin needle. The cystic capsule is punctured with a needle, which simultaneously aspirates the internal contents of the cyst. The procedure is not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic.
The cystic contents obtained during puncture usually have a yellowish-gray color, but if the cyst exists for a long time, the fluid may acquire a brown-black or greenish color. Cytological examination of the contents is rarely carried out due to its low information content.
A puncture for collecting cells from a tumor-like formation of the mammary gland is a fairly popular research procedure. The obtained cell samples are necessarily sent for histological and cytological examination. Sometimes, if the aspiration result is negative, a repeat cell biopsy may be prescribed.
Puncture of the mammary gland is a low-painful, but extremely informative procedure, which is extremely necessary in the differential diagnosis of fibrocystic FCM.
The main measures in the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy should be aimed at stabilizing the normal hormonal levels in the female body.
Therapeutic methods of influence are determined by a specialist based on the results of tests of hormones in the blood, in particular progesterone, estradiol and prolactin. In accordance with the results, medications are prescribed that can correct the imbalance of hormones.
Treatment of mastopathy may include a puncture method of aspiration of fluid from the cyst with further introduction into the cavity of special drugs that provoke obliteration of the walls of the cyst (sclerotherapy). This procedure is applicable to ordinary cystic formations without symptoms of malignancy of the process and symptoms of an intraductal tumor.
In severe situations, characterized by the appearance of multiple cystic formations, excessive tissue growth, as well as when malignant degeneration of cells is suspected, a sectoral resection of the mammary gland is used with mandatory histology of samples of removed tissue.
Traditional treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy is used for unstable and mild symptoms of the disease; with nodular FCM, a slight decrease in formations is noted, but relapses of pathological foci cannot be excluded.
Cabbage leaves are also effective in treating mastopathy. Usually, cabbage leaves are applied at night, or a compress is made: the mammary gland is lubricated with unsalted butter, a clean cloth is applied, and a mixture of ground cabbage and sour milk is applied. You can use this compress both day and night, after wrapping your chest in cellophane.
Using a mask of castor oil (100 g), honey (2 tablespoons), lemon juice (from 2 lemons) and ground burdock root (to the consistency of sour cream) will help with varying degrees of disease development. All ingredients are mixed and placed on a clean linen napkin. Constant use of the mask allows you to achieve recovery within a month after the start of treatment.
Also popular are products based on herbs and medicinal plant infusions.
Surgical treatment is used for fibroadenoma or some large cystic formations.
For minor tumors and nodes, sometimes conservative therapy and periodic observation by a specialist are sufficient.
The following methods of surgical treatment of the disease are usually used:
The use of surgical treatment must be justified and used for the following indications:
Surgery is performed using general or local anesthesia; the operation lasts about 40 minutes.
Therapeutic drugs used in the treatment of mastopathy should primarily be aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease, improving the body's immunity, and treating pathologies of the ovaries and thyroid gland.
For severe pain, analgesic drugs, diuretics (relieve swelling of the gland before menstruation), and homeopathic remedies are used.
Starting from the age of forty, steroid drugs methylandrostenediol, methyltestosterone, and testosterone injections may be prescribed.
If the function of the corpus luteum is insufficient, progesterone medications or injections are taken in the second phase of the cycle.
Iodine preparations may be prescribed for insufficient thyroid function.
The effectiveness of the listed funds is varied. However, the benefits of treatment are felt as a result of the complex effects of drugs: analgesics, bromocriptine, vitamins, homeopathy, potassium iodide, contraceptives, herbal remedies, tamoxifen, danazol, progestin agents, etc.
The drug Mastodinon is a homeopathic remedy that is very popular among women who have problems with the menstrual cycle, pathology of the mammary glands, and PMS.
The drug is popular primarily for its effectiveness, as well as the natural origin of the composition of the product: the medicine is based exclusively on herbs.
Mastodinon eliminates various menstrual cycle disorders, helps with fibrocystic FCM, and relieves the accompanying symptoms of PMS.
The drug helps reduce the synthesis of prolactin by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which allows it to influence the processes of pathological proliferation of mammary tissue.
Taking Mastodinon is extremely rarely accompanied by side effects due to the presence of exclusively natural components in the drug.
Mastodinon for fibrocystic mastopathy is used 30 drops or one tablet twice a day. Can be diluted with a small amount of liquid.
The drug should be taken for at least 90 days continuously, the visible effect appears already in the second month of use.
Mastodinon can be taken for quite a long period if there are proper medical indications for this.
The use of an alternative method of treatment with homeopathy has long proven itself to be good: homeopathic remedies do not accumulate in the body, do not provoke allergic or adverse reactions, and are suitable for treating pregnant women and nursing mothers, the elderly and small children.
Homeopathy can cure the disease within 2-5 weeks, and relapses after taking medications are extremely rare.
During the inflammatory process in the tissues of the gland, drugs based on apis (apis mellifica) work well, and belladonna will relieve swelling and a burning sensation in the mammary glands.
Significant suppuration of the gland, accompanied by high temperatures and dull pain, is a reason to prescribe drugs prepared from bryonia and bufo plants. Pulsatilla extract can help cure breast disease caused by injury.
Despite the fact that homeopathic medicines have virtually no contraindications and precautions in use, the use of remedies should be discussed with a doctor. He will help you choose the right drug that will make treatment of the disease even more effective.
Drug therapy for fibrocystic FCM is often supplemented with vitamin complexes containing vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, PP and ascorbic acid, as well as vitamin E.
Vitamin E has a special role in therapeutic measures in the fight against the disease. This vitamin has antioxidant properties, enhances the action of progesterone, takes part in the regulation of fat metabolism, and softens the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.
The antioxidant properties explain the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of the drug. However, for it to be effective, you must take vitamin E for at least three months.
B vitamins are also important in the treatment of mastopathy. They are responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system and normalize energy metabolism. The performance of the immune system, cell division and growth are ensured by these vitamins. It is especially necessary to take vitamin supplements for people who are characterized by mental and emotional stress, stress, and chronic diseases.
You can improve the supply of vitamins to your body by taking vitamin complexes, or provide your diet with a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits.
The principles of dietary changes for fibrocystic mastopathy are aimed at stabilizing the hormonal levels in the body.
It is recommended to include foods containing fiber in the diet - these are all types of cereals, parsley, dill, and various greens. It is important to consume natural estrogens - these are peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, mung beans, cabbage (white cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Peking cabbage, broccoli, Savoy, cauliflower). Needless to say, how much the body needs vitamins and minerals contained in citrus fruits, dried fruits, and other fruits and vegetables.
Iodine, which is rich in seafood and fish, is also useful for the functioning of the endocrine system. The source of the necessary phospholipids will be liver dishes and fermented milk products.
It is recommended to limit the consumption of animal fats and fast carbohydrates, and monitor the caloric content of the diet: being overweight has an adverse effect on the health of the mammary glands and a woman’s reproductive function.
The diet for fibrocystic mastopathy should be balanced, rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. Great importance should be paid to the drinking regime: a sufficient amount of liquid will allow you to quickly stabilize metabolic processes in the body. One and a half liters of clean water per day is the optimal amount of fluid for the normal functioning of the body.
In addition, for successful treatment of FCM, it is necessary to exclude foods containing methylxanthines from the diet - black tea, coffee, cocoa, Coca-Cola, chocolate.
Mastopathy is a common female problem. Cystic mastopathy is a condition of the mammary glands, which is characterized by pathological proliferation of connective tissue. Cystic mastopathy is a diffuse fibrocystic type of disease, with the predominant growth of cysts and hollow seals, inside of which there is fluid.Mastopathy occurs due to hormonal imbalance. The growth and size of cysts, as well as pain, depend on hormonal levels. In this case, it depends on the amount of estrogen in the body.
With a lack of progesterone and an increased level of estrogen, a state of hyperestrogenism develops, which provokes the growth of connective tissue.
Also, an increased amount of prolactin, which affects the growth, development and function of the mammary glands, plays some role in the occurrence of mastopathy.
Cystic mastopathy is often observed in women over 50 years of age. For comparison, according to statistics, only 20% of young women suffer from this disease. But recently, an increase in incidence has been recorded in patients under 30 years of age (“rejuvenation” of mastopathy).
The formation of cystic mastopathy is influenced by many different reasons related to heredity (genetic predisposition) and the characteristics of a woman’s lifestyle and her environment. Most often, all the factors that provoke hormonal imbalance simultaneously affect the body, creating an unfavorable background.
It is this that is realized in cystic mastopathy. Based on the main factors influencing the formation and development of mastopathy, the following reasons are distinguished: One of the main reasons is disruption of the reproductive system. Cystic mastopathy often occurs in women with early onset of menstruation - up to 12 years, suffering from infertility, in the presence of abortions (artificial or spontaneous), late first pregnancy and childbirth, a short period of breastfeeding (up to 5 months), if the woman had little pregnancies and childbirth (no more than two), late menopause (after 53 years);
· The provoking factor is considered to be the lack of sexual life or its irregularity, as well as the lack of a feeling of satisfaction;
· Various stressful situations: conflicts at home and at work, constant fatigue, negative emotional state, frequent neuroses and hysteria;
· Hormonal and metabolic changes: imbalance of thyroid hormones and sex hormones. Most often, cysts in the mammary glands form in women with diabetes and those who are overweight;
· Cystic mastopathy also occurs in women with concomitant gynecological diseases: chronic inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs (adnexitis), hyperplastic processes (endometriosis, uterine fibroids), disrupted menstrual cycle (polycystic ovaries) and others;
· Hereditary predisposition. Research has proven that cystic mastopathy is more likely to develop in women whose mothers suffered from this pathology;
In addition to the listed risk factors that provoke mastopathy, there are also the woman’s environment and her lifestyle, and the presence of bad habits. Women often suffer from this pathology due to nervous strain, mental work, chronic lack of sleep, poor diet (insufficient amount of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, excess saturated fat).
Changes in cystic mastopathy are characterized by the appearance of fibrous tissue and a nodular structure in the mammary gland. The nodules have clear edges and move freely within the surrounding structures. Basically, nodes form in the upper part of the mammary gland (near the armpit), which is due to the anatomical features of this area.
This pathology manifests itself as constant or periodic pain in the chest, which depends on changes in the volume of the mammary glands during menstruation. Itching and excessive sensitivity of the mammary glands and nipples also appear.
Discharge from the chest of a purulent, sanguineous or bloody nature may appear. In the latter case, it is necessary to exclude malignant transformation. Periodic pain is directly related to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur before the onset of cyclic discharge and disappear after it ends. This period is characterized by changes in the mammary glands, swelling and an increase in volume. The more severe cystic mastopathy is, the earlier clinical symptoms appear (not in the middle of the cycle, but earlier than the 15th day).
Diagnostic measures for suspected cystic mastopathy include the following:
· Conversation with a woman to collect information about the presence of hereditary factors;
Examination of the breast by a specialist followed by palpation;
· Laser or digital mammography (with the help of this study, various pathological processes of the breast are diagnosed);
· Pneumocystography - used to assess intracystic pathology after identifying cystic mastopathy. The air introduced into the cyst is a good contrast, and therefore allows visualization of intracavity formations and parietal inclusions. Their presence is suspicious for cancer;
Ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging (additional examination).
Diagnosing cystic mastopathy in the initial stages of development allows you to avoid various complications, among which the most dangerous is a tumor process of a malignant nature of the mammary gland. These changes are called malignancy. And since women, when the symptoms described above appear, do not understand what these signs entail, this means that diagnostic measures should be carried out by an experienced specialist in specialized centers. Seeking medical help must be timely.
Cystic mastopathy often does not receive due attention from patients. Therefore, the necessary treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, which leads not only to inconvenience, but also causes the development of various complications. Among the latter, the most common are:
· Depressive state due to psycho-emotional experiences due to the upcoming operation, when drug treatment does not give a positive result;
· Sexual dysfunction, which significantly aggravates mastopathy;
· Breast cancer, the risk of which is increased with a high degree of cell proliferation.
To treat cystic mastopathy, a complex of measures is used, consisting of several stages:
· A healthy balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and microelements. To reduce pain and swelling of the mammary glands, it is very important to avoid eating foods that affect the growth of fibrous tissue and the appearance of fluid inside the cyst: chocolate confectionery, sweet carbonated drinks, strong tea, coffee. Research in this area has proven that pathological processes in the mammary glands are also affected by problems with the gastrointestinal tract, mainly constipation. Therefore, during the treatment of cystic mastopathy, women are recommended to include foods rich in fiber in their daily diet: vegetable dishes, fruits, herbs. Along with healthy food, do not forget to drink at least 2 liters of water per day. In addition, you should limit the consumption of fatty foods and alcoholic beverages, which negatively affect a woman’s hormonal levels;
· An important point is the selection of comfortable underwear: the wrong size and uncomfortable shape of the bra put pressure on the chest and lead to its deformation;
· A complex of vitamins is prescribed: it is necessary to boost the immune system and for the normal functioning of the endocrine system. The most necessary vitamins for the development of mastopathy are group B, vitamin A. E, and ascorbic acid;
· Use diuretics. With cystic mastopathy, not only swelling of the mammary glands is noted, but also of the lower extremities, therefore, light diuretics are prescribed in the form of herbal teas and the intake of salt in the diet is limited;
· Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed: these medications help relieve pain, which is especially intensified before menstruation;
· Drugs that have a sedative effect are prescribed: they are necessary to combat stressful conditions, which are one of the factors influencing the formation of mastopathy. Typically, herbal products, teas and infusions with a sedative effect are used;
· Mabusten drugs are used to reduce the bioactivity of estrogens, the increased level of which contributes to the pathological growth of breast tissue. In some cases, the specialist’s prescription comes down to drugs containing progesterone to slow down the development of cysts;
· Treatment using homeopathic remedies. These drugs are used with great success for cystic mastopathy, helping to reduce prolactin levels without causing side effects. A big advantage of homeopathic medicines is the absence of contraindications to their use;
· If, with cystic mastopathy, there is a disturbance in the functioning of the thyroid gland, medications are prescribed to restore its functioning. These drugs will be effective for hypothyroidism; they are not used for thyrotoxicosis and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Therapeutic measures, consisting of surgical intervention, are prescribed in the absence of positive dynamics after courses of drug therapy or in case of complications (with the development of tumor processes in the mammary gland). The scope of the operation depends on the prevalence and severity of the process. Therapeutic measures are prescribed depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease and the individual characteristics of the woman’s body. Therefore, you should not try to self-medicate with herbs; it is better to trust an experienced specialist for a speedy recovery and prevent complications.
Cystic mastopathy, in the absence of adequate treatment, can provoke the appearance of cancer cells. However, this is not a mandatory outcome of this pathology. To prevent the development of cystic mastopathy or the recurrence of the pathology, you should follow some simple rules of prevention:
· Healthy diet with the required amount of vitamins; limit the consumption of salt, fried, fatty foods, spices and pickles;
· Avoid stressful situations, get enough sleep, be in the fresh air;
· Wear the most comfortable bra: the correct size, the material must be of high quality and not cause irritation;
· Stop using hormonal-based drugs that contribute to the development of pathology (therefore, hormone therapy cannot be carried out without a doctor’s prescription);
· Breast self-examination: should be performed twice a month. These actions helped many women detect changes in the mammary glands in the early stages;
· Compliance with hygiene measures;
· Undergoing examinations by a qualified specialist for preventive purposes;
· Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body occur, which contributes to the disappearance of cystic mastopathy without the use of medications. With timely treatment of this pathology, the prognosis is favorable, without complications. Mastopathy, that is, the proliferation of mammary gland tissue, is characterized by many different types, defined depending on which type of neoplasm predominates. At the very first stage of development of the disease, as a rule, there is a cystic form.
Cystic mastopathy - based on a review of the women's newsletter Mabusten, provided by Bradner Deword GmbH. 
Cystic mastopathy is a disease characterized by excessive growth of connective tissue of the mammary gland with subsequent formation of cysts. The disease, which occurs against the background of hormonal imbalance, is most often diagnosed in women aged 30 to 45 years. is a benign formation, however, untimely treatment of cystic mastopathy can lead to the development of a dangerous disease - breast cancer.
The growth and development of the mammary glands is regulated by hormones - progesterone, prolactin and estrogens. With excess production of hormones and hormonal imbalance, cystic mastopathy develops.
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Cystic mastopathy (fibrocystic disease) is accompanied by benign changes in breast tissue, characterized by the proliferation of connective tissue and a decrease in the epithelial component.
One or more cysts form in the breast - tumors filled with liquid contents. The formations have clear boundaries and are separated from the glandular tissue of the breast by connective tissue. Unlike a cancerous tumor, a cyst is mobile and has a smooth, clear contour.
The disease manifests itself as local or general damage to breast tissue, depending on this it is classified into several forms:
Cystic mastopathy also occurs:
Based on the severity of symptoms, cystic mastopathy is classified into mild, moderate and severe.
The main cause of the disease is hormonal imbalance, in which there is a lack of progesterone, excess production of estrogens, prolactin and prostaglandins. A woman’s hormonal background, in turn, is influenced by a combination of various factors - heredity, nutrition, environmental conditions, diseases of internal organs.
The main causes of hormonal imbalance and the development of cystic mastopathy include:
The development of the disease also contributes to:
The main symptom of cystic mastopathy is the presence of one or more nodular lumps in the breast. The neoplasm has a round shape and clear boundaries and remains mobile. But the formation cannot always be felt by palpation - a cyst localized in the deep tissues of the mammary gland can only be detected by instrumental diagnostic methods.
The following signs may indicate the development of cystic mastopathy.
The disease can manifest itself with only 1-2 or all symptoms at the same time. In addition, a woman may experience a psycho-emotional disorder (nervousness, irritability, tearfulness), headaches, and dyspeptic disorders. As a rule, unpleasant phenomena disappear in the first days of the monthly cycle.
Diagnosis of cystic mastopathy includes:
If necessary, additional diagnostic methods are carried out:
Diagnosis and treatment of mastopathy is carried out by a gynecologist and mammologist.
Breast examination is carried out from 4 to 12 days of the monthly cycle. On other days, there is a high risk of misdiagnosis, which is associated with the peculiarities of the physiological processes occurring in the female body.
Treatment of mastopathy is carried out conservatively or surgically. The choice of treatment method is carried out taking into account the severity of the disease, age and individual characteristics of the patient.
A prerequisite for successful treatment is correction of diet and drinking regime. It is necessary to drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid daily and avoid foods that provoke the growth of fibrous tissue and the formation of liquid contents in the cyst (chocolate, tea and coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, fatty foods, alcohol).
Drug treatment for cystic cysts is aimed at eliminating the causes of the pathological process and alleviating unpleasant symptoms - pain and swelling. Therapy is carried out comprehensively, including the prescription of several groups of drugs, including hormonal ones.
Hormone therapy is based on the following:
Hormones should be selected by the doctor, taking into account the results of the analysis of the woman’s hormonal status.
In addition to hormonal drugs, the following groups of drugs are prescribed.
Surgical treatment of cystic mastopathy is indicated for:
There are three main methods of surgical intervention:
To treat mastopathy, various herbal preparations, infusions and tinctures are used, which are used internally or for compresses.
External means:
It is important to understand that folk remedies should be used only as an auxiliary method to complement conservative therapy.
To prevent mastopathy, as well as for women who have been diagnosed with the disease, it is important to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition:
Equally important:
The prognosis of the disease is favorable - cystic mastopathy, with timely diagnosis, can be treated quite easily with medication, and proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle help prevent the recurrence of cysts.
But if mastopathy is not treated, pathological processes in the breast will intensify, which can lead to suppuration and rupture of the cyst, and tissue degeneration into malignant ones. That is why it is important to start treatment in a timely manner and follow all medical recommendations.
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