Cystic mastopathy: causes and treatment. Cystic breast disease Early symptoms include

Cystic mastopathy

What is Cystic Mastopathy -

Cystic mastopathy- This is a disease characterized by an imbalance of hormones in the body of a woman and is accompanied by excessive growth of tissues with the formation of cysts. The disease occurs in women aged 30 to 50 years.

What provokes / Causes of Cystic mastopathy:

Among the causes of cystic mastopathy are several provoking factors. First of all, it is hereditary predisposition, environmental factors, malnutrition. These factors and many others are reflected in the hormones that are in a certain amount in the female body.

Typical causes of cystic mastopathy of the breast:

Lack of sexual intercourse (women who do not have regular intimate relationships, do not receive satisfaction during sexual intercourse, have a psychological rejection of sexual relations)

Reproductive disorders (the disease is typical for women who cannot conceive a child, for those who have had several abortions, for those who have menstrual irregularities; also at risk are women who did not breastfeed a newborn, or the feeding period was short)

Metabolic disorders (diabetes, excess weight, diagnosis of hyperthyroidism)

Psychological discomfort (constant stressful conditions, conflicts at home or at work)

Hereditary predisposition (mother or close relatives have a diagnosis of mastopathy)

Long-term diseases of the reproductive system (cysts of the appendages, endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis)

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Other diseases from the group Diseases of the endocrine system, eating disorders and metabolic disorders:

Mastopathy - symptoms and treatment

What is mastopathy? We will analyze the causes of occurrence, diagnosis and treatment methods in the article of Dr. M. E. Provotorov, a mammologist with an experience of 10 years.

Definition of disease. Causes of the disease

In the structure of breast diseases, the specific weight has such a pathology as fibrocystic mastopathy (hereinafter referred to as FCM or simply mastopathy). With this disease, there is a violation of the ratio of epithelial and connective tissue components of the tissue in the structure of the mammary gland, as well as a wide range of proliferative (associated with the accelerated formation of new cells, leading to tissue growth) and regressive changes. As practice shows, this disease is quite common among the fertile (fertile) half of the female population. According to various authors, up to 70% of women may have FCM pathology.

Mastopathy is a consequence of hormonal imbalance: the main role in the development this disease play the hormones estrogen, its metabolites, as well as progesterone. Changes in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, hormones thyroid gland, prolactin levels and many other reasons can also contribute to the development of the disease.

The main factors leading to an imbalance of hormones:

• early menarche (early onset of the menstrual cycle) - due to the renewal of the hormonal background, it is difficult for the body to quickly adapt to changes; this, in turn, affects the tissue structure of the mammary glands;
• late onset of menopause - the main role is played by prolonged exposure to hormones (especially estrogens) on the tissue of the gland;
• no history of pregnancies;
• abortion, which provokes sharp changes in hormonal levels;
• lack of lactation or an extremely short period of breastfeeding;
• stress;
• disorders associated with metabolic processes -, diabetes, violations of the liver;
• disorders endocrine system- hypo- or hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis;
• diseases of the genitourinary system, reproductive disorders (female and);
• uncontrolled use hormonal drugs, including contraceptives.

If you experience similar symptoms, consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate - it is dangerous for your health!

Symptoms of mastopathy

The main symptoms of mastopathy are:

• pain;
• compaction of the structure of the mammary gland;
• discharge from the nipples (may be transparent or resemble colostrum - a liquid that is released before and immediately after childbirth).

On palpation, large and small formations with a granular surface can be detected. Pain can be of a different nature and intensity. In addition to soreness of the mammary glands, engorgement, swelling and an increase in breast volume are felt. Pain can be radiating and spread to the armpit, shoulder and shoulder blades, and also disappear in the first days of menstruation. However, some women are constantly worried about soreness of the mammary glands, regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Pain syndrome can occur both in response to touching the gland, and in the form of constant discomfort, aggravated during menstruation. With the progression of the disease, the symptoms become brighter, the pain is more noticeable, and tissue compaction can be determined already, regardless of the frequency of the cycle.

The pathogenesis of mastopathy

Dishormonal disorders play an important role in the development of mastopathy. Of particular importance are:

• relative or absolute hyperestrogenism (excess estrogen);
• progesterone-deficient state (lack of progesterone).

Relative hyperestrogenism accompanied by a change in the level of estrogen relative to progesterone, but, in turn, these hormones are still within the normal range. Absolute hyperestrogenism characterized by an increase in the target level of estrogen.

Thus, with an increase in estrogen, proliferation occurs - the growth of the ductal alveolar epithelium, while progesterone tries to interfere with this process due to its abilities: it reduces the expression of estrogen receptors and reduces the local level of active estrogens. These properties of progesterone limit the stimulation of the growth of breast tissue.

With a hormonal imbalance (an excess of estrogens and a deficiency of progesterone), edema and hypertrophy of the intralobular connective tissue occur in the mammary gland tissues, and the proliferation of the ductal epithelium leads to the formation of cysts. When emerging progesterone deficiency states Excessive concentration of estrogen leads to the growth of breast tissue and disruption of the receptor apparatus.

It should be noted that the results of studies of the content of these hormones in blood plasma cannot always confirm this pathogenetic process. Most scientists have been able to detect a lack of progesterone in mastopathy, but in the course of other studies, its level was within the normal range.

In the development of FCM, an equally important role is played by increased prolactin levels in the blood, which is accompanied by engorgement, soreness of the mammary glands and edema. These symptoms are more pronounced in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

Medical research has proven relationship between diseases of the mammary glands and genitals. It was found that with inflammatory diseases of the genitals in 90% of cases, pathological changes occur in the mammary glands. And provided that uterine fibroids are combined with, the risk of nodular forms of mastopathy increases.

It should be noted that inflammatory diseases genitals do not act as a direct cause of the development of FCM. However, they can have a direct impact on its development through hormonal disturbances.

In women suffering from adenomyosis and endometrial hyperplasia, the risk of developing breast diseases is especially high.

Classification and stages of development of mastopathy

AT modern medicine There are several classifications of FCM.

Currently, the most common of them is the classification of Rozhkova N.I. It distinguishes those forms of mastopathy that can be detected on radiographs and with the help of a morphological study. These include:

• diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component (characterized by swelling, an increase in interlobular connective tissue septa, their pressure on the surrounding tissue, narrowing or complete overgrowth of the lumen of the ducts);
• diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component (one or more elastic cavities with liquid contents appear, which are clearly delimited from the surrounding tissues of the gland);
• diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component (characterized by edema and proliferation of glandular tissue);
• mixed mastopathy (with this type, the number of glandular lobules increases and connective tissue interlobar septa grow);
• sclerosing adenosis (frequent pulling pains occur, a dense neoplasm is formed);
• nodular mastopathy (characterized by the formation of clearly defined nodes).

There is a classification of mastopathy, which is based on the degree of proliferation. To degree I include FCM without proliferation, to degree II - mastopathy with epithelial proliferation without atypia, to degree III - mastopathy with atypical proliferation of the epithelium. I and II degrees are precancerous conditions.

Complications of mastopathy

It is important to remember about the recurrence of the pathology, which is possible after conservative therapy or in the presence of undetected hormonal disruptions, suppuration of the cyst and, as a result, mastitis, which does not allow performing an operation with an aesthetic approach. At the same time, rough postoperative scars may also contribute to breast discomfort.

Also, complications of mastopathy can be attributed, but it occurs quite rarely.

Diagnosis of mastopathy

When contacting a doctor, patients most often complain of chest pain and engorgement of one or both mammary glands, which intensifies a few days before the onset of menstruation. Almost all women experience mild pain before the onset of menstruation. However, if soreness of the breast is a consequence of the pathological condition of the mammary glands, then the pain becomes more pronounced and asymmetric. However, 15% of patients do not experience pain in the chest, and the reason for their visit to the doctor is a seal in the glands.

Diagnostics of FCM is carried out in stages:

• puncture of nodular formations and morphological examination of punctures and discharge from the nipples (cytological examination);

• study of the hormonal background;
• gynecological examination.

When palpating the mammary glands, it is important to pay attention to the consistency, the presence or absence of strands, seals, volumetric formations, to assess the density of the strands, their cohesion with the skin, etc. Palpation of the axillary, subclavian and supraclavicular lymph nodes is mandatory.

Treatment of mastopathy

First of all, treatment consists in finding and eliminating the causes of mastopathy: nervous disorders, ovarian dysfunction, gynecological diseases, liver diseases, etc.

The main objectives of the treatment of mastopathy are to reduce pain, reduce cysts and fibrous tissues in the mammary gland, to prevent recurrence of tumors and oncopathology, and also to correct the hormonal status (after detecting hormonal disorders and consulting a gynecologist-endocrinologist).

If concomitant inflammatory diseases of the female genital area, endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism, nodular goiter, diabetes mellitus, etc.) occur in the patient's body, then treatment is required in conjunction with a gynecologist, endocrinologist and therapist.

Treatment of mastopathy can be divided into two main types - conservative (drug) and surgical (surgical) treatment. Most often carried out conservative treatment IFC. In the event that there are large cysts and significant seals that are not amenable to conservative treatment or if therapy fails, surgery.

Conservative treatment

The usual tactics of managing women with mastopathy was developed back in the 60-70s, so at the moment it is not effective enough. New drugs introduced into practice have increased the effectiveness of treatment at the initial stage. However, these drugs were ineffective for women with fibrocystic mastopathy, who had a history of close relatives (mother, grandmother, sister, aunt) suffering from breast cancer.

For medical treatment, the following drugs are used:

hormone therapy

This method of treatment is prescribed in complex cases of FCM. Normalization of hormonal balance is aimed primarily at eliminating pain. Stabilization of the state of the endocrine glands, the gastrointestinal tract helps prevent the appearance of new formations, reduce the size of existing ones, reduce or eliminate pain. However, proliferative forms of fibroadenomatosis and fibrocystic or fibromatous mastopathy are poorly amenable to this method of treatment.

The use of hormonal drugs is prescribed individually and is carried out under the supervision of the attending physician. Medicines are used in the form of tablets, injections or gels that are applied to the mammary gland. Patients of reproductive age may be prescribed hormonal contraceptives. Systemic hormone therapy should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist who can control the hormonal status.

Hormone therapy involves the use of antiestrogen, oral contraceptives, progestogens, androgens, prolactin secretion inhibitors, gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (LHRH). Treatment with analogues

LHRH applies to women with mastodynia (breast pain) in the absence of effective treatment other hormones. The action of gestagens is based on the antiestrogenic effect at the level of breast tissue and inhibition of the gonadotropic function of the pituitary gland. Their application in complex therapy mastopathy increased therapeutic effect up to 80%.

For the treatment of mastopathy in women under 35, oral monophasic combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives are applicable. Their contraceptive reliability is almost close to 100%. In most women, against the background of the use of these drugs, there is a significant decrease in pain and engorgement of the mammary glands, as well as the restoration of the menstrual cycle.

Currently, in the treatment of mastopathy, quite effective drug outdoor application. Contains micronized progesterone plant origin identical to endogenous. The drug is released in the form of a gel. Its advantage lies precisely in external use - so the bulk of progesterone remains in the tissues of the mammary gland, and no more than 10% of the hormone enters the bloodstream. Due to this impact side effects that occurred when progesterone was taken orally are absent. In most cases, it is recommended to continuously apply the drug at 2.5 g to each mammary gland or its application in the second phase of the menstrual cycle for 3-4 months.

Non-hormonal therapy

Methods of non-hormonal therapy are: diet correction, proper selection of a bra, the use of vitamins, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that improve blood circulation. The latest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used for a long time in the treatment of diffuse mastopathy.

Indomethacin and brufen, used in the second phase of the menstrual cycle in the form of tablets or suppositories, reduce pain, reduce swelling, promote the resorption of seals, and improve the results of ultrasound and x-ray studies. The use of these drugs is especially indicated for the glandular form of mastopathy. However, for most women, homeopathy or herbal medicine may be sufficient.

Conservative treatment of mastopathy should include not only long-term use of sedatives, but also vitamins A, B, C, E, PP, P, as they have a beneficial effect on breast tissue:

• vitamin A reduces cell proliferation;
• vitamin E enhances the action of progesterone;
• vitamin B reduces the level of prolactin;
• vitamins P and C improve microcirculation and reduce local swelling of the mammary gland.

Since mastopathy is considered as a precancerous disease, long-term use of natural antioxidants is required: vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, phospholipids, selenium, zinc.

In addition to vitamins and sedatives, patients are shown taking adaptogens for a period of four months or more. After a four-month course, the use of the drug is stopped for a period of two months, and then the treatment cycle is resumed also for four months. A total of at least four cycles should be carried out. Thus, the full course of treatment can take approximately two years.

Diet food

In the treatment of mastopathy, it is necessary to establish work digestive system. Therefore, recovery can be accelerated by following a special diet. To do this, you need to reduce the calorie content of the diet due to the rejection of carbohydrates. First of all, it is important to completely get rid of the use of easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar, honey, jam and flour products) and increase the proportion of consumed vegetables, unsweetened berries and fruits.

With mastopathy, which has developed as a result of problems with the thyroid gland, it is necessary to limit the consumption of meat dishes, since protein stimulates the release of thyroid hormones, on which the level of the female sex hormone, estrogen, depends.

If mastopathy appeared on the background of hypertension, then it is necessary to limit the consumption of fats, especially butter and lard to reduce hormonal stimulation of the breast.

To provide the body with the necessary amount of calcium, which regulates the functions of hormonal glands and has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, kefir, yogurt and cottage cheese should be consumed. Among other things, it is desirable to include in the diet seafood that contains iodine - fish, squid, shrimp and seaweed. This microelement in large numbers also present in walnuts and mushrooms.

In addition to the general course of treatment, you can also take herbal decoctions, which help to improve sleep and pain relief, have a diuretic effect, contain iodine and other useful elements.

Surgery

If conservative treatment of mastopathy has not brought results, then the pathology must be eliminated by surgery. Surgical removal of affected tissues is prescribed in the following cases:

• rapid growth of neoplasm;
• impossibility drug treatment due to diabetes;
• malignant degeneration of mastopathy, detected by biopsy;
• genetic predisposition to.

During the operation, a separate sector of the mammary gland is removed, in which cysts and indurations are found (sectoral resection). The operation lasts 40 minutes under general anesthesia.

After surgery, antibiotics and vitamins are prescribed. If necessary, anesthesia is administered, sedatives are taken. Hormone therapy may be used to prevent relapses. In this case, patients need to treat the underlying disease that caused the imbalance of hormones.

For large cysts, it is possible to perform laser coagulation these formations. This technique is quite young and not widely used due to expensive equipment. For this procedure, a modern BioLitec laser device is used, which allows coagulation of a cystic formation without incisions and anesthesia. Also, with this procedure, there is no risk of infection, being in an inpatient department is not required.

Thermal procedures, including physiotherapy, with FCM treatment are not recommended, as they can increase inflammation.

Forecast. Prevention

A favorable prognosis is reduced to a timely visit to a specialist mammologist, periodic ultrasound of the mammary glands. All this will help to protect yourself from the unpleasant consequences of the pathology of the mammary glands. There is no need to be afraid of the symptoms of the disease and its treatment, you should be afraid of the consequences. Mastopathy can pass without a trace, this requires only attention to one's own health.

It is worth remembering that being overweight is a harbinger of many hormonal disorders. If, after 50 years, a woman's clothing size has changed from 50th to 56th, then this should be regarded as a danger warning coming from the human hormonal system. This, in turn, indicates the need for examination.

The functionality of the mammary glands directly depends on the course of hormonal processes in the body. With radical changes - late first pregnancy after 30 years, abortions, refusal of natural feeding, an unstable hormonal background is formed. This is reflected in the chest, in this case in the form of mastopathy. Mastopathy is the growth of breast tissue of a pathological nature, with the presence of pain, and in some cases with secretion.

The disease is characterized by the growth of the glandular tissue of the mammary gland with the formation of cysts. benign. Every woman can face such manifestations. The disease itself is not dangerous to health, but in the absence timely treatment some forms can be transformed into malignant formations. At the same time, mastopathy is not classified as a precancerous condition.

Causes of mastopathy

Women with a diagnosis of infertility face mastopathy, then its appearance is facilitated by:

• violation of reproductive function;
• abortion at an early age;
• hormonal imbalance;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• chronic gynecological diseases.

Provoking factors also include:

• irregular sex life;
• refusal to breastfeed;
• late onset of menopause;
• diabetes;
• obesity;
• other diseases (cholecystitis, hepatitis, arterial hypertension);
• psycho-emotional tension, stress, depression.

The risk of developing mastopathy increases with chronic lack of sleep, improper, unbalanced nutrition.

Symptoms of mastopathy

Often clinical symptoms diseases appear before menstrual bleeding, disappearing immediately after its completion.

Depending on the form of mastopathy, signs and symptoms may vary slightly:

1. The diffuse type (nodules, seals in the tissues of the mammary gland) is accompanied by pain, breast engorgement.
2. Nodular neoplasms on palpation resemble a tumor, the size of which ranges from 1-2 mm to several centimeters. In this case, the breast increases significantly in size, which is also characteristic of the axillary lymph nodes.
3. Fibrocystic mastopathy is presented mixed type small seals, which together form a kind of cavity filled with liquid. Patients feel sharp pain in the chest, when moving the hand, in the region of the scapula, from the nipple a watery milk-like secret is released, sometimes with impurities of pus.

The detection of single (multiple) neoplasms in the chest, aching pain, discharge from the nipple indicates an immediate appeal to a gynecologist or mammologist. Any seals require professional examination.

Diagnosis of mastopathy

A special role is played by scheduled examinations, which can reveal the asymptomatic course of mastopathy and start treatment on time. Such precautionary measures will help to avoid surgery, because even benign tumor sometimes needs to be removed.

Mammologist diagnoses:

• examination by palpation;
• mammographic examination;
• radiography.

At a positive result examination of the mammary glands mammologist prescribes:

• neoplasm puncture;
• cytological examination of the material taken.

For an accurate diagnosis, additional consultation with an endocrinologist and an oncologist will be required.

To prevent formations in the breast, a woman should conduct self-diagnosis approximately 1 time in 3-4 months. In different periods of the menstrual cycle, the state of the mammary glands is significantly different. That is why self-diagnosis is best done on the 7th-9th day of the cycle, during this period hormonal activity decreases, swelling and tension of the chest decrease.

Methods for the treatment of mastopathy

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to establish the form of manifestation of mastopathy, because the further actions of the doctor depend on this. Sometimes the elimination of the root cause of the disease entails a complete recovery. There is no single generally accepted method of treating mastopathy. It is individual in nature, taking into account the age of the patient, the characteristics of the course of the menstrual cycle, concomitant diseases of the genital area, psycho-emotional status.

Treatment can be started after consulting an oncologist to exclude methods surgical intervention. The most common treatments for mastopathy are:

1. hormone therapy

With its help, cyclic changes in the hormonal background of a woman are regulated. After preliminary diagnosis hormonal status, the doctor proceeds to the choice of drugs - gestagens, inhibitors of prolactin secretion, oral contraceptives.

The use of hormone therapy after 40 years of age requires caution, because often the number of contraindications at this age increases.

1. Non-hormonal treatment

It is prescribed, both together with hormone therapy, and separately. It:

• homeopathic preparations to reduce prolactin in the blood (mastodynon, remens);
• means with a pronounced anti-edematous effect;
• iodine-containing drugs for the regulation of the thyroid gland (required after consulting an endocrinologist);
• vitamin complexes;
• painkillers;
• sedative drugs for psychoemotional disorders.

1. Surgical intervention

The operation is indicated when nodular mastopathy is detected, in particular, with fibroadenomas, when there is a risk of the transformation of a benign formation into a malignant one. The diffuse form does not require removal.

Surgery requires strict indications - biopsy data, the rapid growth of fibroadenoma. As surgical methods use:

• puncture (puncture of education);
• sectoral resection (removal of the tumor together with the sector of the mammary gland);
• enucleation (removal of only the cyst).

For quick recovery after treatment of mastopathy, a woman should adhere to the doctor's recommendations - limit caffeine intake, refuse bad habits, pay attention to a balanced diet, increase physical activity, avoid stress, do not visit the sauna, solarium. The choice of bra is important. correct form and size.

A woman should visit a mammologist every six months, do a preventive ultrasound.

Forecast

Timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of mastopathy has a favorable prognosis.

It plunges many women into horror, however, such a pathology, especially when found on early stages well amenable to therapy.

There are several varieties of this disease, one of which is a mixed diffuse cystic-fibrous form.

In general, the course of the mastopathy process is determined by individual features the female body, in accordance with which the necessary therapy is prescribed.

What is diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy?

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands involves pathological tissue growth with the formation of not only fibrous tissues, but also cystic seals, which may require prompt assistance to eliminate.

Such a mastopathy variety refers to benign oncological processes occurring in 35-68% of women of reproductive age.

This form of the disease often acts as a background against which pathological processes of a malignant nature develop. The probability of malignancy of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is determined by the severity of tissue growth processes.

If the growth is pronounced, then the probability of developing breast cancer is almost 32%. With minor tissue growths, the risk of malignant oncology does not exceed 1%.

Causes

However, it is known for certain that such a disease is inextricably linked with an imbalance in the hormonal background, because breast development depends on the level of ovarian, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus hormones.

For breast pathology of a similar form, the presence of an estrogen deficiency is typical, as well as a deficiency of the progesterone hormone. But prolactin in fibrocystic diffuse mastopathy, on the contrary, increases.

Many factors influence the hormonal background:

1. abortion;
2. Too early onset of puberty;
3. No history of pregnancies with natural childbirth;
4. Age after 35;
5. Late onset of menopause (age over 55);
6. Short lactation or a woman completely abandoned breastfeeding;
7. The presence of bad habits;
8. The presence of blood relatives with pathologies of mammary gland tissues, in other words, a hereditary predisposition;
9. Endocrine pathologies against the background of deep stress;
10. Inflammation in the tissues of the breast;
11. Iodine deficiency state;
12. Chest injuries, uncomfortable or tight underwear, squeezing and causing discomfort;
13. Gynecological pathologies of a hormone-dependent nature such as infertility, endometriosis, cycle failures or fibroids, anovulation, etc .;
14. Thyroid and liver pathologies;
15. Pituitary or hypothalamus tumor formations;
16. Obesity;
17. Abuse hormonal contraceptives and other steroid drugs;
18. The lack of regularity in sexual life, lack of orgasms, dissatisfaction with sexual life - all this provokes pelvic congestion, which leads to malfunction of the ovaries and hormonal imbalance.

Kinds

Fibrocystic diffuse mastopathy in terms of prognosis is classified into non-proliferative and proliferative.

The first type of diffuse mastopathy is characterized by a favorable prognosis, because the malignancy of the pathology in this case occurs no more than in 1% of cases. In the proliferative form, a pronounced proliferation of tissues is observed, therefore, the prognosis is less favorable and a third of the patients have mastopathy.

In addition, diffuse mastopathy is divided into types in accordance with the morphology of the formations:

• The interstitial component predominates;
• Predominantly glandular tissues;
• With a predominance of cystic components.

signs

Until recently, the mastopathy cystic-fibrous diffuse form was considered an absolutely benign pathological process that does not cause malignancy, however, studies recent years proved that such a mastopathy form should be considered as a precancerous lesion of mammary glandular tissues.

In other words, fibrocystic diffuse, under the influence of certain circumstances, can transform into a malignant tumor.

If a woman, along with a fibrocystic mastopathy, has adenosis, multiple cystic formations, hyperplastic changes, and extensive growths of mammary gland tissues, then the probability of malignancy of the mastopathy increases fourfold.

In general, such a mastopathy form refers to pathological conditions benign nature, and it acts as a provocateur of cancer only in certain clinical cases. That is why even after the treatment of such a pathology with a preventive purpose, a woman needs to be systematically observed by a mammologist.

The main signs of fibrocystic diffuse mastopathy are:

• Painful symptoms. They may appear unexpectedly or on palpation. Pain can manifest itself in the form of minor discomfort or a sharp pain syndrome. Often, painful symptoms are accompanied by a feeling of tightness, puffiness or heaviness in the chest and may radiate to the armpit or shoulder area;
• From the nipple against the background of the mastopathy process, secretion may begin, similar to colostrum or having a greenish-yellowish tint. Sometimes the secret acquires a brown tint, similar to blood - this is a dangerous manifestation that requires immediate intervention;
• Palpable examination of the mammary glands reveals distinct seals.

Breast diagnostics

It is possible to identify the presence of such a disease during self-examination, probing the mammary gland.

In addition, ultrasound diagnostics is used, which usually confirms the presence of pathology.

It also has a high information content, which is based on an x-ray study.

To clarify the form of mastopathy, they may additionally prescribe an MRI, from the extracted biomaterial. There is also laboratory research blood for hormonal composition.

Principles of treatment

The basis is the elimination of hormonal imbalance. The choice of prescribed drugs depends on the characteristics of the hormonal background. In accordance with the results of analyzes on the level of estradiol, progesterone, estrogen, prolactin, the doctor makes a conclusion about the choice of specific drugs that correct the hormonal background.

Cystic formations in mammary tissues are often treated with a puncture method. First, the contents are pumped out of them, then sclerosing solutions are injected into them, however, such therapy is appropriate only for mastopathy that does not have signs of malignancy.

In especially severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary to carry out sectoral removal of formations. In the future, the removed tissue must be sent for histology. Cysts (husking) may also be performed.

Drug treatment involves taking several groups of medicines:

• Hormonal preparations;
• estrogen inhibitors;
• Oral contraceptives.

If a woman is worried about intense pain, then drugs are additionally prescribed that relieve pain symptoms.

Forecast

Significantly increases the favorableness of forecasts by timely access to specialists at the slightest suspicion of the development of mastopathy.

With the neglect of the pathological process, there is a high probability of malignancy of fibrocystic formations in the chest. In the initial stages of mastopathy, treatment may be limited to a slight correction of life, diet and the appointment of certain drugs.

Therefore, it is better to regularly conduct preventive self-examination and, if suspicious seals are found, visit a specialist, rather than start mastopathy and bring it to breast cancer.

Prevention

As a preventive technique, experts recommend regularly conducting a self-examination procedure. It is better to do this in the days after the end of menstruation.

Given that the absence of pregnancy and childbirth provokes pathology, the conclusion suggests itself - such conditions will help to avoid the development of mastopathy. And after childbirth, it is recommended to breastfeed the baby for up to one and a half years.

It is extremely important to give up bad habits, abortions, wrong food and a sedentary life. Do not limit sexual relations, sex life should be regular.

Only when a woman is satisfied with her life, relationships and social aspects, then she will be able to avoid many health problems, including mastopathy.

Video about self-examination of the mammary glands:

The term "mastopathy" is probably familiar to many women firsthand. Can mastopathy be considered a “disease” in the truest sense of the word? What are the consequences of mastopathy? And what to do to forget about this trouble forever? We tried to answer these questions taking into account modern scientific knowledge.

So, mastopathy is fibrocystic changes in breast tissue caused by hormonal imbalance. Until the end, the causes of mastopathy have not been clarified. To date, the point of view has been accepted that the development of mastopathy contributes to elevated level estrogen and low progesterone levels. Estrogens stimulate the "growth" of breast tissue, secretion and expansion of the ducts. The expansion of the ducts, in turn, leads to the formation of cysts. An unfavorable effect is also exerted by an increased content of prolactin in the blood, a hormone of the pituitary gland, which under physiological conditions stimulates the development of breast tissue and lactation. Another adverse factor is a decrease in thyroid function, hypothyroidism.

Known age-related, physiological changes in breast tissue. Often the boundary between physiological and pathological changes is very transparent, however, any symptom that first appears in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mammary glands requires immediate examination.

Mastopathy is a benign change. During a clinical examination, it is necessary to confirm that we are talking about mastopathy, and not about the main malignant "double" - breast cancer. Thus, regularly performed self-examination at home serves to prevent not only mastopathy, but also breast cancer.

« Malignant nodes of the mammary glands are usually isolated, dense and immobile relative to the surrounding tissues. With mastopathy, on the contrary, we are talking about a benign change, which manifests itself in the form of a nodule or cyst”, explains Prof. Dr. Hermann Enzelsberger, Chief Physician of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Steyr, Austria.

Symptoms appear at the age of 20-50 years, that is, during puberty until menopause, more often expressed before the onset of menstruation. There are two main forms of mastopathy - diffuse and nodular. At diffuse form, there is a feeling of heaviness, compaction, soreness in the mammary gland. At nodal form, according to the name, there are separate seals, often painful. Sometimes there is secretion from the nipple area, a serious symptom that requires urgent examination. Mastopathy is more often observed on both sides, less often only one mammary gland is affected. These symptoms distinguish mastopathy from breast cancer, where a painless, one-sided lump occurs.

Cardinal preventive measures that completely prevent the occurrence of mastopathy are unknown. You can reduce the risk by maintaining general and sexual health, playing sports, proper nutrition and prevention of stress.

TIMELY DIAGNOSIS - OWN HANDS BUSINESS…

The most important preventive measure is self-examination. It should be carried out regularly about once a month after menstruation.

Technique for self-examination of the mammary glands:

• The examination is best done in front of a mirror in a warm, well-lit room, such as a bathroom.
• First, freely lower your arms and carefully examine both mammary glands. Are both breasts symmetrical? Are the nipples symmetrical? Is the form the same? Are there any unusual skin retractions somewhere?
• With your right hand, gently palpate the area of ​​the left breast and armpit. At the same time, the fingers are extended, palpation occurs according to the principle of "playing the piano". It is necessary to mentally divide the area of ​​​​the mammary gland into four quadrants (upper - outer and inner and lower - outer and inner) and carefully go vertically and horizontally. Nodules often form in the upper outer quadrant.
• Then, on the same side, examine the armpit area: first lift left hand, put your palm in the armpit right hand, and lower your left hand again. Feel the armpit with gentle movements. Nodules larger than 1 cm should be alerted.
• Repeat the same on the right side.
• Repeat the entire algorithm lying down.

If you find any seals, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor. The simplest and painless method, which is recommended for women under 40 years old - ultrasound (ultrasound). The method is so safe that its implementation is not contraindicated even for pregnant women. The disadvantage is low resolution with tumor sizes less than 1 cm. If there are no contraindications, then mammography is performed. In doubtful cases, a breast puncture with a biopsy is prescribed. To do this, a piece of tissue is taken with a needle for examination under a microscope. In postmenopausal women, mastopathy practically does not occur due to altered hormonal levels.

CLASSIFICATION

Classification of the stages of mastopathy according to Prechtel

Sources: Prechtel K. Mastopathie und altersabhängige Brustdrüsenveränderungen. Forschr. Med. 1971, 89, 1312. Prechtel K. Zytologische Diagnostik des Mammakarzinoms. Med. Welt 1976, 27, 1028

It should be noted that none of the stages should be considered as a directly "precancerous condition". Stages II and III slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, requiring regular monitoring. However, breast cancer against the background of mastopathy develops extremely rarely.

TREATMENT

In most cases, radical treatment is not required. Pain medications are prescribed, including local action in the form of gels or ointments. If gestagens are prescribed for oral administration, then the treatment corresponds to a cyclic scheme, usually from the 16th to the 25th day of the cycle. Gonadotropin antagonists, such as danazol, are sometimes useful.

The operation - removal of the mammary gland - is performed only in selected cases. The indications are the woman's fear of the occurrence malignant tumor, breast cancer in the patient's relatives, III degree of mastopathy.

In general, the prognosis for mastopathy is good: for the most part, these are benign changes that require only observation or drug treatment.

The problem of mastopathy does not exclude the psychosomatic component. It means welcome healthy lifestyle life, self-realization, harmony with the outside world and the joy of being. Motherhood and breast-feeding are an excellent prevention of mastopathy.

PhD Dr. Sofia Rotermel