What is diffuse breast mastopathy? This is a common question. We will examine it in more detail. In recent decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of visits to medical institutions in connection with benign diseases of the mammary glands. Similar pathologies, one of which is the diffuse form of the disease, are combined under the general definition of "mastopathy."
What it is?
Such diseases differ in anatomical and histological manifestations and the degree of danger of transformation into cancer. All this determines the high relevance of this problem. Next, we learn how to treat diffuse mastopathy, find out what the consequences of this disease are and how to prevent it.
Kinds
Pathology is divided into the following varieties:
- Diffuse fibrotic mastopathy involves a large number of small formations evenly distributed in both glands. Depending on the condition and period of the menstrual cycle, neoplasms can disappear and reappear, changing size and shape. Changes in glandular tissue look like seals and nodes.
- Diffuse cystic mastopathy. It is characterized by the formation of cysts - cavities filled with a clear or turbid liquid.
- Mixed. Combines cysts and fibromas.
Etiological factors
The development along with the functioning of the woman’s mammary glands is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary and ovarian system. Therefore, any factors that cause a violation of different departments of the neuroendocrine system lead to hormonal imbalance and the development of diffuse and other forms of mastopathy. The main of these factors are:
- The presence of a hereditary predisposition, that is, diseases of the mammary glands in one of the closest relatives on the maternal side. It does not matter if it was benign or, conversely, malignant.
- Stay of a woman in frequent or chronic stressful situations and depressive states as a result of labor or domestic conflicts, and in addition, against the background of dissatisfaction with family relationships or due to psycho-emotional overstrain.
- Factors that are associated with the reproductive system. We are talking about the lack of regular sex life, about repeated artificial terminations of pregnancy, about inflammatory processes in the appendages and other gynecological diseases.
- The presence of a woman's diseases and functional disorders of the neuroendocrine system. For example, impaired thyroid function, the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, a hypothalamic tumor, cerebrovascular disease, and so on.
- The presence of functional disorders or pathological processes in the liver or intestines, which can lead to a delay in eliminating excess estrogen from the body.
- The presence of chronic nicotine and alcohol intoxications, and in addition, the constant intake of products that contain a large amount of methylxanthines, we are talking about chocolate, cola, cocoa, strong brewed coffee or tea.
Effects
Diffuse mastopathy pours out a very dangerous disease. It is considered by doctors as precancerous, even though it is benign. If this pathology is left untreated, the next stage will develop, called nodal mastopathy, against its background, the risk of malignancy increases immediately several times. So, the consequences of diffuse mastopathy are as follows:
- The risk of malignancy.
- The development of inflammatory reactions in the mammary gland along with infection and suppuration of the existing formation.
- The appearance of proliferation of cystic formation, along with deformity of the shape of the breast.
- The appearance of violations in the integrity of cystic formations.
Decreased quality of life
Among other things, this disease significantly reduces the patient's quality of life. Such women constantly or periodically experience discomfort along with pain in the chest, which can cause neurosis and causes the impossibility of a full rest. In addition, this condition reduces performance.
In case of suspected diffuse mastopathy, women should immediately seek the advice of a mammologist. Timely initiated therapy will make it possible to dispense with conservative techniques without resorting to surgical intervention.
Can she grow into cancer?
The answer to this question is rather negative. Mastopathy as such is not considered a precancerous disease. But the main characteristic feature of this disease is the same causative risk factors along with the presence of similar metabolic and hormonal disorders. However, according to histological studies, cancers in the presence of benign neoplasms can be found in forty-six percent of cases.
Is the diffuse form of mastopathy capable of transforming into a nodular?
Provided that the risk factors that caused the disease are preserved, this is entirely possible. The nodal type of mastopathy, in fact, is the next stage in the development of the disease. It is characterized by the formation in the mammary glands of one or multiple seals, changes in which do not depend on the menstrual cycle. Given these factors, patients with identified mastopathy, regardless of its form, are subject to mandatory treatment and must be under dynamic and constant supervision.
Now we will consider how the treatment of diffuse mastopathy is carried out.
Treatment
The leading place in therapy belongs to the means of the hormonal group. Most often, oral progestogens are used for these purposes. Progestins are prescribed to patients in cases where the patient’s mastopathy is combined with a hyperplastic process in the endometrium, or progesterone deficiency is detected. The appointment of drugs with diffuse mastopathy occurs only after a thorough examination of the patient.
Preparations
Most often, the following drugs are prescribed for patients to treat diffuse cystic mastopathy of the mammary glands:
- Treatment with Duphaston. This drug is a direct analogue of the hormone progesterone. In this regard, it can be used and not be afraid for the risk of side effects that occur when taking androgens. Even long-term therapy with Duphaston is considered safe and does not cause any anabolic effects. This treatment allows you to achieve a progestogenic effect.
- The use of "Utrozhestan" for cystic diffuse mastopathy. This drug is formulated with natural micronized progesterone. It can be used vaginally or orally. Micronized progesterone is identical to its natural counterpart and almost does not give any side effects during treatment. This is one of the most important differences between natural progesterone, which is contained in Utrozhestan, from synthetic hormones. Usually a full treatment course takes up to six months.
- Regarding combined contraceptives, it should be said that the main purpose of their appointment is to block the processes of ovulation along with eliminating the possibility of fluctuations in the amount of sex hormones. Often, drugs that belong to this group are prescribed to women of reproductive age. Among these remedies, it is worth mentioning Silest along with Femoden, Marvelon, and Mercilon. What else is used in the treatment of diffuse mastopathy?
- Antiestrogens can lower estrogen levels in the female body. But against the background of taking drugs from this group, it is necessary to remember the adverse reactions that they can cause. First of all, violations are possible that are caused by a low amount of estrogen. For example, increased sweating is possible along with hot flashes, a feeling of heat, genital itching, increased work of the sebaceous glands, dry skin and the like. In addition, prolonged use of such drugs can provoke endometrial cancer, cataracts, or thrombophlebitis. Fareston, along with Tamoxifen, Clomiphene, and Toremifen, act as anti-estrogen drugs.
- It is well known that androgens are antagonists of estrogen. In this regard, it is also advisable to use them for the treatment of diffuse mastopathy. Most often, doctors prescribe a drug called Danazol. They should continue treatment for at least three months. Medicines in the form of Parlodel and Merkazolil belong to this category of drugs.
- Agonists are drugs in the form of “Zoladex”, “Buserelin” and “Diferelin”. They can cause temporary menopause, which is reversible. This makes it possible to rid the female body of hormonal fluctuations due to inhibition of ovarian function. The course of continuous therapy of fibrocystic diffuse breast mastopathy should last at least one month.
What other drugs are used in treatment?
Conducting conservative treatment of mastopathy is possible only if a diffuse form of the disease is detected, and in other cases it is often impossible to do without surgical intervention. In addition to the above medicines, as part of the treatment of diffuse mastopathy, doctors also use the following drugs:
- Appointment homeopathic remedy "Mastodinon." This drug deserves special attention. It is made on the basis of extracts of herbs such as iris, tiger lily and cyclamen. Its use helps to lower the level of prolactin, and in addition, under its influence, the ducts of the mammary glands narrow, the severity of the proliferative process decreases. Among other things, against the background of its use in patients, the swelling of the breast decreases and the tissue changes inversely, and the pain symptomatology decreases.
- A plant adaptogen is a drug called Klamin. It allows you to increase immune forces, protecting the liver from all kinds of negative effects. This medicine acts as an antioxidant. In "Klamina" there is iodine, which in case of insufficiency of this microelement fully covers the body's need for it.
- Among herbal remedies, doctors distinguish Phytolon, which is a plant-based product based on brown seaweed dissolved in alcohol. This drug produces a resolving effect, it stimulates the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
- Treatment of diffuse mastopathy with analgesic drugs is used to relieve pain in the chest, which can be quite pronounced. Such drugs are drugs from the group of non-steroidal medicines.
- Vitamin preparations are often prescribed to treat diffuse breast mastopathy.
- Sedatives along with antidepressants are selected depending on the severity of mental disorder against the background of this disease. Thus, Azafen or Sibazon can be appointed.
- Diuretic drugs in the form of “Triampur”, “Veroshpiron” and “Lasix” allow relieving puffiness.
- In case of iodine deficiency, preparations in the form of “Iodomarin”, “Klamina” and so on can be indicated.
How to prevent diffuse fibrotic breast mastopathy?
Pathology prevention
Women should pay special attention to their own diets. Compliance with dietary nutritional schemes is not only preventive, but also a therapeutic measure in relation to diffuse mastopathy. It is well known that excessive content of fats and meat products in the menu leads to an increase in estrogen in the blood. And the amount of androgen is significantly reduced. The diet of every woman should be rich in fiber and vitamins.
Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition also allows you to achieve weight loss in women who are overweight. This will get rid of unnecessary body fat, as well as the supply of excess estrogen. In addition, an increase in daily activity along with physical education are excellent means of preventing this disease.
Preventive examinations
Undergoing regular preventive examinations by specialists such as a gynecologist and a mammologist, along with instrumental examination techniques, will make it possible to prevent the development of this disease and preserve women's health. In addition, the self-examination procedure is an important measure for the effective prevention and timely treatment of diffuse cystic mastopathy.