Nodular mastopathy of the mammary gland is a disease that is characterized by the formation in the chest of nodes (one or more) in the form of fibroadenomas or cysts of a benign nature. Mostly women of childbearing age are exposed to this ailment.
Causes
It is proved that nodular mastopathy of the breast appears with changes in the hormonal background of a woman. Every month in a healthy female body under the influence of estrogens and progesterones, which are involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, cyclical changes occur. Breeding of breast cells occurs in the first phase of the cycle. Estrogens are responsible for this process. In the second phase, its inhibition occurs under the influence of progesterones. When there is an imbalance of these hormones (an excess of the first and a lack of the second), when the abnormal cells of the mammary gland are constantly growing, a specified disease occurs.
Nodular mastopathy can also develop due to the production of a large amount of prolactin during lactation or during pregnancy. But in addition to hormonal disorders, the appearance of this disease is facilitated by:
- Constant stress and depression.
- Abortion
- Lack of childbirth.
- Overweight.
- Diseases of the liver and thyroid gland.
- Bad habits (alcohol and smoking).
- Wearing the wrong (tight) underwear.
- Diabetes.
- Breast damage.
- Lack of constant sex life.
- The absence of a lactation period.
- Heredity.
- Ovarian tumors.
Nodular mastopathy: symptoms
The appearance of this pathology, not every woman can notice immediately, especially if it is not accompanied by pain. The very first symptom of this type of mastopathy is the formation in the mammary glands of nodes with clear contours. With constant self-control, a woman can grope them on her own. Also, nodular mastopathy of the mammary gland can be accompanied by discharge from the nipples. Their consistency and quantity is different. If bloody inclusions appear in the discharge, this indicates the transition of a benign tumor to a malignant one.
Nodular mastopathy of the breast can be accompanied by swelling of the breast and an increase in the nodes before menstruation. This can lead to pain of a different nature: from slight sensitivity to severe soreness. After menstruation, as a rule, they subside.
Nodular mastopathy of the breast: treatment
To get rid of this pathology, there are many methods: from hormonal treatment and nutrition of a woman to surgery. But it is noticed that the first methods either have many side effects, or do not have the necessary effect. Therefore, most specialists recommend surgery. It is performed by one of two methods:
- Enucleation of nodes - only the tumor is removed.
- Sectoral resection is a procedure for cutting out the formation itself and a small part of the mammary gland.
If detected in the chest, cysts can prescribe a puncture during which the contents are pumped out through a small puncture in the gland. If a reappearance of formations is observed, enucleation is recommended.