Each woman monitors her appearance, wanting to always be attractive. However, external beauty is largely dependent on health. And not the last place is occupied by the health of one's own breast, especially when the period of feeding after the birth of a baby begins. The mammary gland is a special organ that every woman is proud of. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the composition of the milk produced in each individual case is individual.
Only here the condition of the mammary glands to a large extent depends on the amount of hormones in the blood of the female body. There is such a disease (mastopathy) that appears against the background of a decrease in progesterone concentration and an increase in estrogen levels. These hormones are produced by the ovaries. Let's try to determine the causes of this pathology and find out what treatment methods exist.
Mastopathy - what is it?
The term "mastopathy" means a pathological condition of the female glands in which these tissues begin to grow. As a result, seals form in the form of single or multiple fine-grained nodules and cysts. Often, these neoplasms are considered benign tumors, and can occur only in one breast, sometimes in both. Often they are localized in the upper outer chest.
Pathology occurs in the female half of reproductive age (18-45 years), and the peak of the disease occurs in 30-45 years. But recently, cases of detection of benign neoplasms have noticeably increased. The disease is activated not only in women of childbearing age, but also during the menopause or menstrual cycle.
We delve into the essence of what is happening
To understand the features of the pathological state of the breast, we will first consider a photo of breast mastopathy, where you can see how the breast works. The structure of the gland is somewhat similar to an orange, because inside there are also small segments (from 15 to 25 pieces), which are located radially relative to the nipple. Between them, fatty tissue separates them. Due to her, the shape of the breast is formed.
In each such "lobule" are mammary glands, consisting of branching tubes called the milky ducts. At their ends there are small alveoli (vesicles), where special cells (lactocytes) are involved in the production of milk.
Monthly cyclic changes occur in the female body under the influence of progesterone and estrogen. Thanks to them, not only is the biphasic menstrual cycle regulated, but it also has some effect on the female glands.
Under normal conditions, for the period of the first phase of the cycle (before ovulation), due to estrogen in the glands, cell multiplication begins (proliferative process). After the second phase of the cycle begins (already after ovulation, but before menstruation), progesterone is connected, which delays the reproduction of cells provoked by estrogen. At this point, the breast begins to increase in size, however, slightly.
If fertilization of the egg does not occur, the amount of estrogen increases, due to which the female glands undergo reverse changes and the breast decreases in size. However, during pregnancy, there is an increase in the concentration of prolactin in the blood. Subsequently, he begins to influence the production of milk.
If you pay attention to reviews of breast mastopathy, we can conclude that this problem worries many women of different ages.
What about deviations?
As for deviations from the above norms, then under the influence of a number of negative factors, hormonal balance is disturbed. This leads to the fact that the amount of estrogen is formed in excess, while progesterone in the body is clearly not enough. For this reason, too many cells are formed in the female breast, against the background of which mastopathy occurs.
Sometimes the disease occurs against the background of an excessive amount of prolactin, for the production of which the pituitary gland is responsible. During pregnancy and lactation, this phenomenon is within normal limits, as milk is produced to feed the baby. However, in the absence of pregnancy, this is considered a pathology and can also lead to the development of mastopathy.
Types of mastopathy
There are several varieties of this disease, but the clinical and radiological classification is the most common. According to her, mastopathy is divided into such types:
Sometimes in those places where the formation of cysts, calcium deposits occur. As a result of this, the development of the oncological process may begin.
Cystic form of pathology
Cystic mastopathy of the mammary glands is considered a benign disease, which is encountered by up to 30% of young girls. In medical language, it is referred to as fibroadenomatosis or fibrocystic disease. It is characterized by a violation of blood supply in the female glands due to an imbalance of sinewy components and connective tissues. Periodically, pain occurs in the chest.
But if pathology is not given importance, then a neoplasm is formed later. At first it will have a benign character, but then it will turn into a malignant tumor.
Diffuse disease
With diffuse mastopathy, the onset of changes affects the entire gland. In some cases, the proliferation of glandular tissue acquires a wider spectrum. Then the diagnosis will be made as follows - diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component. This form of pathology is mainly found only in young girls.
In addition, the disease is characterized by the formation of various kinds of neoplasms (cords, prosovid nodules). The diffuse form of pathology, in turn, is also divided into several types:
- adenosis;
- sclerosing adenosis;
- fibroadenosis;
- fibrocystosis.
There is also a mixed form of diffuse breast mastopathy , and, unfortunately, in our time this phenomenon is very common. The affected glands swell, cysts and seals form. The disease should not be ignored, otherwise it will begin to worsen, manifesting itself in the form of discharge from the nipples of a greenish tint.
Nodal mastopathy
In this case, the changes are benign in nature and are characterized by the formation of cysts and nodules. From the point of view of most mammologists, this form of the disease is considered to be a pre-tumor stage, after which a cancerous neoplasm is formed if treatment is not done in a timely manner.
Nodes can be single or multiple in nature, appear on one chest or in both at once. What is characteristic, such mastopathy also has its own classification:
- Fibrous-nodular.
- Diffuse-nodal.
- Cystic nodular.
Fibrous-nodal appearance is characterized by a benign course. A dense nodal structure is formed due to the proliferation of connective tissue, while the glands become asymmetric. Pain can appear both constantly and periodically.
With diffuse nodular mastopathy, cysts form in the chest, inside of which there is fluid. Their sizes are different, but often oblong or rounded shape prevails. Pain in this case is given to the shoulder, arm or armpit.
Cystic-nodular mastopathy is characterized by the presence of nodes of different sizes with clear boundaries. Gradually, seals increase and affect nearby tissues. They are easy to notice with the approach of the menstrual cycle. Due to the proliferation of cysts, the ducts of the glands are compressed, which leads to venous congestion and edema. The sensitivity of the breast increases, and the pain becomes more intense.
Symptoms of breast mastopathy in women
Usually, signs that indicate the onset of mastopathy cannot be detected and pathology can be determined by chance. But the farther, the clearer the clinical picture becomes. Connective tissue grows, small seals form.
But the disease will not be able to hide for a long time, and over time pain in the chest appears, which is the first sign of an impending pathological change. With the onset of the premenstrual period, the pain intensifies. In addition, women can feel the severity of the mammary glands, and when they are palpated, condensation can be detected.
In addition, gray-white discharge of a liquid or mucous consistency can serve as another sign. If blood is present, then this is an alarming sign, since this does not happen with benign neoplasms.
In this article, we will consider not only the symptoms of breast mastopathy (photos of the disease are presented in the article), but also various methods of treating pathology.
Pathology Diagnostics
Mastopathy can be detected in several ways:
- Palpation.
- Ultrasound
- Mammography.
- Puncture.
Mastopathy refers to those diseases that are difficult to diagnose, for this reason the importance of professional research should not be underestimated.
Palpation of glands
This procedure is preferably carried out standing or lying down. To begin with, the surface of the chest is felt with the fingertips in a clockwise direction. Then you need to push on the nipples to check for secretions. At the same time, you should check the lymph nodes that are located in the armpit.
According to experts, such a diagnosis should be carried out regularly during the period from the 5th to the 10th day of the menstrual cycle. When probing the chest, you need to try to remember the tactile sensations, and then compare them during the next procedure.
If you know the symptoms and signs of breast mastopathy, treatment will be most successful. And self-diagnosis is the first step in making a diagnosis. What should I look for? It should alert the presence of seals, pain when palpating, a feeling of tuberosity. These signs may indicate a diffuse form of the disease. Moreover, seals are sometimes not located throughout the chest, but only in its upper part.
If cystic mastopathy develops, then nodes of different sizes can be detected. In the second period of menstruation, neoplasms become more pronounced.
Ultrasonography
During the ultrasound, you can get an image of the structure of the female glands. That is, the doctor can detect the heterogeneity of the structure of the glands, the presence of neoplasms in the form of cysts or nodes. This procedure has significant advantages:
- Absolutely safe procedure.
- High degree of information.
- You can evaluate the state of blood vessels and tissues, which allows you to see the full clinical picture.
In addition, this study is able to determine not only the size of the breast tumors, but also their location. And before the procedure, there is no need for special preparation. It is better to carry out an ultrasound during the first days of the menstrual cycle.
Mammography
With this study, an x-ray of the glands is taken, as a result of which even small seals that cannot be detected by palpation can be detected. For all women who have passed the age of 40, this procedure is mandatory for annual passage.
During mammography, chest x-rays are taken in two planes: (straight and lateral), which makes it easy to detect seals and the extent of their spread, if any.
By combining x-ray with ultrasound, it is more likely to determine the pathology. It is only worth remembering that this type of study is not conducted for women who are not yet 30 years old. In addition, the procedure is done no more than once a year.
Puncture biopsy
In some cases, before prescribing treatment for fibrotic mastopathy of the breast, the doctor makes a special diagnosis. Its essence is the removal of a small amount of tissue in order to determine the nature of the tumor.
If signs of the presence of neoplasms hazardous to health are detected, the woman is advised to consult an oncologist. Such diagnostics are also characterized by a high degree of accuracy.
Treatment features
Treatment of mastopathy is based on restoring the hormonal background or eliminating the imbalance of sex hormones in the blood. It is carried out only under the strict supervision of a specialist, and always on an outpatient basis.
The diffuse form of the disease is easily served by conservative treatment. The necessary drugs are taken only after visiting a mammologist.
In the case of nodular or fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands, treatment is also carried out conservatively, but radical measures may be necessary (surgery).
A conservative technique in addition to taking drugs includes the following:
- Compliance with the diet. To do this, include fiber-rich foods in your diet and consume at least 2 liters of water per day. In food, preference should be given to sea fish, vegetable oils, dairy products, cereals, vegetables, fruits, low-fat meats, mushrooms, nuts.
- The choice of comfortable linen. With the right choice of a bra, you can reduce pain and in addition this leads to a speedy recovery. The fabric should be natural, it is desirable to select models without foam, with wide and comfortable straps. It is also worth sleeping without a bra and not wearing it for more than 12 hours.
- The right way of life. If there are bad habits, you need to abandon them. As for smoking, this is the main reason for most women's problems.
Hormone therapy
And how is breast cystic mastopathy treated? In this case, different groups of drugs are used.
- Antiestrogens. Reduce the concentration of estrogen in the blood and reduce chest pain. In addition, the menstrual cycle is normalized, the risk of seals becoming a malignant tumor is significantly reduced. But when taking these drugs, there may be side effects: nausea, wave-like attacks of fever, sweating, depression, skin rash, which is a consequence of a decrease in estrogen. The treatment course lasts 3-6 months and is often prescribed "Fareston", "Tamoxifen."
- Gestagens. This group not only inhibits the production of estrogen, but also delays the pituitary gonadotropic function. As a result, hormonal balance is restored. The effectiveness of such treatment is 80%. Only here there are a number of contraindications: pregnancy, cancer, and others. The main drugs of this group are Orgametril, Norkolut, Progestogel, and Rotten.
- Androgens. Such drugs also help suppress estrogen production. Only they have a wider range of side effects. This group is Danazol.
- Prolactin Inhibitors Due to this hormone, cysts decrease, pains become less intense, the balance between estrogen and progesterone is restored. However, in the presence of malignant tumors, the use of such drugs is contraindicated. They can be Parlodel, Bromocriptine.
However, in some cases, conservative treatment of fibrotic mastopathy of the mammary gland and taking hormonal drugs may not be enough. And then it remains to resort to a radical method of treatment.
Radical measures
A radical method of treatment includes surgery, which does not eliminate the cause of the development of mastopathy, therefore, there remains a risk of remission after a seemingly successful treatment. This type of treatment is usually carried out when diagnosing a nodal form of the disease, or when a conservative technique did not give the desired result.
Elimination of mastopathy is performed through sectoral resection of the gland. To begin with, marking of the planned sizes is done, after which they proceed to surgery under general anesthesia and using ultrasound. A cosmetic defect is minimal.
Reviews
Women who have experienced mastopathy share their experience on the Web, and from their reviews you can understand that it is almost impossible to cure this ailment. On average, the course of treatment takes from 3 months or more. Moreover, in many reviews you can read that the disease can return a few years after a seemingly successful course of therapy. The most effective and common remedy for mastopathy, according to the beautiful half of humanity, is "Mastodinon."
Conclusion
Every woman should remember that you should not self-medicate mastopathy. Otherwise, it threatens with irreversible consequences, which can lead to the development of malignant neoplasms.
How to treat breast mastopathy, only a doctor will tell. You can use traditional medicine, but only after consultation with a specialist, since here too there are their own characteristics.