Male mastopathy is a pathology characterized by the occurrence of painful formations in the chest. They are benign, that is, they are not able in the future to develop into a breast cancer. Mastopathy in men is much less common than in the fair sex. The most common variety of this condition is gynecomastia - the growth of the mammary gland in men.
Mastopathy - symptoms, treatment
The main symptom of this pathology is the formation of neoplasms, which are detected directly during the examination (palpation) of the chest. Also important signs are pain when touching the chest, an increase in the size of the mammary glands and incomprehensible discharge from the nipples. Allocations can occur for a variety of reasons. The main ones are: an increase in the concentration of estrogen in the blood, the formation of neoplasms in the area near the nipple due to the use of certain drugs. In addition, often mastopathy in men is combined with swelling of the breast without increasing the threshold of its sensitivity. This is also an occasion to see a doctor.
Gynecomastia is the most common mastopathy in men, causing swelling of the tissues, usually caused by an increase in estrogen levels in the body. The source of the hormone can be foods that are eaten, various nutritional supplements, or individual medicines. In most cases, men over thirty years of age suffer from gynecomastopathy, and teenagers are much less likely to suffer.
Diagnostics
If mastopathy is suspected, a direct physical examination is performed, during which the patient may be diagnosed with gynecomastia or single nodules in the mammary gland. Diagnostic and therapeutic measures carried out in cases of suspected pathology include: a blood test to determine the concentration of hormones, breast examination using a mammograph and an ultrasound machine, biopsy.
Treatment
Mastopathy in men is treated depending on the cause that led to this condition. Most often, anti-inflammatory drugs of the non-steroidal group are used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the formation of nodules in the glands. In special cases, a minor operation on the mammary gland, necessary to remove the neoplasm and study it for poor quality, can be prescribed.
The following measures are taken to treat mastopathy in men:
Mastectomy (lumpectomy) - removal of tumors in the mammary glands by surgery.
Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs of the non-steroid group, with which you can relieve chest pain (ketoprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen).
The use of antibiotics.
Compliance with the diet. It is necessary to exclude tea, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, beer from the diet, reduce the consumption of fatty foods.
The causes of mastopathy can be different, but in any case it is advisable to find out as soon as possible, examined by a doctor, and try to avoid any injuries and injuries to the chest. It is also necessary to be systematically examined in order to timely detect the formation of new formations or the growth of existing ones. Contacting medical institutions is extremely necessary when the following symptoms appear:
- neoplasm in the chest, which is easily detected by palpation and does not disappear within a week;
- discharge from the nipple;
- the breast is swollen, its sensitivity is increased;
- swollen lymph nodes in the armpit for no specific reason.
Mastopathy in men is treated - the main thing is not to start it. Therefore, follow your health!