home→Pancreas→ What to fear with diffuse fibrous mastopathy. How to identify and how to treat diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands? Diffuse fibrous mastopathy on both sides

What to fear with diffuse fibrous mastopathy. How to identify and how to treat diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands? Diffuse fibrous mastopathy on both sides

Mastopathy is associated with abnormal growth of breast tissue. The development of these organs is regulated by female sex hormones. An unfavorable state of the endocrine system, in which the hormonal background is disturbed in the body, is called one of the main causes of diseases of the mammary glands. Such pathologies are not uncommon, and not a single woman is immune from their occurrence. It is necessary that everyone understands how important it is to independently control the state of the glands, if mastopathy occurs, to notice its first symptoms in time.

Content:

Diffuse fibrous changes in breast tissue

Diffuse mastopathy is a disease in which many small foci of altered tissues are scattered throughout the volume of the gland. Sometimes they form separate groups (for example, they are located in the upper outer part of the gland). Such neoplasms are benign in nature, but in some cases their malignant degeneration occurs.

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy is a condition that is associated with the growth of fibrous tissue (the fibers that make up the framework of the mammary gland, and the epithelium covering the ducts and lobules). Improper formation of cell layers leads to the formation of scars in the connective (fibrous) fibers. There is a so-called tissue fibrosis.

Increased cell proliferation connective tissue leads to the fact that they displace the cells of the glandular tissue. This reduces the number of ducts and lobules. Fibrous mastopathy is characterized by the fact that the cells of the outer epithelium grow inside the ducts, they can completely block them, and damage the lobules.

As a result, foci of tissue scarring are formed in the mammary gland, which are groped in the form of seals of various sizes. In some of them small cysts appear. If there are so many such cysts that they occupy the largest part of the volume of the gland, then they speak of the occurrence of diffuse fibrocystic disease. Diffuse fibrous mastopathy (fibroadenomatosis) can be found both in one mammary gland and in both.

Mastopathy occurs in women at the age when they are most often faced with the impact on the body of adverse factors that can affect the state of the hormonal background (25-45 years). During the postmenopausal period, the level of sex hormones drops to a minimum, so older women do not have such a pathology.

Video: Causes and diagnosis of mastopathy

Causes of mastopathy

The main cause of abnormal tissue development and the occurrence of fibrosis is a decrease in progesterone levels and an excessive increase in estrogen levels. Causes of hormonal disorders can be:

Improper production of sex hormones in the ovaries due to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in them, the formation of tumors.
Inflammatory diseases other organs of the reproductive system that occur when they are damaged during operations, childbirth or as a result of improper hygiene care. Such processes can quickly spread from the vagina to the uterus and ovaries. The same applies to infectious diseases that occur when the microflora of the vagina is disturbed or pathogens enter the organs during intercourse.
Violation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the brain. The functioning of the ovaries depends entirely on the content of pituitary hormones (follicle-stimulating and luteinizing) in the body. Failure of this organ leads to the occurrence of diffuse fibrous mastopathy and other diseases of the mammary glands.
Prolactinemia is an elevated level of prolactin (also a pituitary hormone). Prolactin is the main hormone responsible for the development of the mammary glands and their functioning.
Termination of pregnancy, refusal to breastfeed or its early termination, lack of regular sexual life, pregnancy and childbirth.
Violation of metabolism and functioning of the thyroid, pancreas. Improper implementation of lipid metabolism leads to an increase in fat mass in the body. It is able to produce estrogens, although not in such quantities as the ovary. Obesity leads to hyperestrogenism. Often mastopathy affects women with diabetes.
The use of hormonal drugs with a high content of estrogen (in the treatment of infertility, amenorrhea, various menstrual irregularities).

Factors provoking the occurrence of diffuse fibrous mastopathy are nervous fatigue, depression. Harmful effects are caused by ultraviolet irradiation in a solarium or during a long stay in the sun. The disease occurs more often in women who smoke.

At risk are women who have a hereditary predisposition to diseases of this kind, as well as women with breast injuries, malignant tumors of the genital organs.

Symptoms of mastopathy

The first signs of diffuse mastopathy may be changes in the condition of the mammary glands a few days before menstruation. Even if a woman is healthy, swelling and mild soreness in her breasts is normal for her. It is necessary to pay attention to this sign if the breast enlargement is greater than usual (possibly asymmetrical enlargement of the glands), the pain is felt more strongly. A painful premenstrual symptom in many cases is a manifestation of diffuse mastopathy. Seals during menstruation can decrease and even dissolve, and subsequently reappear, since the cause of the pathology remains.

During self-examination of the breast, a woman discovers small scattered seals, changes in the shape of the breast, if a large number of nodules are grouped together. Sometimes there is a discharge from the nipple of a white or clear liquid, which indicates the development of pathology in the lobules and milk ducts.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, the following forms of diffuse fibrous mastopathy are distinguished:

expressed implicitly. There is a lot of adipose tissue in the mammary gland, due to which fibrous seals are poorly palpable and are not very painful.
A state of moderate severity of symptoms. Adipose tissue is less, but still enough to mitigate the manifestations of the disease.
severe fibrosis. Connective tissue predominates in the breast. Touching the chest is very painful. The sensation of pain is constant, does not depend on the period of the menstrual cycle.

One of the symptoms of mastopathy may be an increase in the lymph nodes under the armpits, in the area of the collarbone. A neglected disease leads to the appearance of atypical cells in the breast tissues, the occurrence of a cancerous tumor.

Diagnostics

A universal diagnostic method that can be used when examining women of any age, including pregnant women, is breast ultrasound. The method is safe and informative enough, allows you to study the structure of tissues and notice the slightest seals.

An important diagnostic method is also mammography (X-ray of the mammary glands). It gives more detailed information about the state of tissues and blood vessels. But there are contraindications to its use. The use of radioactive radiation does not allow it to be used to examine women under 35 years of age, pregnant or lactating. It is also not suitable for women with small breasts.

Diagnosis by these methods is carried out immediately after the end of menstruation, when the chest is least tense. If there are suspicions about the nature of the seals, do a biopsy of the mammary glands. Blood tests and fluid released from the nipple allow you to establish the presence of inflammatory processes.

Video: Treatment of diffuse fibrous mastopathy

Treatment of fibrous mastopathy

Surgical treatment is carried out only in extremely advanced cases, when the size of the seals is more than 2 cm, and a biopsy shows that malignant degeneration has occurred. To eliminate seals, a mainly conservative method of treatment is used. The restoration of the hormonal background, regulation of the work of the ovaries and pituitary gland with medications is carried out.

Medical treatment

Reducing the level of estrogen is achieved by taking gestagens (drugs based on progesterone). These include duphaston, utrozhestan. For rubbing into the chest, progestogel is used - a gel of the same action. They are taken in the second half of the cycle.

Prescribed drugs that suppress the production of prolactin (parlodel), which are taken in the middle and second half of the cycle, as well as antiestrogens (tamoxifen). Women under 35 are prescribed oral contraceptives (Marvelon, Jeanine), which suppress ovulation. Women over 45 are prescribed drugs based on male sex hormones (methyltestosterone). Before the appointment of such funds, a study of the hormonal background is mandatory, and also studied general state health (the presence of diseases of the liver, kidneys, blood).

Iodine preparations (iodomarin), drugs that compensate for the lack of hormones are prescribed thyroid gland(euthyrox). In the treatment of diffuse fibrous mastopathy, homeopathic herbal remedies are also used, such as mastodinone, klamin.

To eliminate the causes of the disease, drugs are prescribed that calm the nervous system, as well as vitamins and immunomodulators. Painkillers, diuretics are used to remove fluid from body tissues and eliminate edema.

Physiotherapeutic treatment (laser therapy, electrophoresis and others) is used.

A warning: In the presence of diffuse mastopathy, you can not drink coffee, cola, eat chocolate, use hot spices. They contain substances that contribute to the development of fibrosis.

Any treatment should be prescribed only by a doctor. Hormonal drugs are accepted in a specific way. Attempts to independently eliminate seals and painful sensations, including folk remedies, can cause great harm, lead to deterioration.

home remedies

Temporary analgesic effect can be achieved by lubricating the mammary gland burdock oil, applying cabbage leaf, a compress of grated raw beets, burdock leaves, which have a resolving effect. As an auxiliary home remedy for mastopathy, an infusion prepared from dill seeds, chamomile flowers, valerian root, mint leaves is used. 10 g of all components are taken, brewed with a glass of boiling water. It is necessary to drink 1 glass of warm infusion every day in 3 doses. After a few days, swelling and inflammation in the chest disappear.

Diffuse fibrosis cystic mastopathy- what it is? This question threatens to become one of the most frequently asked among the female audience. This is due to the fact that this disease remains the most common pathology that affects the glands that secrete milk in women aged 30 to 50 years. Although mastopathy can be in children of both sexes, both in men and in women in the postmenopausal period.

Sometimes patients search for information about diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy mammary glands. This definition is redundant. The word "mastopathy" already suggests that the pathological process will affect the glands that secrete milk. The disease itself, by definition, is called either diffuse mastopathy or fibrocystic disease.

General characteristics of the disease

DFKM ( diffuse mastopathy) is diagnosed in more than 35% of women of childbearing age. Every year the number of women diagnosed with mastopathy increases. This disease is associated with hormonal imbalance (deficiency of progesterone, excess of estrogen). With this disease, the level of prolactin also changes upward.

It is characterized by:

abnormal growth of breast tissue;
discomfort up to pain;
in some cases - pathological secretion and edema.

The pathological process may be accompanied by tissue proliferation. Altered or overgrown tissue, which belongs to benign formations, can degenerate into cancer (about 2.5-3% of cases).

According to ICD-10, this disease is coded No. 60. Fibrocystic disease in clinical signs It is customary to divide into diffuse and nodular. In the first case, the examination reveals a large number of small formations, without a clear predominance of any type. In the second case, the site is clearly defined during the examination.

With diffuse mastopathy, one of the three types of tissue may predominate, or the changes may be mixed, in connection with this, several subtypes of the disease are classified:

glandular form (JM or adenosis);
mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic element (DKM or cystosis);
a disease with a predominance of fibrous elements (DFM or fibroadenomatosis);
a mixed form may be observed.

Diffuse cystic mastopathy can be unilateral (affecting only one gland), but bilateral mastopathy is much more common. According to the principle of formation of pathologically altered tissue, a proliferative form of the course of the disease and a non-proliferative form are distinguished. In the first case, the tissues involved in the process, namely the connective (interstitial) and epithelium, grow by cell division. In the second, cysts form in the tissues. They can be small or quite large. On the initial stage the so-called bunch of grapes is formed - a set of small cysts that can be compared with a branch of grapes in shape and structure.

Over time, if the disease is not treated, the connective tissue thickens around the pathological formation, and the process of its growth begins. As a result of the described pathological process, the lobules mammary gland are stretched due to the cysts forming in them.

Both forms can become malignant, but the proliferative form is more prone to magnification. Malignancy is the ability of cells of normal tissue or a benign formation to acquire the characteristics of cancer. With a non-proliferative form of the disease, this ability is minimal and does not even reach 1% of all cases of mastopathy. The disease can be bilateral or affect only one gland.

The danger of mastopathy

Do oncologists consider diffuse FCM dangerous? Despite the fact that the disease is not malignant, experts do not recommend ignoring it and classify it as potentially dangerous. Despite the low risk of magnlinization, such a danger still exists.

If treatment is inadequate and insufficient, mastopathy can lead to breast cancer.

With the destruction of the cyst, hypothermia, injuries in the tissues of the mammary gland, an inflammatory process can begin. Cysts can fester, and this is fraught with sepsis.

With pathological tissue growth, the breast can be deformed (its shape and size change). This is not only aesthetically unattractive, while the woman experiences not only moral, but also physical discomfort. Periodic, and over time, constant pain interferes with proper rest, affects work nervous system, reduce performance.

Main types

Mastopathy is classified as a hyperplastic disease that occurs with the growth of a particular tissue. Thanks to some morphological features, it was possible to isolate individual forms of the disease. If the hyperplasia of the glandular tissue is of a highly differentiated nature, the focus of growth is not encysted, then they speak of fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component or adenosis.

Clinically, adenosis is manifested by the appearance of dense formations in the segments of the gland or diffuse swelling of the entire breast from the side of the lesion. Swelling increases before the onset of menstruation. This form of pathology is more common in young girls.

When multiple cysts are detected, which are formed during the expansion of the ducts of the gland, in the process of atrophy of its lobules and when the connective tissue changes, they speak of fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component. In this type of pathological process, the epithelial cells that form the lining of the cyst tend to proliferate.

With DKM, small cysts of the order of 0.3 cm and rather large ones up to 6 cm are formed. The contents of cysts with diffuse cystic mastopathy have a different color. It depends on the stage of the process, in the last stage the contents are brown-green, it can ooze from the nipple when pressed on it. The chest with this form of the pathological process is painful.

The pain syndrome intensifies by the beginning of menstruation. In a quarter of patients with diffuse cystic mastopathy, the cysts are calcified. This is considered one of the first signs of malignancy of the tumor formation, as well as the admixture of blood in the contents of the cysts.

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is characterized by a change in the tissue that makes up the stroma of the lobules of the mammary gland (connective tissue). With this pathology, the cells lining the ducts of the gland are prone to proliferation, due to which the lumen of the ducts is narrowed or completely blocked (this is called obliteration). When probing the chest in the affected area, strands and seals are formed. This form of the disease, like the other two, is accompanied by pain.

Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is typical for women in the premenopausal period.

In the form of a clearly differentiated form, any of the above forms of diffuse-cystic-fibrous changes in mammary glands ah in the practice of clinicians is rare. Morphological features of each of the forms are usually diagnosed.

Causes

Considering that this disease has been studied for only some hundred years, it was not possible to unequivocally establish the cause of the development of the described changes in the tissues of the mammary gland.

Hormonal imbalance plays the "first violin" in a set of factors that provoked the development of the pathological process.

The development of the mammary glands is stimulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary system, ovaries and adrenal glands. Violation of their content leads to changes in the glandular tissue of the breast. Thyroid diseases also stimulate the development of pathology.

Additional factors that may affect diffuse-nodular changes are:

a large number of abortions;
spontaneous abortion or premature birth;
the onset of the premenopausal period;
refusal to breastfeed the child after childbirth;
hormone therapy;
chest injuries, abscesses, etc.

It is believed that diseases internal organs may lead to the development of this disease. Quite often, the cause of mastopathy remains a mystery. This disease is considered a borderline pathology, because it can be stimulated by a large number of various factors, which are sometimes impossible to influence. Therefore, when choosing a therapy strategy, an integrated approach should be chosen.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a physical examination of the patient and a chest examination. Depending on the age of the subject, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound or mammography. The gold standard for diagnosing diffuse nodular benign lesions in women is the ultrasonic methods and mammography. Mammography is contraindicated in pregnant women, nursing mothers and is not recommended for patients under 35 years of age.

An auxiliary method is blood sampling for hormone levels. A biopsy is performed to diagnose malignant neoplasms. The resulting material is sent for cytological examination.

Therapy of diffuse fibrous changes in the mammary gland, in contrast to the nodular form, can be carried out by one of 2 methods - conservative or operative. The nodular form is treated only promptly. Conservative treatment begins with the normalization of hormonal levels. Phytochemicals are a great success. The therapeutic strategy depends on the results of the examination, including the level of hormones.

Treatment of mastopathy requires the use of different groups of drugs. For this purpose, hormonal agents are used to maintain the balance of hormones in the body, adaptogens and vitamin complexes to increase the body's immune forces, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs to combat pain, diuretics help relieve swelling, if necessary, sedatives, antidepressants can be prescribed. The drugs used can be prescribed in the form of drops or tablets and in the form local funds(gels or ointments).

Diet therapy is not the last place in the treatment of this disease. The diet helps to maintain the patient's normal weight and thus reduce the level of estrogen. If the cystic form of the disease prevails, the patient may be recommended a puncture-aspiration method of treatment. It consists in the suction of fluid from the cysts. This treatment is applicable only for cysts that have not begun to become malignant.

If a cancerous degeneration of the gland tissue is suspected, or if a large number of cysts are formed or the interstitial tissue is excessively enlarged, resection of the affected organ may be used. With a benign course of the process, the treatment of this disease requires a systematic approach, the therapeutic course must be repeated. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a mammologist and an oncologist.

The highest frequency of mastopathy is observed in single, smoking women who abuse alcohol. From this it follows that the best prevention of this disease is warm family relationships, the birth and upbringing of a child.

Video

How to recognize mastopathy and cure it? Find out in the next video.

Diffuse cystic mastopathy, or Reclus disease (in the medical reference book is marked No. 60.1.) is a process of compaction and violation of the histological structure of the mammary gland due to the growth of fibrous tissue, the displacement of the glandular component. During this process, benign tumors form in the mammary gland - cystic formations sizes from 0.01 mm to 6-8 cm and all possible densities. Due to the abundance of cysts, cavities are formed in which fluid accumulates and stagnates - a secret, subsequently the cysts begin to expand. Small cysts may coalesce to form multi-chambered cysts. According to medical statistics, 60% of women are affected by the disease.

Classifications:

Cystic - the development of cysts in the mammary gland.
Fibrosis of the mammary glands - an increase in connective tissue.
Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component - mixed - an increase in connective tissue and mammary gland with the presence of seals.
Nodular mastopathy - Reclus disease.

Fibrofatty mastopathy is distinguished when the glandular tissue is replaced by fatty and connective. A disease that develops in both breasts is called bilateral diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy. The risk of getting it is 40% higher in the fair sex under 35 years of age. A woman over 40 is prone to the development of a nodular type of unilateral mastopathy.

The disease belongs to the ICD-10 classification (International Classification of Diseases), adopted in January 2007.

Reclus disease is not fully understood, its causes are unclear. But more often the diagnosis is made by women suffering from long-term hormonal disorders with an excess of estrogen.

Factors associated with the development of mastopathy:

venereal diseases;
menstrual irregularities;
many abortions, miscarriages;
a sharp decrease or increase in intimate activity, its absence;
infertility;
childbirth in women over 45;
hereditary factor;
insolation of the breasts (direct exposure to sunlight);
liver disease;
improper use of contraceptives.

According to observations, the most significant factor in the occurrence of fibrosis is considered to be a deficiency of the hormone progesterone with a simultaneously large amount of estrogen. Reinforced production prolactin is also a possible beginning of the development of mastopathy.

Sometimes the cure for diffuse mastopathy is pregnancy. Having become pregnant, it is possible to stabilize the hormonal status and health. Women with many children in isolated cases are exposed to the described disease.

Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms is the detection of seals in the mammary gland. And the first wake-up call may be chest discomfort during PMS. Gradually, the pain spreads to the armpits and shoulder blades. Additionally, there are similar symptoms:

Heaviness, pain and other discomfort in the breasts.
Puffiness, disproportionate change in breast size.
Growth of lymph nodes in the armpits.
Fluid secreted from the nipples (as mucus, bloody fluid, lactose).

Almost all the symptoms of mastopathy directly interact with PMS, aggravate on the eve of menstruation. 13% of women do not feel pain and discomfort from the disease at all.

In addition, they call the symptoms that indicate the occurrence of cancer - this is a change in the condition of the skin in the area of the gland node in the form of a "lemon peel" and an excessive increase in the lymph nodes in the armpits.

Possible Complications

The only serious complication that occurs as a consequence of mastopathy is breast cancer: the transformation of a benign tumor into a malignant one. This is what happens when the disease is ignored.

There are two types of breast cancer - invasive and non-invasive.

Non-invasive type - the first stage of oncological diseases, characterized by the complete absence of atypical cells in the mammary gland and nearby. At this stage, the goal of the pathology is to affect tissues locally, more often in the duct of the mammary gland. Almost always successfully removed by the surgeon without other complications and relapses.

Invasive form - a case when cancer affects nearby tissues and manifests itself as the most dangerous oncological pathology. Kinds:

Ductal, or ductal - the development of cancer in the walls of the milk streams themselves. Over time, it moves to nearby tissues.
Inflammatory - develops similar to mastitis. It is extremely rare. Manifested in painful redness on the chest and fever.
Paget's disease oncological disease associated with the appearance of ulcers and changes in the shape of the areola and nipples.

The most common solution to the problem of breast cancer is surgery, which involves two options: lumpectomy - removal of specific areas of the breast, and mastectomy - removal of the entire breasts.

Mastectomy is performed if:

the patient has a small breast size;
the tumor has spread to the chest wall;
the tumor is too large.

When the tumors are removed and the chance of their appearance is small, doctors continue to operate to restore the shape and volume of the breast. If this is not possible, the patient is offered a number of options for correction. appearance breast cancer based on personal preference.

Breast reconstruction is divided into two options:

one-stage - performed at the same time as the operation to remove the tumor;
delayed - is carried out if it is not possible to qualitatively restore the breast or there is a possibility of complications. Performed after the entire healing process.

Reconstructive surgeries differ in the type of tissue that the breast is reconstructed. For this, autotissue (taken from one's own body) or allottissue (implants) is suitable.

Chemotherapy may be given before, instead of, or after surgery. In the first case, this is a reduction in the primary tumor in order to make it possible to have a lumpectomy, in the third case, to resolve metastases and reduce the chance of their possible occurrence in the future.

Radiation therapy is prescribed as a prevention of recurrence, removal of tumors that cannot be manually removed, and treatment of symptoms.

Diagnosis

The initial examination begins with the collection of information about the disease. Recognition of the root causes of the appearance of mastopathy depends on the nature of the course of PMS; the number of removals of the fetus childbirth, miscarriages; hereditary disposition and other risk factors that only the patient knows about. After specifying specific complaints, the moment of their occurrence, frequency, relationship with PMS. There are two types of palpation.

The assessment of the condition of the breast consists of:

Ultrasound (to find out if there are echo signs of mastopathy);
electrical impedance and biocontrast mammography;
pneumocystographic study;
blood test;
blood test for thyroxine, prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone;
palpation;
MRI of the breast;
diaphanoscopy;
general inspection.

If signs of nodular formations are found, a biopsy of the gland is performed (a tissue sample is removed from the breasts with a needle).

An essential and obligatory part of the examination is the study of the woman's personal hormonal background, especially the level of estrogen and prolactin. With mastopathy, the patient should be under the supervision of a doctor at all times.

The difficulty of diagnosis is understandable. Clinical, radiological, sonographic and sometimes cytological examinations give information that nodular mastopathy is both benign and malignant. And this calls into question what course of treatment should be applied.

It is impossible to spread fibrosis, it is a non-contagious disease. The chance of its occurrence depends on the personal factors of the woman.

Treatment of mastopathy

The most affordable and simple cure is to correct the hormonal background of the whole organism. When choosing a way to treat fibrosis, you need to consult with other doctors. For a complete hormonal treatment the conclusions of three specialists are needed - a mammologist, a gynecologist, an endocrinologist. Hormonal drugs are rarely prescribed with the confirmation of only one doctor.

With severe estrogen, the main goal is to reduce the level of estrogen influence on the breast. To correct this, tamoxifen and toremifene citrate are prescribed. To correct and normalize PMS use birth control pills, which are selected according to the hormonal position. When the reason is the functionality of the thyroid gland, drugs are used that regulate the production of thyroid hormones.

It is difficult to completely cure benign fibrosis - there is always a percentage of the likelihood of a relapse. But many women live with this disease without even noticing the discomfort. With mastopathy, you can live for 50 and 5 years, this is pure lottery with the risk of developing cancer.

Alternative treatment

Main folk remedies for the treatment of cystic mastopathy - St. John's wort and valerian, tea based on them.

Ingredients:

crushed dry valerian root (1 tsp);
cumin seeds (1.5 tsp);
fennel seeds (1.5 tsp);
St. John's wort (3 tsp);
table soda (0.5 tsp).

Process of preparation and use:

Mix the ingredients dry and store in an airtight container.
To prepare tea, mix with hot water in a ratio of 1 to 6 and let it brew for 30-40 minutes. It is important to cover with a lid during tincture.
Take 3 times before meals.

Such remedies act like homeopathy, it is dangerous to use them as the main treatment!

Prevention

Mastopathy is a common disease. The chances of avoiding it are close to the chances of getting sick. However, these chances can be improved.

It is worth paying increased attention to diseases associated with the mammary gland and hormonal levels, and these specifically include:

ovarian diseases;
pathology of the uterus;
diseases of the endocrine glands;
liver failure;
venereal problems.

Also, do not neglect mechanical injuries of the breasts (cuts, bruises, injections).

Attention should be paid to the bra, and specifically - the size. Too small a bra size leads to a sprain of the ligaments of the chest or deformation. Long-term exposure to sunlight on the chest is highly discouraged.

The main principle of prevention of mastopathy and other diseases is a healthy lifestyle.

Many people face the diagnosis of mastopathy, but not everyone knows what it is.

Mastopathy is called an extensive group of pathologies that develop against the background of hormonal failure.

The female genital organs secrete estrogens excessively, at this time the amount of progesterone in the body decreases. Against the background of such changes in the mammary glands, dense formations are formed. Neoplasms are benign, but despite this they lead to health problems.

Fibrous mastopathy leads to stagnation of venous blood in the mammary gland, compression of nerve endings, as a result of which patients experience discomfort and pain in the chest area.

At the initial stage of the development of the pathology, there may be no manifestations, or there may be slight painful sensations that occur only in the middle of the menstrual cycle and end with the onset of menstruation.

As the disease progresses, mobile seals are formed in the mammary gland, available for self-detection. The volume of seals may be unchanged, or swell before the onset of menstrual bleeding. Lesions can be both bilateral (both breasts are involved in the pathological process at once), and unilateral.

Types of mastopathy

Fibro-adenomatous or glandular-fibrous type of mastopathy, which refers to adenous tumors of the breast. In the process of this anomaly, neoplasms of various sizes are formed in the glandular tissue of the breast.
Glandular cystic type of pathology. Cystic formations filled with a clear liquid appear in the mammary gland.
Fibrocystic type of mastopathy. A mixed form of anomaly, combining the two previous types of mastopathy. In the tissues of the breast, both cystic formations and seals are formed. Pathology can be observed both in one and in both mammary glands.

With fibrous-adenomatous mastopathy, the formations have a bumpy surface. This type of anomaly is most prone to the formation of nodes. Adenous mastopathy is able to involve in the pathological process not only glandular, but also connective tissues.

All types of the disease can be expressed both in the nodular form (seals and cysts are of impressive size and concentrated in one area, forming dense clusters), and in the diffuse form (small formations are located throughout the chest). With extensive nodular formations, the glandular and adipose tissue is deformed, as a result of which a change in the shape of the breast can be observed.

Diffuse-fibrous type of mastopathy

In girls under 25 years of age, a diffuse fibrous type of mastopathy is often found. Its difference is that with the development of pathology in the mammary gland, rounded benign seals are formed. Education has no connective tissue with the skin and is mobile. Seal sizes can be from 0.5 to 70 mm. The symptomatology of diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is similar to all other types of mastopathy.
The presence of a seal in the chest does not always indicate that this is a manifestation of mastopathy. Fibroadenoma is a pathology for which some symptoms of mastopathy are also characteristic.

Cystic-fibrous form of mastopathy

If a cystic form of fibrous mastopathy develops, then the formation of tumors occurs with a change in the histological structure of the cellular material. This type of disease has several names, such as cystic disease or chronic cystic mastitis. Cystic-fibrous mastopathy affects both mammary glands simultaneously.

This type of pathology has its own symptoms:

dull, aching pain in the chest area;
bursting feeling in the chest;
redness of the skin;
increased symptomatic manifestations before the onset of menstrual bleeding.

Diagnosis of cystic mastopathy is carried out by x-ray, ultrasound diagnostics. The diagnostic method is determined by the specialist based on the age of the patient.

Manifestations of mastopathy

Half of the inhabitants of the earth are diagnosed with a disease such as fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands, having determined what it is, you should also familiarize yourself with the symptomatic picture of this pathology. At the beginning of development, the anomaly may have a small amount of manifestations.

The main signs of fibrous mastopathy on early stages development:

pain in the area of the mammary glands during menstrual bleeding;
irritation and sensitivity of the nipples;
swelling of the mammary gland;
discomfort in the chest.

The appearance of premenstrual syndrome indicates the presence of hormonal failure. As the pathology progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced.

Pain becomes permanent
dense lumps form in the chest,
liquid begins to flow from the nipples.

ATTENTION

If you find the above symptoms, you should immediately visit the gynecologist and mammologist.

Sometimes pain can be observed not only in the chest area, but also in the armpits, in the neck, shoulder blades. With a long course of the disease, symptoms may decrease in intensity.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Mastopathy develops against the background of hormonal failure, which may be a consequence of certain events in the life of a girl. As a rule, mastopathy develops due to the following factors:

Premature termination of pregnancy. With the onset of pregnancy, the body is rebuilt, preparing to bear the fetus, and the mammary glands are preparing for lactation. With the sudden completion of this process, the hormonal background fails, as a result of which mastopathy develops.
Irregularity of sexual relations. With the systematic neglect of intimate relationships, a woman develops chronic dissatisfaction, which causes hormonal imbalance.
Pathology of the endocrine system. Violation of the functioning of the endocrine system leads to the fact that the hormonal background changes in the body, this has a negative effect on the breast tissue.
Anomalies of the female reproductive system. Chronic diseases of the female reproductive system of an inflammatory or infectious nature have the greatest impact.
Violation of the menstrual cycle.
Absence of childbirth and lactation period. According to nature, women's destiny is the birth and feeding of children. If for some reason there is no childbearing process or the lactation period passes, the body reacts to this with an active hormonal surge, which adversely affects the woman's breasts.
hereditary predisposition. Medical workers believe that if this disease is diagnosed in close relatives, the chances of developing mastopathy increase.
Bad habits. Negative habits such as smoking tobacco, drinking drinks containing alcohol and using narcotic components lead to hormone imbalance in women. Against the background of changes in the hormonal background, the development of the disease occurs.
Excessive amount of stressful situations. Stress has an adverse effect on all organ systems, the hormonal background is no exception.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays. The impact of ultraviolet rays on the naked chest negatively affects its condition. Often, such exposure causes the development of not only mastopathy, but also other, more serious pathologies.

The female body is sensitive to the effects of various factors, therefore, in order to prevent the development of anomalies, one should carefully take care of it.

Diagnosis of mastopathy

In order to timely differential diagnosis and to cure fibrous mastopathy, experts advise to regularly independently check the condition of the mammary glands. This procedure does not take much time, it must be carried out during menstruation. The chest must be carefully examined with fingers in all planes.

NOTE

If, during self-examination, seals or painful areas were found in the mammary gland, this is an occasion to visit a doctor for a dif. diagnostics.

For an accurate diagnosis, specialists use:

ultrasound examination (persons under 40 years old);
mammography (permissible at any age);
thermography of the mammary gland (in the presence of fibrocystic mastopathy, focal hyperthermia occurs);
MRI (rarely used due to ambiguous results);
biopsy (allows you to determine the nature of the formations).

As a rule, an ultrasound scan is sufficient to diagnose fibrous mastopathy, since the formations have obvious echo signs, sometimes an additional examination by a gynecologist and endocrinologist is prescribed, and a laboratory blood test is also performed.

Fibrous mastopathy diagnosis video

Therapy

There are various methods for the treatment of fibrous mastopathy. Treatment with medicines is most often used for moderately severe disease.
For the implementation of drug therapy is used:

medical preparations made on plant extracts;
a product that contains progesterone;
oral contraceptives.

As an addition to complex therapy often prescribed drugs containing vitamins, sedative medications with a weak effect and immunomodulatory drugs. If mastopathy brings severe pain, it is recommended to use painkillers.

During the examination, it was determined that these formations will not degenerate into oncology, the use of absorbable compresses is acceptable. The medication for compresses is prescribed by a specialist.

If fibrous mastopathy does not respond to drug treatment surgical intervention is required. During the operation, the skin and adipose tissue are cut to the site of the lesion. After excision of the neoplasm, it is necessary to carry out hormonal therapy to exclude the recurrence of the pathology.

Treatment of mastopathy with folk remedies

In addition to traditional methods of treating fibrous mastopathy, alternative therapy, folk remedies, is available.

ATTENTION

The thoughtless use of alternative medicine can lead to serious complications.

How to treat mastopathy with folk remedies:

Celandine infused with alcohol.

Crushed celandine must be infused in 500 ml of boiling water. It should be insisted for 14 days, after which the product must be stored in a cool place. It is necessary to use the tincture for 2 weeks, increasing the dosage from 1 to 15 drops, after which the dosage is reduced in the reverse order.

Flax seeds.

Flaxseed contributes to the normalization of hormonal levels. Reception of seeds must be carried out within a month for 2 tablespoons. Also, this tool optimizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Elder juice.

The use of this remedy should occur 2 times a day for several months.

cabbage compress.

To relieve symptoms and treatment, you can invest.

If using any of these methods, the state of health worsens, it is necessary to stop therapy and immediately contact your doctor.

Diet in the treatment of fibrous mastopathy

During the treatment of fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands, it is necessary to refrain from eating foods such as:

coffee;
chocolate;
all kinds of spices.

These products lead to the accelerated formation of new seals, to an active increase in the volumes of existing ones. The diet must be supplemented with a large amount of liquid, it can be water, various herbal teas, juices, non-carbonated drinks.

Mastopathy prognosis and possible complications

Competent and timely treatment started makes it possible to completely get rid of abnormal tissue growth, but in the future, a constant assessment of the condition of the breast is required.

Very rarely, benign formations can degenerate into cancerous tumor. This happens either under the influence of some factors, or due to a long absence of treatment.

Also, in large cysts, festering may begin, acute pain and redness appear. If such a pathology is detected, it is necessary to puncture and extract the entire contents of the cyst cavity, the presence of an inflammatory process requires the introduction medicinal product into the education cavity. Surgery is rarely required.

Preventive actions

In order to prevent the occurrence of mastopathy or stop further development disease, the following guidelines should be followed:

it is necessary to lead a full intimate life;
timely treatment of pathological processes of the endocrine and reproductive systems;
avoid premature termination of pregnancy;
regularly palpate the chest;
it is necessary to follow the right lifestyle and adhere to a balanced diet (in the absence of a complex diet, it is necessary to use products that include synthetic vitamins).

Every woman should be regularly observed by a gynecologist. You should not seek advice from doctors on the Internet, since it is impossible to diagnose from a photo.

All abnormal conditions of the female breast should be examined by a specialist. An inattentive attitude to one's health, as well as an untimely appeal to a specialist, can cause unpleasant diseases and deadly pathologies.

Mastopathy is a disease of the mammary glands, which is manifested by a violation of the quantitative ratio of the epithelium, connective and / or glandular tissues due to growth. The process is regressive. Tissue changes are fibrous, cystic, glandular and mixed. Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is characterized by a uniformly scattered tissue compaction that does not have clearly defined boundaries. Among women of reproductive age, it occurs in 40% of cases, of which 60% are accompanied by gynecological diseases.

Mastopathy, characterized by the growth of fibrous tissue, is one of the most common options.

Causes of fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM)

The trigger mechanism in the appearance and development of the disease is a violation of the hormonal balance. Morphological and functional changes develop in women who are at risk and have a history of at least one of the following factors:

hereditary predisposition on the maternal side;
gynecological diseases;
unclaimed reproductive function ─ refusal to have a child (voluntary or forced), abortion, irregular sex life;
diseases of the endocrine system;
unhealthy lifestyle bad habits, malnutrition, violation of the regime of work and rest.

Frequent stresses, as well as psychosomatic causes, can provoke mastopathy.

Separately, it should be said about the psychosomatic cause of mastopathy, when the psychological state of a woman directly affects the onset and development of the disease. Pathology is provoked by an unconscious intrapersonal conflict, which is displayed in clinical symptoms. This cause is typical for 40-60% of cases of the disease. Psychological conflict and negative emotions disrupt the physiological and biochemical processes in the body, which ultimately leads to mastopathy.

Symptoms of diffuse fibrous mastopathy

The clinical picture is characterized by symptoms of mastalgia ─ chest pain. In 50% of women, they increase in the second half of the menstrual cycle. A week before the onset of menstruation, tactile sensitivity around the areola is exacerbated.

Important! With fibrotic changes, irradiation of pain and discharge from the nipple are not observed.

Local pain and increased sensitivity are the main signs of this type of mastopathy.

In 30% of patients, the breast becomes rough. There is tension, sharp pain, an increase in the volume of the mammary gland. Manifestations are both severe and moderate. Nearby lymph nodes are enlarged. The course of the disease may be accompanied by violations of the menstrual cycle, the nature of menstruation. Due to the destabilization of the hormonal background, a woman can gain weight.

Unlike mastopathy with symptoms of fibrosis, diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component is accompanied by strong painful sensations, which give into the shoulder blade and shoulder, and the release of serous fluid from the milk ducts.

The predominance of the glandular component is manifested by an increase in the lobules of the mammary gland and stagnation in the blood vessels.

Adenosis on ultrasound or mammography is determined by a significant superiority of glandular tissue over adipose tissue.

As a result, there is a violation of trophism (cell nutrition processes), which leads to severe edema, severe pain. On palpation, enlarged glandular lobules are clearly palpable. Fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component is called adenosis.

Diagnosis of fibrous mastopathy

The first step in diagnosing a disease is the collection and study of anamnesis. To do this, the patient finds out:

her age;
features of the menstrual cycle;
reproductive history - the number of births, abortions, miscarriages, difficulties with fertilization;
previous illnesses.

To understand the cause of the disease, a woman's gynecological history is important

The nature of disturbing symptoms and the exact time of the appearance of the first signs, the duration of the disease are specified. Analyzed menstrual cycle, it turns out whether the patient received therapy before and how effective it was.

Examination of the mammary glands and lymph nodes, palpation superficial and deep. The affected breast will have a dense texture with an uneven elastic structure. Palpation can feel fibrous compaction. With fibrocystic mastopathy, when the glandular component predominates, enlarged lobules of different density are palpated.

Visible on ultrasound fibrotic changes tissues, local expansion of the mammary ducts of the gland, swelling between different tissues.

For women over the age of 40, the most informative study is mammography.

According to the results of x-rays, the state of the structure of the gland is judged. The glandular triangle, the fatty layer, the presence of microcalcifications (deposition of calcium salts) are evaluated. The mammogram shows tissue deformation with round or oval lucencies. They alternate with fibrous dense formations. The radiograph shows an increase in glandular structures and severe fibrosis. Small-focal shadows are observed, which are diffusely scattered in the gland.

Laboratory research methods are used: clinical analysis of blood and urine, biochemical analysis blood (in case of anemia, iron will be lowered in it), blood for thyroid hormones. In addition to consulting a mammologist, the patient should be examined by a therapist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, oncologist.

Treatment of mastopathy

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is a benign disease that does not degenerate into cancer.

The likelihood of oncopathology in patients with this form of mastopathy is not higher than in healthy women

Principles of treatment of fibrous mastopathy:

treatment of gynecological diseases;
fight against genital infection;
correction of psychosomatics;
drug therapy;
folk remedies.

Due to the fact that 25% of patients are young women under 30, there is a need to find effective medicines with minimal side effects on the body.

hormone therapy

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the main cause of mastopathy and restoring the hormonal background of the female body.

The normal ratio of sex hormones depending on the period of the menstrual cycle

Main drugs:

Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen. Eliminates tissue proliferation by influencing endogenous estrogens.
Bromocriptine ─ inhibits the production of prolactin and growth hormone.
Danazol ─ suppresses the growth of the epithelium by reducing gonadotropin.
Livial is a combined steroid drug. Reduces the rate of cell division and proliferation, promotes apoptosis (cell death) of the epithelial component.
GnRH agonists (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) ─ reduce the amount of sex hormones, causing a state of pharmacological menopause. Improvements clinical manifestations as a result of their admission are noted in 50% of patients.

Birth control pills not only prevent pregnancy, but are also used to treat mastopathy.

Treatment with oral contraceptives for a period of one year reduces the risk of developing mastopathy with fibrosis in 50-70% of cases.

For external use, Progestogel gel is prescribed. It increases the concentration of the hormone progesterone in the tissues of the gland. The gel is applied to the breast skin with a special applicator.

Herbal preparations

In the treatment of mastopathy, herbal preparations are increasingly used. They are well tolerated by the body, rarely give side effects. Medicines can be used for a long time both as an independent therapy and in combination with other drugs. Herbal remedies have a small list of contraindications.

A special place in the treatment of mastopathy is given to phytotherapy.

Phytotherapeutic drugs have the following effect:

anti-inflammatory;
analgesic;
soothing;
immunomodulatory;
anticarcinogenic.

Preparations:

Mastodinone ─ reduces the level of prolactin, reduces the activity of growth of gland cells and connective tissue, narrows the milk ducts.

Mastodinone is one of the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of

Klamin, in the production of which kelp is used. It is a source of iodine.
Phytolon is a solution based on brown algae. It has an antioxidant and immunostimulating effect.

Separately, it should be said about the combined phytopreparation Mammoleptin. This is a biologically active medicine of complex effects. Product properties:

has immunocorrective and antioxidant activity;
has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic effect;
relieves puffiness;
normalizes the level of hormones (sex and thyroid);
is a hepatoprotector.

Mammoleptin has a healing effect on the entire body as a whole.

With diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component, a noticeable regression occurs after taking the drug for two months. Cysts shrink and resolve in 60% of patients.

Women are required to prescribe vitamins A, C, D, E, B.

They enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs, reduce the risk side effects. Vitamin complexes strengthen the immune system, have a beneficial effect on the activity of the central nervous system, stabilize its work.

Women's underwear should be made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), free, not squeezing the chest, supporting.

The effectiveness of treatment

Evaluation of therapy is carried out in the first and second months after the end of therapeutic measures and includes examination, palpation, ultrasound.

The most reliable way to assess the results of treatment is with the help of ultrasound.

Treatment and performance criteria:

reduction or disappearance of pain syndrome;
relieve tension in the chest;
decrease in tissue edema;
reduction of diffuse foci;
positive dynamics according to the results of ultrasound.

Signs of restoration of the psycho-emotional state:

increase in working capacity and physical activity;
normalization and restoration of sleep;

Healthy sleep in sufficient quantities is necessary to cure mastopathy

blood pressure stabilization:
improvement of psychological state and mood;
disappearance of anxiety and fear.

The risk of developing diffuse fibrous mastopathy is reduced by childbirth under the age of 25, lactation period of at least 6 months. For timely detection of the disease, every woman over the age of 35 needs to undergo screening annually ─ ultrasound (up to 40 years) or mammography.

You will learn about what to do if there is a suspicion of mastopathy from the video below: