Moderate fibrotic changes in the mammary glands. What is moderate fibrocystic mastopathy and why is this diagnosis dangerous? Video about fibrotic changes in the lungs and their symptoms

Fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands: what is it, forms (adenomatous, fatty), symptoms and treatment + photo

The article is in the Mastopathy subsection (which is part of the Diseases section)

The female breast, which is a source of inspiration for the male representatives and plays an important role in raising offspring, can sometimes bring many different troubles to its "mistress" - both large and small. Fibrous mastopathy can be considered one of these problems. Every woman should know in detail how this pathology can threaten her health.

What is fibrous mastopathy

Fibrous mastopathy is a pathological condition of the mammary gland, in which regressive changes occur in it, expressed in the proliferation of connective (fibrous) tissue. Unfortunately, doctors state a constant increase in cases of this disease. Today, pathology is observed in almost every second woman.

The diagram shows a site of growth of fibrous (connective) tissue

Such transformations in the mammary gland must be treated with extreme caution. However, this does not mean that the disease will certainly lead to the development of oncological neoplasms. Just every woman needs to carefully and responsibly treat her health in order to prevent undesirable consequences.

Forms of the disease

Mammologists use several classifications of mastopathy. So, there are three main forms of the disease:

• mastodynia, or mastalgia, in which pain occurs in the mammary glands;
• diffuse mastopathy(fibrous - the occurrence of seals in the connective tissues of the gland, fibrocystic - cysts are also noted among the seals);
• fibroadenomatosis, or localized mastopathy - the presence of single oval-shaped mobile nodes, which are most often painful to the touch.

There is also a commonly used division of pathology into the following forms:

• diffuse (glandular-fibrous, fibrous, fibrocystic and glandular-cystic mastopathy - depends on the predominance of the type of tissue);
• nodular or focal (cyst or fibroadenoma).

Glandular fibrous mastopathy most often formed during the period of active production of female hormones, i.e. at a young age. The rapid synthesis of sex hormones contributes to the active growth of glandular tissue. This process can capture the entire gland, or it can occur locally, in which case separate nodules are formed.

Fibrous and fibrocystic mastopathy also depend on the production of hormones. After the epithelium, prepared for a probable pregnancy, begins to die in the uterus during the next menstruation, cell death also begins in the mammary gland. However, if the uterine layer that has become unnecessary is removed from the body, dying breast cells can provoke an inflammatory process. Under the condition of a violation of the hormonal background (deficiency of progesterone and excess of estrogen), the process of growth of fibrous tissue begins. The most active formation of fibrous nodes and cysts occurs before the onset of menopause, when the body is subjected to "hormonal storms", and after the onset of menopause, as a rule, new formations do not appear.

Separately, fibro-fatty involution should be mentioned, which is considered by most experts not as a pathology, but as an age-related regression (involution is a process opposite to evolution) of breast tissues, in which functional breast cells are replaced by adipose tissue. This replacement process begins with the onset of menopause, when the synthesis of sex hormones stops in the woman's body.

If mastopathy develops in one mammary gland, it is considered unilateral, and in both - bilateral. Unilateral are more often nodular or focal forms of pathology.

What causes can lead to the development of pathology?

The main reasons for the development of fibrous mastopathy can be considered:

• hormonal imbalance;
• hereditary factors;
• inflammatory diseases of the genital organs - adnexitis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids;
• few or no pregnancies;
• late first pregnancy (after 30-35 years);
• a large number of abortions - both artificial and miscarriages;
• problems during breastfeeding- mastitis, rough pumping, nipple injuries;
• a short period of breastfeeding or its absence;
• breast injury;
• lack of regular sexual life;
• violations menstrual cycle;
• prolonged stress, depression, neuroses;
• uncontrolled reception hormonal drugs, including contraceptives;
• endocrine diseases - diabetes, hypothyroidism;
• liver failure;
• bad habits that lead to hormonal imbalance - alcohol abuse, smoking, etc.

Symptoms and signs

Pain in the mammary gland is one of the signs of mastopathy

Fibrous mastopathy can manifest itself as follows:

1. Painful sensations in the chest, which may increase before menstruation and weaken after them. The pain can be felt both by itself and with pressure on the chest or even with a light touch to it. Pain may also be present in the armpit and shoulder area.
2. Feelings of fullness, swelling of the mammary gland.
3. Deformity of the nipples, for example, retraction.
4. Discharge from the nipple, often serous or colostrum-like, less often bloody.
5. The presence of painful seals in the chest.
6. Increase in breast size.

If you have at least some of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Mastopathy can be successfully treated, but it is careless to hope that it will pass on its own.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of all types of mastopathy is extremely important, since the presence of this pathology several times increases the risk of developing oncological neoplasms against this background. Malignant transformation of mastopathy can last for a long time - up to 20 years. Therefore, a woman diagnosed with mastopathy should be under the constant supervision of a specialist.

First of all, a mammologist conducts an external examination and palpation of the mammary gland and nearby lymph nodes - axillary, supra- and subclavian, cervical, and then directs to hardware diagnostics.

Until recently, the main and most accurate method for diagnosing fibrous mastopathy was considered to be an x-ray examination of the mammary gland - mammography. The accuracy of this diagnostic method is quite high in the presence of a large amount of fatty tissue in the mammary gland and, if necessary, to differentiate between cystic and fibrous formations.

Mammography allows not only to diagnose mastopathy, but also to detect cancer in the early stages.

However, when examining young women with high density mammary glands, the effectiveness of mammography raises certain doubts. In addition, the use of X-rays to examine patients under 40 years of age is not recommended due to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Especially if such patients are subject to constant monitoring. In this case, the main diagnostic method becomes safe for the woman's body. ultrasound examination(ultrasound). Modern ultrasound equipment is highly accurate and is able to effectively detect small nodules with a size of no more than 2 mm in diameter.

Breast examination using an ultrasound machine is a safe procedure

Echo-signs of mastopathy, detected by ultrasound, will help to differentiate different forms of the disease:

1. Diffuse form - multiple small fibrous seals or cysts, evenly distributed throughout the gland;
2. Fibroadenomatosis - single dense formations with clear boundaries;
3. Cystic form - cavities filled with liquid contents that change shape when pressed;
4. Fibrocystic form - both cavities with liquid and seals with clear boundaries are present at the same time.

• puncture (fine-needle aspiration) of fibrous or cystic nodes with subsequent histological examination of the selected material;
• laboratory blood test, including breast cancer marker CA-15-3;
• computed (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - an accurate scan of the breast, which allows to detect the slightest malignant tumors at the earliest stages.

Treatment

Medical

For the treatment of mastopathy are widely used:

• medicines prepared on the basis of vegetable raw materials (Mastodinon, Wobenzim);
• hormonal preparations containing progesterone (Dufaston, Utrozhestan, Tamoxifen);
• combined oral contraceptives (Danazol, Zoladex) - for the purpose of temporarily canceling ovulation in order to avoid hormonal fluctuations.

In addition, the patient is undergoing a course of maintenance therapy, which includes vitamins, mild sedatives and immunomodulators. If a woman experiences pain, she is recommended to take analgesics.

By agreement with the doctor, absorbable compresses with Dimexide can be used, but this can only be done in the firm belief that a complete examination has been carried out, and the risk of developing oncology at this stage is completely absent. For a compress, it is enough to dilute the drug with water in a ratio of 1: 4, moisten a cotton flap in it and attach it to the chest for half an hour, covering it with polyethylene or compress paper on top.

Surgical

All types of diffuse mastopathy are usually treated with conservative methods. The nodular forms of the pathology may be subject to surgical treatment if drug therapy has not yielded tangible results, and the compaction does not show a tendency to improve. After removal of the fibrous formation, hormonal therapy is performed to prevent relapse.

Folk remedies

It should be emphasized right away: the use of traditional medicine does not mean at all that you can self-medicate. Before doing anything, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination and agree with the mammologist the possibility of using certain herbal remedies. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you can get harm, and sometimes cause irreparable damage to health.

• Alcohol tincture of celandine. Pour the chopped sprig of pre-dried celandine into a half-liter jar and fill with vodka. After two weeks, strain the infusion and pour into a dark glass container. Keep the infusion in the refrigerator. Within 15 days, the drug is taken on an empty stomach, adding to a small amount of milk, starting with a drop and bringing it up to 15 drops, and then moving in the reverse order, ending with one drop. It must be borne in mind that celandine is a poisonous plant, so if your health worsens, the treatment should be stopped or the number of drops should be reduced. The course is repeated every three months.
• Flax-seed. Flaxseed is a phytohormone that helps to correct hormonal balance. You need to take one to two tablespoons daily for a month. In addition, this tool will help to establish a regular work of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Elder juice. Elderberry juice should be taken daily, one tablespoon in the morning and evening half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 2–3 months.
• Beetroot compress. Grate the beets on a fine grater, apply on a cotton flap and apply to the chest at night, covering with compress paper or a piece of polyethylene.
• Cabbage compress. You can just put in a fresh bra cabbage leaf. There is another way: turn the cabbage into a pulp, add a little kefir, apply it on a cloth prepared for a compress, and apply it to your chest at night.

Natural products for the treatment of mastopathy in the photo

Since nutrition has a significant impact on metabolic processes and hormonal levels, diet is also considered as a component complex therapy. The diet should include foods containing a sufficient amount of vitamins and coarse fiber:

• vegetables;
• fruit;
• whole wheat bread;
• bran.

The consumption of fatty and meaty foods should be limited, as they increase the level of estrogen in the blood and reduce the level of androgens.

It is also necessary to get rid of bad habits - drinking alcohol, smoking, playing sports and having a regular sex life. Good sleep is of great importance. In addition, it is necessary to simultaneously treat diseases of the genital organs.

Prognosis of the disease and possible consequences

With timely and adequate treatment, mastopathy can be completely eliminated, but in the future it will be necessary to monitor the condition of the mammary gland.

The most undesirable consequence of mastopathy can be considered breast cancer. A cancerous tumor can form against the background of a pathology, or a fibrous node can eventually degenerate into a malignant neoplasm.

In addition, in the presence of large cysts, there is a risk of suppuration of their contents. In this case, mammologists advise to puncture the cyst, choosing a liquid filling from it, after which the cyst walls collapse. In case of inflammation, a special medicine can be injected into the cyst cavity. Surgical removal of cysts is subject only in rare cases.

Preventive measures

A woman should try to avoid severe stress and chest injuries. During lactation, you should follow the rules to avoid mastitis.

The main rule of prevention is regular self-examination of the mammary glands. To do this, in the first 7 days after the end of menstruation, it is necessary to carefully feel each breast in the supine position and carefully examine it in the mirror with your hands behind your head. In addition, it is also necessary to palpate the armpits and the collarbone area.

Breast self-examination should be done regularly

If you find areas of hardening, redness of the skin, asymmetry of the mammary glands, deformity of the nipples or discharge from them, if you feel pain and tension in the mammary glands, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast self-examination - video

Fibrous mastopathy is a disease that occurs in a large number of women - almost every second. The main rule is to consult a doctor in time and immediately begin treatment, which will reduce the risk possible consequences ailments that can be very dangerous.

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womensmed.ru

What is fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands: causes, signs and treatment

Mastopathy has many variations that complicate diagnosis and treatment.

One of the most common forms is fibro-adenomatous mastopathy, characterized by the appearance of tumors and seals of various sizes.

In order not to be mistaken in the treatment regimen, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible and conduct a detailed diagnosis that allows you to determine the good quality of the neoplasms.

In the article we will talk about fibrous mastopathy, what kind of disease it is and what features of treatment.

Mastopathy is the general name for a group of diseases that occur on the basis of hormonal imbalance. The ovaries produce increased amount estrogen, while the amount of progesterone falls.

Breast tissue undergoes changes, seals appear in them. The nature of these tumors is benign, but they cause women a lot of anxiety.

To know that this is fibrous mastopathy, the signs should be as follows:

With fibrous mastopathy, pain, discomfort and heaviness arise due to stagnation of venous blood and compression of nerve endings by fibroadenomas.

IN initial stage disease, only a slight heaviness and swelling of the breast can be felt, which appears in the middle of the cycle and stops with the onset of menstruation.

Mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component - what is it? With the development of mastopathy with a fibrous component, pronounced movable seals appear in the mammary gland, which can be felt independently. They can be constant or change their size depending on the menstrual cycle.

There are the following types of mastopathy:

1. Glandular fibrous. In the glandular tissues of the mammary gland, seals of various sizes are formed.
2. Glandular cystic. It is characterized by the appearance in the breast tissue of cavities (cysts) with a colorless liquid.
3. Fibrocystic. In this case, both tumors and cysts form in the mammary gland. They may affect one breast but are usually found in both.

Each of the options presented can be expressed in nodal or diffuse form. The first is characterized by the formation of large tumors or cysts localized in one part of the mammary gland.

In the case of diffuse cystic or diffuse fibrous form, fibroadenomas and cysts are smaller, they are distributed throughout the chest and are more often detected during medical examination.

What causes fibrous mastopathy? Read below.

There are many reasons for this disease.

Fibrous mastopathy - causes:

• problems with the liver, ovaries, thyroid or pancreas;
• frequent childbirth;
• numerous miscarriages or abortions;
• early or too late menopause (before 35 or after 55 years);
• chest injury;
• long-term use hormonal drugs;
• refusal to breastfeed or too long feeding (longer than 12 months).

Fibrous mastopathy is a disease in which women of different ages fall into the risk group. Fibroadenoma can be found in very young women and adult ladies, it occurs in adolescents, infants and even men.

However, tumors are most often diagnosed in women who have recently given birth to a child or had an abortion, as well as in the premenopausal period.

These conditions are characterized by an increased release of estrogens, against which both benign and malignant neoplasms can occur in the mammary glands, uterus or ovaries.

What is fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands - photo:

Diagnostic options

For the timely detection of fibrous fibroadenomatosis of the mammary gland and other changes in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands, mammologists recommend regular self-examinations. They need to be done at the beginning of the cycle, gently feeling all segments of the chest.

If you find various seals, you should consult a doctor to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

For a more accurate study, mammologists practice:

Sometimes patients are additionally prescribed a blood test, it is recommended to undergo an examination by a gynecologist or endocrinologist.

Features of treatment

Fibrous mastopathy is treated with medications of varying degrees of exposure. On the early stage lungs are assigned non-hormonal drugs from fibrous mastopathy with plant extracts.

They relieve pain, heaviness and other uncomfortable sensations, improve general state and enhance the body's defenses.

Fibrous mastopathy - drugs for treatment:

• Fitolon;
• Klamin;
• Mamoklam;
• Mastofit;
• Mastodinon.

Effective drugs for fibrous mastopathy in the form of tablets, drops, medicinal decoctions and teas. Means have a minimum of contraindications and are canceled only in case of individual intolerance to the components.

With pronounced seals with a tendency to increase and grow, hormonal preparations are prescribed in the form of tablets, injections, suppositories.

These drugs can suppress the activity of estrogen by increasing the amount of progesterone.

For resorption of tumors used:

With severe fibrous mastopathy and a lack of prolactin, patients are prescribed:

In some cases, patients receive injections based on steroids. This treatment is usually prescribed for women under 40 years of age. To suppress the activity of estrogens, testosterone injections are prescribed.

Hormone therapy goes well with a variety of external agents. These can be creams and gels with natural progesterone, as well as lighter ointments and balms with herbal extracts: Projectogel, Mastophil, Healer.

What to drink with fibrous mastopathy?

With fibrous mastopathy, herbs need to be taken tonic and soothing:

• chamomile;
• calendula;
• burnet;
• yarrow;
• dog-rose fruit;
• hawthorn fruit.

Various compresses work well. For example, from grated potatoes or raw beets, relieving pain and heaviness. An excellent effect is given by cabbage and burdock leaves, which are applied to the chest to reduce pain symptoms.

Very important point- change in lifestyle.

It is important for patients with mastopathy to increase physical activity, giving preference to:

• walks in the fresh air;
• charging;
• swimming;
• non-traumatic sports.

You need a good night's sleep and a balanced diet, excluding foods that can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

The diet for fibrotic mastopathy is based on a decrease in the total caloric content of the diet. It is very important not to gain excess weight, as excess adipose tissue contributes to an increase in the amount of estrogen in the body.

It is recommended to abandon fatty meats, lard, butter, hydrogenated vegetable fats. It is advisable to exclude from the menu fried foods, fast food, a variety of snacks and canned food that contribute to fluid retention in the body.

With fibrous mastopathy, vitamins should be included in the daily diet. The basis of the menu should be fresh, stewed or baked vegetables: root vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, cabbage.

To improve digestion, fiber is included in the diet:

• whole grain cereals;
• legumes;
• bran.

Low-fat dairy products, fish and soy dishes, a variety of fruits and berries are useful.

It is necessary to quit smoking and completely eliminate alcohol:

• strong alcohol;
• carbonated long drinks;
• cocktails;
• guilt;
• beer.

Ethyl alcohol in any concentration provokes an increase in estrogen, further disrupting the hormonal background. There is a direct relationship between alcohol and tumor diseases in women.

Disease and pregnancy

Mammologists are unanimous - fibrous mastopathy during pregnancy is not an obstacle to childbirth and breastfeeding. Sometimes, during pregnancy, the hormonal imbalance disappears, in some cases the disease worsens for a short time, but then its symptoms weaken.

Especially useful is breastfeeding, which promotes the natural resorption of fibroadenomas and cysts.

However, breastfeeding for more than 12 months can be a factor in relapse, this issue is best discussed with your doctor.

He should also report fibrous mastopathy and pregnancy, as he will have to adjust the treatment regimen by abandoning hormonal drugs.

Now you know what fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is. But, can it develop into cancer? Fibrous mastopathy, according to mammologists, does not degenerate into malignant tumors.

What is dangerous fibrous mastopathy? Despite the fact that the neoplasm has a benign genesis, fibrous mastopathy is dangerous! Hormonal imbalance is itself a risk factor. Next to ordinary fibroadenomas, cancerous tumors can arise, which will differ little from benign formations.

An increase in the amount of estrogen can provoke other forms of cancer, in particular, of the ovaries and cervix.

Oncologists are sure that all women with a tendency to increase estrogen fall into the risk zone. This female hormone protects the body from osteoporosis and heart attack, but it also serves as a provocateur for various tumors.

Even after a cure for fibrous-type mastopathy, patients from the risk zone should be especially attentive to the condition of the breast and consult a doctor at the slightest discomfort.

You can find more information on this topic in the Diffuse mastopathy section.

nesekret.net

Is it possible to cope with diffuse fibrous mastopathy?

Unpleasant sensations in the mammary glands were experienced at least once in a lifetime by almost every representative of the fair sex. They are a sign of unpleasant disease like mastitis. This disease is characterized by an unnatural growth of breast tissue. It is customary to talk about nodular (one or more nodes are formed in the glands) and diffuse mastopathy (changes are found in most of the mammary glands). Approximately one third of the total number of cases of the disease is diffuse fibrous mastopathy.

Some information about the disease

With diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component, the skeleton of the breast grows, which is explained by the pathological division of the connective tissue lobules. At the same time, there is a process of active division of cells that line the ducts of the breast. This first causes their narrowing, and then the complete closure of the lumen. Thus, with this form of the disease, fibrosis of the epithelial tissues of the mammary glands occurs. In parallel with this, multiple or single cystic formations appear. In some cases, growths and dysplasia of the breast lobules are observed, as well as the formation of seals, combined with the development of cicatricial tissue changes (connective fibrosis).

If the violation of the structure of the tissues of the mammary glands affects both breasts, they speak of bilateral fibrous mastopathy.

Causes

The main reason for the development of diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is a violation of the normal ratio of hormones in the patient's body. For some reason, the amount of estrogen begins to significantly exceed the amount of progesterone. In addition, the patient may experience an excess of prolactin. There are certain risk factors, the presence of which can provoke the development of mastopathy:

• gynecological diseases;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• liver disease;
• heredity;
• abortions;
• mammary gland injuries;
• stressful situations;
• lack of a full sexual life;
• disorder of the reproductive system;
• bad habits;
• lack of pregnancy and childbirth;
• exposure to direct sunlight.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that make it possible to suspect diffuse mastopathy in a patient with a predominance of a fibrous component:

• Pain sensations. They are usually quite pronounced and are detected by palpation of the mammary glands.
• The presence of painful formations in the breast tissues. They differ in small size, round or oblong shape and elastic consistency. Often, such seals almost completely disappear by the end of menstruation, and at the beginning of a new cycle they reappear.
• An increase in the volume of the mammary glands, the appearance of a feeling of fullness.
• Severe premenstrual syndrome.
• Discharge from nipples. They can be either whitish in color (if the patient has an excess of prolactin), or yellow or pink. The appearance of a greenish discharge indicates the possibility of a purulent infection. Allocations are both redundant and stingy.

Discomfort in the mammary glands (one or both) with this form of the disease is felt constantly, regardless of the monthly cycle.

Diagnostics

The key to a successful fight against any disease is its correct diagnosis. Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component can be detected using a number of examinations:

• Self-examination. This method is the most simple and accessible to every woman. Every month after the end of menstruation, a woman needs to have an examination of the mammary glands. They should be felt both in the prone position and standing in front of the mirror, paying special attention to the symmetry of the glands, the color of the skin of the area near the nipple and the entire breast as a whole, the appearance of seals, discharge from the nipple. Finding any of the mentioned signs, a woman should seek the advice of a doctor.
• Visit to a mammologist. It is best to coincide with the 7-10th day of the cycle, which will avoid a possible diagnostic error. The doctor conducts an external examination of the mammary glands. At the same time, he assesses how symmetrical the contours of the chest are, what is the condition of the patient's skin, and also finds out the condition of the nearest lymph nodes. An examination of this kind is carried out both in the supine and in the standing position of the patient. On palpation of the mammary glands, the doctor can find signs of diffuse tissue compaction and homogeneous oblong formations.
• Mammography (chest X-ray taken in several projections). This procedure makes it possible to identify any pathological changes in 90-95% of cases. With the help of mammography, even small formations can be detected. In the picture, the seals look like shadows, characterized by irregular shape and fuzzy edges. A woman needs to undergo such an examination between 6 and 12 days of the cycle.
• ultrasound. This examination is absolutely safe and can be performed on ladies of any age, as well as lactating or pregnant women. Ultrasound allows you to determine the state of the tissue structure of the glands, to find out what nature the formations have, their localization and size. In addition, the procedure makes it possible to get acquainted with the state of the lymph nodes. The disadvantage of ultrasound is that it does not detect formations less than 1 cm.
• Biopsy of seals and subsequent cytological examination of the obtained samples. To carry out this procedure, the doctor takes the altered tissues with a needle.
• Ductography. Such a study is necessary to study the ducts of the mammary gland and is a type of mammography. It is used in the presence of discharge from the nipple.
• Cytological examination of discharge from the nipples.
• Blood test.
• Consultation with an endocrinologist, gynecologist and psychotherapist.

Treatment

Treatment of diffuse fibrous mastopathy, like other types of this disease, is carried out only comprehensively and under the guidance of a specialist. He chooses the tactics of dealing with this disease, focusing on the age of the patient, the hormonal state of her body, the presence of concomitant diseases, the degree of development of the disease. The fight against this form of mastopathy usually includes the use of a number of means:

• Hormonal preparations. Since mastopathy is caused by an imbalance in the patient's body of hormones, the doctor may prescribe various medications that stabilize the hormonal background. As analogues of progesterone, "Duphaston" and "Utrozhestan" can be prescribed. To fight fibrous formations Tamoxifen is used (it is a strong antiestrogen). Women in menopause Levial ​​(a hormone replacement drug) is often prescribed. It must be remembered that such medicines can only be taken as directed by a doctor and after passing the necessary examinations. Such treatment is prescribed individually for each patient. Self-medication can lead to extremely negative consequences.
• Immunostimulating agents. Their action is aimed at increasing the immunity of the patient.
• Sedative drugs. As already mentioned, stress often becomes the cause of the disease, therefore, in order to normalize the psychological state of the patient, the doctor can prescribe preparations of valerian, hops, and motherwort.
• Hepatoprotectors. For example: "Legalon", "Essentiale", "Heptral", "Hofitol" and others. Their task is to normalize the functioning of the liver, since it is one of the main organs that provide hormonal metabolism.
• Vitamins. Complexes are usually prescribed, including vitamins A, C, E and group B. Their intake improves the metabolism in the mammary glands and stabilizes the liver. One of the most commonly prescribed drugs is Triovit. It includes not only vitamins E, C and A, but also such a microelement as selenium.
• Immunostimulating agents (adaptogens). Preparations of this series are used to increase the overall resistance of the patient's body.
• Phytopreparations. Good results were shown by the use of such means as Klamin, Mastodinon, Fitolon. Most effective medicine this group - "Mastodinon". Included in it active ingredients restore the imbalance between estrogens and progesterone, normalize the second menstrual phase. Produced from brown seaweed "Klamin" includes a whole complex of biologically active substances, and also contains many trace elements (potassium, iodine, silver, calcium and others).
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for cupping pain and can be used for a limited time.
• Diuretics. Since one of the symptoms of the disease is swelling, the doctor may prescribe mild diuretics.
• Means of traditional medicine. One of the auxiliary methods in the fight against the mentioned type of mastopathy is the use of traditional medicine. These are various infusions and decoctions taken orally, as well as compresses and applications for external use.

Fighting the disease also includes following a certain diet. Women should give up chocolate, coffee, hot spices and cola. According to research, the methylxanthines contained in these products provoke the development of fibrous tissues. That is why the rejection of them in most cases significantly reduces pain and a feeling of fullness in the mammary glands. But you need to increase the amount of foods rich in fiber. At the same time, you need to drink a sufficient amount of liquid (this can be non-carbonated mineral water or herbal teas).

A good result was shown by the use of physiotherapy treatment. Electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy and other procedures help to cope with the disease. Also, women suffering from diffuse fibrous mastopathy should try to give up bad habits (alcohol and smoking), lead a healthy lifestyle and play sports.

In the absence of results of conservative treatment, fibrous seals can be removed surgically. However, it is worth noting that the operation for diffuse fibrous mastopathy does not give an effect, since it does not eliminate the factors that caused the mastopathy. Scars resulting from surgery may cause problems in diagnostic procedures in the future.

The prognosis for diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is favorable if the patient complies with all doctor's prescriptions and leads a healthy lifestyle. However, it should be remembered that a neglected disease can lead to the degeneration of pathological foci into malignant ones. That is why all beautiful ladies should be attentive to the condition of their breasts, treat concomitant diseases in a timely manner and periodically visit a mammologist.

vashmammolog.ru

Fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands

What is fibrous mastopathy? This is a pathological proliferation of the connective tissues of the mammary glands, when a benign tumor predominantly fibrous. Changes affect the interlobular connective tissue, which, growing, reduces the ducts of the mammary glands, up to complete blockage. By itself, fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands does not pose a threat to life and health, but there are cases of degeneration of a benign fibrous node into a malignant neoplasm.

Currently, fibrous mastopathy occupies one of the first places among the pathologies of the mammary glands, in one form or another it is diagnosed in 60% of women aged 18 to 65 years. The disease requires attentive attitude to your own health. It is necessary to regularly undergo a preventive examination by a mammologist, if necessary - courses of conservative treatment, or remove an overgrown tumor.

Forms of fibrous mastopathy

Modern medicine classifies 3 main forms of fibrous mastopathy:

1. Mastalgia (mastodynia). It is characterized by the presence of pain syndrome.
2. Diffuse mastopathy. It distinguishes 2 forms: fibrous (seals in connective tissue glands) and fibrocystic (between the seals there are cysts filled with fluid).
3. Fibroadenomatosis (FAM) - localized nodes, oval in shape, which easily move under the fingers, most often they are painful to the touch.

By the nature of the neoplasm, fibrous mastopathy is nodular (focal) type, characteristic of fibroadenomatosis, and diffuse type, when large areas of connective tissue and glandular epithelium are involved in the process. With diffuse mastopathy, according to the type of tissue covered by the pathological process, there are: glandular-fibrous, fibrous, fibrocystic and glandular-cystic forms.

In young women, the fatty fibrous form of mastopathy is more common, which is associated with the activity of sex hormones - estrogens, progestogens and progesterone. For older women, cystic mastopathy is more common. Such a tumor has clear boundaries and a soft void. It occurs against the background of the extinction of the reproductive function.

Fibro-adenomatous mastopathy can develop in one breast (unilateral) and simultaneously in both (bilateral). The nodular or local type of mastopathy develops mainly as one-sided.

Causes of pathology

The main cause of fibrous mastopathy is an imbalance of sex hormones. The mammary glands are classified as target organs, which are actively affected by hormones, causing tissue modifications. This process begins immediately after the onset of puberty, when the gland begins to increase in size. It continues until the onset of pregnancy and the start of breastfeeding.

If, as a result of external or internal factors, an imbalance of hormones occurs, then pathological changes can occur in the tissues of the mammary glands in a year, as a result of which fibrous and cystic formations develop. Fibrous mastopathy after 60 years is characterized by a sharp increase in the release of estrogen and a drop in the level of progesterone in the blood.

Hormonal imbalances can be caused by:

• chronic fatigue and stress;
• pregnancy and childbirth;
• inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system;
• chronic diseases liver;
• diseases of the endocrine glands;
• irregular sex life;
• frequent childbirth or refusal to have children;
• abortions;
• breast injury;
• heredity;
• bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol;
• abuse of sunbathing with exposed mammary glands;
• infections and others.

In general, fibrous mastopathy is an occasion to reconsider your lifestyle, daily routine and nutrition. This is a bell that the body lives at the limit of loads.

Symptoms of fibrous mastopathy

At the first stage pathological changes in the connective tissue of the mammary glands, the disease does not manifest itself at the physical level. It is necessary to be alert when there is an increasing feeling of discomfort in the chest.

The main symptoms of the disease include:

1. Pain in the chest that worsens during the premenstrual period. Sometimes it occurs with an awkward movement or touch, in severe cases, even the soft fabric of the bra causes pain. It happens that she gives in the shoulder blade.
2. There is a feeling of fullness in the chest due to swelling caused by overgrown tissue.
3. When pressed, a clear or yellowish liquid is released from the nipples.

In young women, diffuse mastopathy is more common, which tends to manifest itself differently in different phases of the menstrual cycle. Pain and swelling increase in the premenstrual period, when there is an increased release of estrogen and become dull after menstruation. Nodular forms also depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle, they either increase in size or decrease. This refers to the main diagnostic signs of fibrous mastopathy.

Diagnosis of the disease

If disturbing symptoms appear, a woman after 60 years of age should contact a specialized specialist - a mammologist.

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Diagnosis of the disease includes:

1. Visual examination by a doctor.
2. Mammography.
3. Ultrasound procedure.
4. Biopsy of affected tissues.

Visual inspection is best done 7 days after last day menstruation, with a calm hormonal background. The specialist evaluates the condition of the mammary glands according to such indicators as:

• symmetry of the breasts;
• the appearance of the skin;
• contour and relief of the mammary gland;
• bulge of the nipples;
• condition of the axillary lymph nodes.

Inspection

It is carried out in a standing position, with arms raised up. The doctor palpates the mammary gland, highlighting areas of compaction and nodules. If the condition of the axillary lymph nodes does not cause concern - they are soft and elastic to the touch, no more than 1 cm in size, then fatty fibrous mastopathy is preliminarily diagnosed.

Mammography

Visual inspection is not a 100% basis for a definitive diagnosis. The woman is heading for a mammogram. This is one of the varieties of X-ray diagnostics. In the pictures, the mammologist sees changes in the structure of the connective tissue and glandular epithelium and can assess their nature - heterogeneous, stranded, with areas of foci and cystic inclusions. If in doubt, a tissue biopsy procedure is prescribed, which is carried out under ultrasound control. If there is a discharge from the nipple, then ductography is indicative, which helps to detect deformations of the milk ducts and small cysts.

ultrasound

Ultrasound is also the gold standard. It is carried out immediately after the end of menstruation. During the diagnosis, small cysts can be seen that are not palpable on palpation. Also on ultrasound, you can carefully examine the condition of the lymph nodes.

Other diagnostic methods used are: lymphography, mammography with a contrast agent (diodon, sergodin), radioisotope diagnostics, thermography.

For the final assessment of the nature of neoplasms (benign or malignant), a blood test is taken for the presence of a specific marker CA 15-3.

After the diagnosis is established - fibrous mastopathy, the woman is prescribed appropriate treatment. If fibrotic changes are small, then treatment is not prescribed. The patient is registered and a mammologist once every 6 months conducts a diagnostic examination of the state of the mammary glands.

Methods of treatment of fibrous mastopathy

The choice of treatment methods is directly related to the stage of development of the disease. More commonly used conservative therapy medicines. Its basis is the stabilization of the hormonal background, which led to the development of pathology. There are currently two groups pharmacological preparations, which allow you to normalize the level of sex hormones and their balance in the blood serum:

• oral contraceptives;
• sex hormone substitutes.

For the treatment of fibrous mastopathy, drugs with derivatives of progesterone, gestagens, testosterone, estrogen-gestogenic drugs, antiprolactin complexes, antiestrogens are used.

Hormonal drugs

Assign small courses, under the constant supervision of the attending physician. Their systemic use is effective only in complex cases of the disease. Hormonal drugs cannot be prescribed and canceled on their own, this is fraught with serious consequences, up to the development of an oncological process. They have a lot side effects- a change in the timbre of the voice, an increase in body weight, male pattern hair, menstrual irregularities.

hormone therapy

It is prescribed in combination with other medicinal substances - immunomodulators, vitamin complexes, herbal remedies, sedatives, iodine preparations.

Much attention is paid to the treatment of concomitant pathologies - gynecological, nervous and endocrine, as well as liver diseases.

If nodular fibromatous mastopathy is not treatable, and fibrocystic formations increase, surgical treatment is prescribed. The surgeon removes the affected sector of the breast, directing the tissues to histological examination. The operation is gentle, after it no noticeable cosmetic defects are formed.

Therapeutic diet

Treatment of fibrous mastopathy after 60 years requires adherence to certain nutritional rules. There is a pattern between the consumption of high-calorie foods and hormonal imbalance. Estrogen production is enhanced by fatty (animal fat) dishes and red meat. It is necessary to switch to a low-calorie type of nutrition, which is based on vegetable fiber, legumes and whole grain cereals. A large amount of vegetables and greens in the diet will help normalize estrogen levels and reduce hormonal stimulation of the mammary glands.

Nutrition during treatment should be varied. The diet should include seasonal fruits, vegetable fats. It is especially useful to eat seeds and nuts - sources of healthy fats and trace elements.

It is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamins A, C and E daily:

• Vitamin A has antiestrogenic properties, inhibits the growth of the connective tissue of the mammary gland, and normalizes the level of prolactin.
• Vitamin E affects the production of progesterone.
• Vitamin C increases the body's defenses and prevents tumors from degenerating into malignant ones.

Doctors advise limiting the intake of table salt, especially in the premenstrual phase of the cycle, when fluid is retained in the body. This will reduce pain in the chest and get rid of the feeling of fullness.

If you are reading these lines, we can conclude that all your attempts to combat chest pain were unsuccessful ... Have you even read something about medicines designed to defeat the infection? And this is not surprising, because mastopathy can be deadly for a person - it can develop very quickly.

• Frequent chest pain
• Discomfort
• experiences
• Allocations
• Skin changes

Fibrous mastopathy after 60 years of age needs to follow preventive measures - it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, follow a diet, normalize sex life and, of course, undergo preventive examinations and follow all doctor's orders.

bolivgrudi.ru

2018 Women's Health Blog.

The cause of benign neoplasms in the mammary glands is usually hormonal disorders in the body. It is characteristic that it is not always possible to notice any external signs of diseases. Sometimes they are discovered by chance during a preventive examination of the mammary glands. Meanwhile, the development of pathology leads to all sorts of, sometimes, dangerous complications. Pathological changes in tissues contribute to the occurrence of breast fibrosis - a condition that requires careful diagnosis and mandatory treatment.

Content:

Features of breast fibrosis

The basis of the mammary gland is the stroma - connective (fibrous) tissue. It serves as a scaffold that supports the milk ducts and lobes, consisting of glandular tissue cells. The shape of the breast is given by the fatty layer, which is located at the base. Under certain conditions, in certain areas of the mammary gland, the formation of an excessive number of fibrous cells can occur instead of the rest. This anomaly is called fibrosis.

With the growth of fibrous tissue, cysts form in it. In this case, they talk about fibrocystic mastopathy. With fibrosis, the formation of seals consisting of connective tissue fibers occurs.

Types of fibrosis

There are several types of such pathology.

Focal (aka local) fibrosis is a separate seal, located most often in the upper outer part of the chest. If it small size, then it is difficult to detect when feeling. The danger is that exactly the same nodes are formed on initial stage in breast cancer. Therefore, careful diagnosis and prompt treatment are required.

diffuse fibrosis. This is the next stage in the development of fibrosis. Several foci of pathology are formed in the chest, scattered throughout the volume of the organ. Complete replacement of glandular tissue with fibrous tissue may occur.

periductal fibrosis. The growth of connective tissue occurs around the milk ducts, blood and lymphatic vessels. Other areas of the pathological process are not covered.

Linear fibrosis. It is a growth of fibrous tissue between the lobules and inside the milk ducts. In this case, small cysts are formed.

According to the severity of the changes, there are:

1. Moderate fibrosis, in which the proliferation of connective tissue is negligible. The mammogram shows one or more small nodules with or without cysts. On palpation, it is found that the breast tissue is dense, has a fine-grained structure.
2. Severe fibrosis leads to breast deformity due to the formation of coarse strands and seals. The degree of change depends on how advanced the disease is. Such a pathology can develop after trauma, radiation therapy. Sometimes it occurs after the installation of implants, as well as surgical operations.

What is the danger of fibrosis

The danger of breast fibrosis is that the disease can progress, causing a change in the shape of the breast, the occurrence of pulling pains. Suppuration of cysts and duct contents is possible. There is a fairly high probability of degeneration of a fibrous neoplasm into a cancerous tumor.

Note: The disease differs from a malignant tumor in the absence of changes in the breast skin over the seal, as well as in the fact that the next The lymph nodes with this pathology are not increased.

Causes of pathology

The cause of the pathological growth of fibrous tissue is hormonal failure, as a result of which an excess of estrogen is formed in the body. The following factors contribute to the occurrence of such a deviation:

• disruption of the pituitary gland (insufficient production of LH, which leads to a lack of progesterone in the body);
• malfunctions of the thyroid gland, liver;
• the use of hormonal drugs with a high content of estrogens;
• metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes mellitus;
• chronic inflammatory processes and tumors of the ovaries and uterus;
• repeated artificial termination of pregnancy;
• lack of postpartum breastfeeding;
• early onset of sexual development;
• the onset of the first pregnancy at the age of 35 years and older;
• late onset of menopause;
• prolonged depression and constant overwork.

The occurrence of fibrosis is possible due to a lack of vitamins, as well as excessive consumption of coffee, strong tea, chocolate, which increase the level of estrogen in the body. The cause of fibrosis may be a hereditary predisposition to diseases of the mammary glands.

Fibrosis of the breast usually occurs in women aged 35-55 years. Normally, at this age, estrogen levels naturally decrease due to the aging of the ovaries. But the risk of hormonal failure is significantly increased. The occurrence of hyperestrogenism is facilitated by a combination of many factors that negatively affect the state of the hormonal background (genital diseases, abortions, and others).

With the onset of menopause, a natural involution of the mammary glands occurs, when the glandular tissue is gradually replaced by connective and fatty tissue. Hyperestrogenism contributes to the pathological, uneven growth of fibrous tissue and the formation of coarse knots in it.

Symptoms of the disease

Manifestations of pathology occur with an increase in seals, a violation of the structure of the ducts, the formation of cysts and inflammatory processes. Signs of the development of fibrosis are engorgement of the mammary glands in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the appearance of pain in them and a feeling of heaviness.

You may notice that the chest becomes denser, nodules are felt in it, palpation is painful. With the development of the process, chest pains are felt constantly, discharge from the nipples, slight darkening or redness of the skin may appear.

Before menstruation, painful manifestations are especially intensified.

Diagnosis and treatment

After palpation, diagnostics is carried out using ultrasound, mammography, tomography methods (CT, MRI), which allow to establish the presence and degree of development of fibrosis. Doppler sonography is performed to study the state of blood vessels, as well as ductography (examination of the milk ducts with the introduction of a contrast agent into them).

In case of doubt about the nature of the seals, a breast biopsy is performed (tissue selection from the seal for examination for the presence of cancer cells). A blood test is carried out for the content of various hormones.

Principles of treatment

If a woman has signs of moderate fibrosis of the breast, then treatment is carried out by conservative methods, which include drug therapy, as well as correction of work. nervous system, diet.

Note: If fibrotic changes are found in the breast, women are advised to avoid eating foods and drinks rich in estrogens (coffee, chocolate, soy, bean products), as well as harmful to the liver (rich broths, garlic, mushrooms, alcohol).

Medical therapy

main goal drug treatment is the restoration of the hormonal background in the patient's body. To reduce the level of estrogen, drugs containing progesterone are used. COCs (Jess, Silhouette, Yarina) are prescribed, which allow you to adjust the ratio of these hormones in different phases of the cycle. Preparations based on natural or synthetic progesterone, such as duphaston, utrozhestan, are also used.

Are used homeopathic remedies based on medicinal plants. Biologically active substances, which are contained in drugs such as mastodinone, mastopol, contribute to the normalization of the production of pituitary hormones. In particular, under their influence, the production of prolactin, which regulates the state of the milk ducts, decreases. The discharge from the nipples disappears.

In the presence of an inflammatory process in the mammary gland, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed that have an analgesic effect. Diuretics help to reduce engorgement of the mammary glands and eliminate pain, helping to remove fluid from the tissues and relieve swelling.

After consultation with an endocrinologist, iodine preparations can be prescribed to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland (iodomarin, iodine balance). It is important to take vitamins C, A, group B.

Surgery

A surgical operation to remove single nodes (sectoral resection) is prescribed with a significant increase in the size of seals, the presence of pain. After that, the hormonal background is corrected and the diseases that caused the failure are eliminated. If a histological examination of the removed tissues shows the presence of cancer cells, then chemotherapy or radiation is possible. In the presence of diffuse severe fibrosis, complete removal of the mammary gland is possible.

Doctors emphasize the need for each woman to conduct independent monthly monitoring of the condition of the mammary glands. For prevention, women over 40 should undergo a mammological examination at least once a year, as well as regularly visit a gynecologist for the timely detection and treatment of diseases of the ovaries and uterus.

If a woman has fibrous seals, then she needs to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. It is important to establish a diet and rest, take care of the normalization of body weight.

Video: The danger of benign neoplasms of the mammary glands. Diagnosis and treatment

This pathology has various causes. But, in the first place are hormonal changes in the body. The most common factor is abortion. It undermines women's health and can cause a lot of problems in the future. Further pregnancy may be difficult or even impossible. During conception and in the following weeks, the fetus is actively developing, and the mammary glands are also amenable to changes. As a result of an abortion, everything remains in the same position. Violent interruption leads to the development of fibrotic changes.

The second most common reason is the presence of gynecological diseases. The mammary gland is closely related to female sex hormones. Therefore, any change in them immediately manifests itself in the chest. It must be understood that the mammary gland can change depending on the menstrual cycle. Its failure leads to various pathological processes.

Other problems with the female genital organs are also capable of provoking the disease. The mammary gland is closely connected with the endocrine system. Therefore, any violation in the liver, thyroid gland or adrenal glands will sooner or later lead to a problem in the chest. Not so rarely, the problem occurs against the background of stress and constant neurological disorders. The elimination of mental discord can alleviate the condition of a woman.

Pathogenesis

To date, there are no definitive data regarding the progression of this process. The problem has a hundred-year-old "symptoms", but it has not yet been possible to understand the true changes. An important role in the pathogenesis is played by the relative or absolute hyperestrogen and progesterone deficiency state of a woman.

Estrogens can lead to proliferation of the ductal alveolar epithelium and stroma. Progesterone, in turn, actively counteracts this. Thus, the differentiation of the epithelium and the cessation of mitotic activity are carried out. Progesterone is able to reduce the expression of estrogen receptors. It also reduces the local level of active estrogens. This allows you to significantly limit the stimulation of proliferation of mammary gland tissues.

Hormonal imbalance can lead to edema and hypertrophy of intralobular connective tissue. This happens against the background of a progesterone deficiency. Thus, the formation of cysts and pathological changes is inevitable.

Symptoms of fibrotic changes in the breast

The problem can arise from the age of twenty-five. A high risk is observed in women suffering from mastopathy in both mammary glands. The fair sex is plagued by chest pains during menstruation. The pain syndrome is sometimes able to pass into the shoulder or armpit. It is not excluded the appearance of secretions in the form of colostrum. When probing, you can notice the presence of seals.

Seals can be soft and elastic. When they are palpated, pain is observed. Such symptoms are characteristic of the cystic form of pathology. It is possible to increase the lobules in the chest, as well as the granularity of the seals.

The nodal form of change can occur at the age of 30-50 years. This condition is characterized by the presence of flat seals, they can occur both on one breast and on both at once. Pain is excluded. Bloody issues appear with a strong pathological process. The pathology does not manifest itself in any other way.

First signs

There are several main signs by which the presence of a pathological change can be diagnosed. First of all, attention should be paid to the pain syndrome. It can vary depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. In the early stages, the pain is weak and aching in nature. Over time, the pain syndrome becomes strong, while discomfort can be given to the back, neck and shoulder. The second main symptom is discharge from the nipples. It can be either a clear liquid or a grayish-green discharge. The third sign is the presence of compacted areas. And they do not disappear after menstruation stops.

Mostly women complain about the presence of dull pain, which is aching in nature. There may be a feeling of heaviness in the chest, as well as fullness. Such symptoms can occur in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. In addition to pain, seals are also pestering. However, they are not always able to be accompanied by pain.

Diffuse fibrotic changes in the mammary glands

This pathological process is determined by the presence of epithelial tissues of the organ. In addition, it is characterized by the formation of single or multiple intracanal cystic tumors. Recent changes are most common in old age. In some cases, various growths may occur, as well as dysplasia of the lobular structure of the mammary glands. It is not excluded such a phenomenon as connective fibrosis. In this case, cicatricial changes in the tissue begin to actively form.

The diffuse form is characterized by increased pain syndrome. It is pronounced directly on palpation. Determining the presence of seals in this form is quite simple, they have an elastic consistency. They are able to almost completely "leave" after menstruation. But at the same time, the woman is still bothered by discomfort. There is a feeling of fullness of the chest, and tissue seals are also felt. On palpation, homogeneous oblong formations can be detected.

Involutive fibrotic changes in the mammary glands

This form often occurs in women who have undergone menopause. The fair sex go to the doctor with some complaints. They are concerned about the increase in breast size, as well as the shape itself. This condition scares them, because such symptoms are also characteristic of tumors. Usually, the doctor, on the basis of complaints, diagnoses involutively fibrotic changes. This condition is quite normal.

It should be noted that the shape and size of the breasts are completely dependent on the hormonal background of the woman. As many as 15 hormones directly affect her condition. The most basic of these are progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. By the state of the breast, you can easily determine the age of a woman, as well as her hormonal levels.

Involutive changes in the mammary glands are directly related to the hormonal background of a woman. As soon as the body of the fair sex reduces the level of hormones produced, the breasts can become painful and lose their elasticity. This is quite normal for women with menopause and after it. Sometimes, this condition also occurs in young women who have not yet given birth. What is it connected with? Most likely the problem lies in the sexual sphere. Therefore, it is necessary to find the true cause of the phenomenon and begin to eliminate it.

It is much easier to prevent a pathological change than to remove it. It is necessary to visit a gynecologist, monitor the level of hormones, give up bad habits and not engage in heavy physical work. It should be noted that the risk group includes constantly losing weight young girls and women. You need to eat right and fully, as well as lead a healthy lifestyle.

Fibrocystic changes in the mammary gland

This condition is characterized by the presence of an excessive amount of tissue growths of the lobules. In addition, seals are actively beginning to form. And they have clear boundaries. This pathological form often affects middle-aged women. It can be observed both in one breast, and in two at the same time.

Due to hormonal imbalance, the frequency of changes can vary somewhat. All this leads to the development of a fibrocystic form of the disease. The disease is capable of proceeding against the background of violations of ovulation, the menstrual cycle, as well as reproductive function.

This species is characterized by the presence of tumor-like formations, the diameter of which starts from 2 mm to several centimeters. Moreover, localization can be varied. After the end of menstruation, the seals do not disappear. Over time, their size increases significantly, causing discomfort to the woman.

Moderate fibrotic changes in the mammary glands

The main reason is changes in a woman's life. Social, emotional and physical disorders are capable of influencing pathological processes in the chest. A special role in this matter is given to the hormonal background and the presence of sexual diseases. Gynecologists have long noticed a sharp change in the formation female body. So, menstruation is able to occur as early as 11 years old, when the normal and correct period for this is 14 years. Significantly affects many problems reluctance to give birth. Most women refuse this process or postpone it to a later date. The climax often leads to changes. Its age has also changed and is increasingly found in middle-aged women.

All of the above factors negatively affect the woman's body as a whole. Stress, emotional shocks, toxic effects, constant overstrain and fatigue are also among the main causes of the development of pathologies in the body.

It must be understood that this problem is not among the precancerous and is not capable of becoming malignant. This greatly facilitates the situation. But, getting rid of the problem is still worth it. It is easy to recognize its presence on your own. It is necessary to probe the mammary glands for the presence of formations in them. You can entrust this process to a mammologist. Timely detection of the problem will allow you to quickly fix it.

Severe fibrotic changes in the mammary glands

Basically, this condition is typical for women who have entered the menopause phase or left it. During this period, changes in the mammary glands are normal, no matter how strange it may sound. After all, the hormonal background is far from the same as it was in his youth. The body begins to change and everything is reflected in the most susceptible organs and systems.

A pronounced form of the pathological process is characteristic of the presence of health problems. Often, against its background, mastodigenia develops. There are many estrogen receptors in the adipose tissue of the breast. At the same time, the level of hormones in the blood can increase significantly. Although, after menopause, it can take up to 5 years. This condition is characterized by chest pain. When X-rays are taken, pronounced fat lobules are observed. In its symptoms, the pathology is similar to the pain syndrome characteristic of osteochondrosis of the spine.

Forms

ICD-10 code

Each disease has its own unique code. This allows you to classify all existing pathologies and indicate the code directly in the medical card, and not the name of the pathology. In some cases it makes more sense to do so.

Diseases of the mammary gland (N60-N64). Completely excluded: breast disease associated with childbearing (O91-O92).

• N60 Benign dysplasia of the mammary gland. This includes: fibrocystic mastopathy.
• N60.0 Solitary cyst of the mammary gland. Breast cyst.
• N60.1 Diffuse cystic mastopathy Cystic mammary gland. Completely excluded: with proliferation of the epithelium (N60.3).
• N60.2 Fibroadenosis of mammary gland. Excludes: breast fibroadenoma (D24).
• N60.3 Fibrosclerosis of the mammary gland Cystic mastopathy with epithelial proliferation.
• N60.4 Ectasia of mammary ducts.
• N60.8 Other benign dysplasias of the mammary gland Benign dysplasia of mammary gland, unspecified
• N64.4 Mastodynia.

Complications and consequences

Changes of this type are not particularly dangerous. But, if they are not eliminated in a timely manner, there may be consequences. So, in the presence of a cyst, its increase in size is not excluded. This will lead to a general change appearance mammary gland, as well as the appearance of pain syndrome. Perhaps the development of an inflammatory process, which is fraught with serious consequences. Often there is infection and suppuration, against the background of the presence of cystic formation. The transition to a malignant form is not excluded. In addition, the cyst can rupture.

Fibrocystic changes are not particularly dangerous. Moreover, there is no discomfort either. The presence of a strong pain syndrome is characteristic of a more advanced stage, when the cyst reaches a huge size. The pathological process can be complicated by inflammatory reactions, as well as suppuration of the nodes. There were cases when the cyst turned into a cancerous tumor. Therefore, it is necessary to fix the problem in time.

Of course, the problem is not considered dangerous. But, this expression refers more to those cases when everything was diagnosed and eliminated in time. Even the safest process in the body can fail sooner or later. Naturally, the special danger of such a course is caused by ignoring the existing symptoms and eliminating it.

Over time, the cyst (with fibrocystic form) is able to increase in size. In a favorable case, it will simply cause discomfort. It consists in the presence of pain syndrome, which intensifies or subsides depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Otherwise, it may turn into a malignant form. This is fraught with serious consequences. The outcome of such a situation depends on the state of the person, as well as the education itself.

Finally, infection and suppuration of the cyst are not excluded. This is an unpleasant process that requires a special treatment regimen. The conclusion suggests itself: it is necessary to consult a doctor in time, in this case, nothing is scary.

Diagnosis of fibrotic changes in the breast

by the most in a simple way make a diagnosis, is to examine the chest. You can do this both independently and with the help of a specialist. Detected nodes and seals indicate the presence of fibrous changes. True, what type it is, only a doctor can determine.

It is necessary to conduct examinations from the age of 14. In general, this number can vary depending on when the breasts began to grow. It is advisable to conduct an examination immediately after the end of menstruation. It is enough to examine the chest in the mirror and feel it. Moreover, the last process is carried out both in a standing position and lying down. In addition to inspection, there are other objective methods.

The most commonly used ultrasound and mammography. These two studies should complement each other. Ultrasound is quite safe, it is allowed even for pregnant girls. The study has no limits. True, if the size of the tumor does not exceed one centimeter, it is not so easy to diagnose its presence. In this case, resort to mammography. She is able to recognize almost all pathological changes. The method is quite simple and safe. It is characterized by a high definition of the result. Using examination, ultrasound and mammography, it is easy to recognize the presence of a problem and proceed to its correct elimination.

Analyzes

Instrumental diagnostics and examination is good. But, it is necessary to identify the true cause of a woman's pathological changes in her breasts. In most cases, the problem lies in hormonal changes. To determine the level of hormones, it is necessary to pass a general biochemical blood test. Such a study will allow the specialist to identify the true cause of the problem.

An important role is played general analysis blood. Thanks to it, you can track the level of leukocytes and ESR. This will rule out a malignant course.

Often the problem is associated with diseases of the reproductive system. Therefore, tests for syphilis and other pathologies are necessary. An analysis is also given for HIV infection and hepatitis B, C and D. It is important to determine the person's blood type and Rh factor. The last two analyzes are optional. All of them together allow you to get a complete picture of what is happening.

Instrumental diagnostics

This method includes several studies at once. Before proceeding with them, it is worth conducting an independent examination. In a medical term, to palpate the mammary gland. It is enough just to examine the chest in the mirror, for visible changes. Then feel it out. A healthy breast does not have nodules and seals. If there is any doubt, you should seek the help of a specialist.

After collecting an anamnesis, including the patient's complaints, her occupation and the presence / absence of certain health problems, the doctor performs palpation. The patient is then sent for a mammogram. This process is the study of the breast from the pictures. Everything is done with x-rays.

If there is any doubt, an additional ultrasound can be performed. It will allow you to recognize nodules or changes. Usually two methods are combined with each other to obtain a complete picture of the patient's condition.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis includes a number of studies. The first is blood tests. Often the problem is caused by the presence of changes in the hormonal background. Therefore, it is necessary to identify their level in the blood, for this a biochemical blood test is given. An important role is played by a general blood test, an analysis for HIV infection, syphilis and hepatitis of all stages.

In addition to all of the above, a puncture of education is performed. Naturally, this is done with the obvious presence of a seal or nodule in the chest. This will reveal the structure of education, as well as distinguish pathology from any other diseases. The procedure is carried out with a syringe. This will allow not only to reach the cells, but also to subsequently study them with a microscope.

If such studies did not give special results or some difficulties arose, it is necessary to conduct additional ductography. A contrast agent is injected into the milk ducts, after which an x-ray is taken.

Treatment of fibrotic changes in the breast

Usually, the elimination of the problem is carried out on an outpatient basis, under the supervision of the attending physician. Treatment methods are selected exclusively for each case. It all depends on the condition of the patient, as well as the degree of development of the disease.

Often resort to the help of hormonal drugs. They allow you to increase the level of hormones and thereby eliminate the cyst. Such treatment is advisable for changes caused by hormonal imbalance. You can prescribe drugs only after donating blood for hormones. Usually, Progestogel, Livial and Duphaston are prescribed. If the problem was caused by constant stress, psycho-emotional outbursts, then preference is given to Valerian, Motherwort. Uncomplicated forms of pathology can be eliminated with the help of herbal remedies. These include Fitolon, Klamin and Mastodinon.

Drug treatment can be supplemented with traditional medicine. But it is used only after the approval of the attending physician. In cases where it is not possible to eliminate the problem with medicines, they resort to surgical intervention. More detailed information about the methods of treatment will be provided below.

Medications

If the problem was caused by the presence of hormonal disruptions, then most often they resort to the help of Duphaston, Progestogel and Livial.

• Duphaston. This drug includes Progesterone in its composition, it is his deficiency that he is able to fill. The dosage of the remedy directly depends on the problem that needs to be fixed. Usually, it begins to be taken from the 11th day of the menstrual cycle to the 25th. The scheme may change, the medication is also used from the 5th to the 25th day of the menstrual cycle. It is enough to take 1 tablet per day in the morning and in the evening. The duration of therapy depends on the condition of the patient. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, renal and hepatic insufficiency. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, weakness, severe headaches.
• Progestogel. This tool is used in the form of a gel. It also contains progesterone. The agent is applied in the first phase of the menstrual cycle 1-2 times a day. It is possible to use in the second phase from 16 to 25 days. The duration of treatment can be up to 3 courses. Contraindications: nodular forms fibrocystic mastopathy, cancer monotherapy, pregnancy, hypersensitivity. Side effects: soreness of the mammary glands, nausea, headache.
• Livial. The tool is used during menopause. The drug can be used when a year has passed since the last menstruation. The dosage is appointed individually. Usually, one tablet per day is sufficient. The duration of treatment and dose adjustment is prescribed by the attending physician. Contraindications: pregnancy, hypersensitivity, lactation period, thrombosis. Side effects: vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, weight gain.

If the problem was caused by a psycho-emotional state, then it is recommended to resort to the help of Valerian and Motherwort. It is advisable to use them in the form of tinctures. Enough 15 drops 3 times a day. It is forbidden to use tinctures during pregnancy, hypersensitivity and during lactation. Side effects include nausea, lethargy, fatigue.

• Fitolon. It is necessary to take the drug 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day. If the medication is used in the form of a syrup, then a tablespoon per day is enough. The duration of treatment and dosage is prescribed by a specialist. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: not observed.
• Klamin. It is recommended to use 3 tablets per day or 6 capsules. It is advisable to do this 15 minutes before a meal. The duration of treatment depends on the condition of the patient and can vary from one month to six months. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: heartburn, increased gas formation, allergic reaction.
• Mastodinon. Drops are applied 30 pieces per day. It is advisable to mix them with water and not to apply in pure form. Therapy is long and is 3-6 months. Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation period, hypersensitivity, chronic alcoholism. Side effects: nausea, headache, abdominal pain, allergic reaction.

Alternative treatment

In this case, alternative treatment will be appropriate. But still, it is worth getting expert advice. The fact is that in most cases it is not so easy to cope with the problem with the help of herbs and other additives. Despite this, there is an effective effect from the use of herbal medicines and herbs.

• Recipe 1. Compresses local action. It is necessary to take carrots, beets and grate them. Then add a little sea ​​buckthorn oil and golden root. For cooking effective compress it is worth adding 4 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil to half a glass of beet juice, then dilute everything with a spoonful of golden root. All ingredients are mixed together and applied to the affected mammary gland. Keep the compress worth at least 5 hours. The duration of treatment is a couple of weeks.
• Recipe 2. Honey will help get rid of the problem. You should take a couple of tablespoons of the main ingredient and mix it with 4 tablespoons of flour. The resulting mass is applied to the chest at night. The duration of treatment is 5 days. If there are no visible results, the course is repeated.
• Recipe 3. Since ancient times, cabbage has managed to show its effectiveness. It is enough just to apply a cabbage leaf at night on the affected chest. The result will not keep you waiting.

Herbal treatment

It is quite possible to carry out herbal treatment. But before that, it’s all worth getting the advice of a doctor. Trying to fix the problem yourself is not recommended. There is a risk to start the process.

• Recipe 1. You need to take a couple of tablespoons of pepper grass. This amount is poured into a glass of water. The tincture needs to stand for a while, after which it is used in the form of lotions.
• Recipe 2. good action renders a decoction of gentian large-leaved. It is necessary to take a tablespoon of the roots of the main ingredient and pour them with a glass of boiling water. After everything is infused, use as lotions.
• Recipe 3. You should take a tablespoon of St. John's wort and pour it with a glass of boiling water. It is enough just to brew the remedy as a tea and apply it as a compress.
• Recipe 4. It is necessary to prepare 20 grams of chopped burdock roots and pour them into two cups of boiling water. Then give a little time to brew. Use the remedy inside one tablespoon half an hour before meals.
• Recipe 5. Take 20 grams of knotweed grass and pour a glass of boiling water. As soon as everything is infused, the remedy can be used one tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies managed to gain their popularity for a long time. Homeopathy as a whole is a method or a whole system that allows you to eliminate both acute and chronic diseases. The methodology includes medications containing small doses of active ingredients.

To treat problems associated with the mammary glands, a lot of funds are used. The main ones are Conium maculatum (Conium) - conium maculatum C6–0.075 g, Thuja occidentalis (Thuja) - thuja occidentalis C6–0.075 g, Hydrastis canadensis (Hydrastis) - hydrastis canadensis C3–0.075 g.

Conium maculatum, or spotted hemlock. It contains alkaloids. IN folk medicine the drug is widely used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant.

• Thuja occidentalis (thuja, or tree of life). The active components of the drug are monoterpenes. These are thujon, fenchon and sabines. They allow you to eliminate benign neoplasms, and also help get rid of warts, polyps. Widely used as a diuretic.
• Hydrastis canadensis - Canadian goldenseal. It contains alkaloids. These include berberine, hydrastine, and canadine. The tool has a tonic effect, can improve appetite. In addition, it has an active anti-inflammatory and hypotensive effect.

The dosage of the above drugs, as well as the duration of treatment, is discussed individually with a homeopathic doctor. This will achieve efficiency.

Surgical treatment

In recent years, this method has become more cautious. After all, it is not necessary to immediately resort to surgical removal. It is necessary to determine the true cause of the pathology, and then choose the method of treatment. Often the problem is caused by hormonal imbalances. To eliminate the symptoms, it is enough to take tests and drink the necessary hormones. If everything is connected with constant stress, then their complete exclusion and sedatives will give their results.

Often, surgical treatment is somewhat inappropriate. After all, without determining the true cause of the pathology, it is impossible to get rid of the harassing symptoms once and for all. Therefore, quite often, after surgical removal of the formation, one has to resort to the help of conservative treatment.

Despite this, surgery is still used. After all, it is not always possible to eliminate the problem with medication. So, with nodal forms of pathology, sectoral resection is widely used. It is the removal of the affected area. In this case, histological examination is mandatory.

In the presence of multiple cysts, extended resections are performed, even complete removal of the mammary gland is not excluded. It must be understood that regardless of the method of treatment, this process is lengthy. It requires compliance with all rules. Only in this case it is possible to achieve positive dynamics.

Prevention

The best prevention is to completely exclude the possibility of developing this pathology. To achieve this goal, it is enough just to follow certain rules. Man needs to take care of his life. It is desirable to establish a healthy and fulfilling sex life. Psychological balance is worth maintaining. Any pathological processes should be treated in time, not only in the reproductive system, but also in the whole organism as a whole.

A woman should clearly understand that abortion has a number of negative consequences. This will affect not only the hormonal background, but also possibly lead to infertility.

Only a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and the rejection of bad habits will help to avoid pathological changes in the mammary glands. It is important to monitor your own health, constantly undergo examinations and examine the chest. This will allow you to identify the problem at an early stage. Compliance with simple rules can save you from unpleasant and long-term treatment.

It's important to know!

Mucin-like associated antigen (MCA) is an antigen present in breast cells. It is a serum mucin glycoprotein. Serum MCA concentration increases in breast cancer and 20% in benign breast diseases.

In recent decades, in all countries there has been an increase (in Russia - by 3.6% annually) in the number of patients with breast cancer. In the structure of morbidity and mortality among the female population, it occupies a leading position.

The relevance of the topic under consideration

Of great importance is the early diagnosis and treatment of fibrotic changes in the mammary glands, which are one of the constituent components. This is due to a significant increase in the number of benign pathology of the mammary glands, which is detected in almost 80% of women of late reproductive age. Especially common among women of reproductive age, diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy - in 60-80%. Most often (in 37-95%) the latter is detected among people suffering from various gynecological pathologies.

Is it necessary to remove pathological formations, is it possible and how to treat them with conservative methods? The high degree of relevance of these issues is explained mainly by the fact that, although this pathology is not considered precancerous or one of the stages of the oncological process, malignant tumors almost always develop against its background. In addition, the causes and mechanisms, conditions and risk factors that contribute to the development of both are the same.

What is breast fibrosis

The mammary gland consists of glandular and stromal components. The glandular tissue is the alveolar glands, which form small lobules, combined into 15-20 large lobes. Their small milk ducts, lined with epithelium, pass into larger ones that open on the nipple.

The stroma is represented by adipose tissue, fibrous structures of connective (fibrous) tissue, consisting of fibroblasts, collagen and elastin fibers. They surround the lobules and lobes, ducts, form larger radial structures and serve as a kind of frame for the mammary gland. In addition, stromal elements are adipose tissue, blood and lymph vessels.

Excessive growth of the connective tissue component of the stroma, or stromal fibrosis, leads to a change in the ratio of the fibrous and glandular components of the gland in favor of the first, to the formation of nodes and cysts (fibroadenomatosis). It is the main component of fibrocystic disease.

Types of fibrotic changes

Normally, the structure of the mammary glands depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and lactation, and the age period. A change in the ratio of the glandular and stromal components in the same woman can be physiological and pathological. ABOUT pathological condition can only be judged taking into account the above factors, especially taking into account the physiological age-related phasing of changes in the organ.

There is no single classification of fibrosis, and the terminology, as a rule, depends on the clinical, radiological and histomorphological picture and is often subjective. So, for example, depending on the prevalence, diffuse fibrosis of the mammary gland is distinguished, which is a more or less uniform distribution of excess connective tissue in the organ. It is the main component of diffuse fibrocystic and involutive fibrocystic mastopathy.

Focal fibrosis of the mammary gland is a limited, having the form of a dense node with a diameter of several centimeters, the growth of connective tissue in any part of the gland, most often in the upper outer quadrant. Such a pathological formation is also considered as local fibrosis of the mammary gland. If the boundaries of the nodes or node are more or less clearly defined, many clinicians use the term nodular breast fibrosis. However, the meaning of this term is practically no different from the previous one.

Similar to this terminology, there are relative, comparative subjective definitions of the severity of pathology:

• Moderate fibrosis, when the glandular tissue is slightly replaced by adipose tissue, the connective tissue also grows slightly with the formation of single or multiple small cysts and nodular formations or without them. In these cases, on palpation, the mammary gland has a fine-grained or simply dense character, and an unexpressed mesh or mesh-cellular appearance is determined on the mammogram.
• Severe fibrosis is characterized by widespread coarse growth of connective tissue up to the deformation of the organ. Pronounced areas of fibrosis in the mammary gland can occur in advanced cases, after a significant mechanical injury, surgery for diseases, aesthetic surgical plastics, including with the installation of implants (post-traumatic fibrosis). Pronounced growths of fibrous tissue also develop after conduction - radiation fibrosis.

In addition, there is such a radiological and histological concept of pathology as linear breast fibrosis. It characterizes the proliferative processes of dense fibrous connective tissue between the lobules, along the milk ducts and inside the latter.

On mammograms, involutive changes in the mammary gland with fibrosis are determined already at the age of 35-40. They are first manifested by a decrease in the glandular tissue of the lobules and its replacement with adipose tissue, the appearance of numerous fibrous bands between the lobules (interlobular fibrosis), the spread of growth of connective tissue along the small and then large milk ducts (periductal fibrosis of the mammary gland), as a result of which the ducts are compressed and gradually fade away. Subsequently, the lobules are completely replaced by adipose tissue, which prevails over the connective tissue component.

Somewhat less often, involutive processes proceed not according to the fatty, but according to the fibrous type. They are characterized by the presence of large areas, consisting mainly of connective tissue. On radiographs, these changes look like rays, which are rather coarse strands of connective tissue, directed mainly radially (strand fibrosis).

Causes and symptoms of pathology

The disease is polyetiological in nature. With the exception of the traumatic and radiation causes mentioned above, the main role in the development of the pathological process is played by conditions accompanied by a deficiency in the body of progesterone, as well as ovarian dysfunction, resulting in a relative or absolute excess of estrogens.

The mammary glands are the target organ of sex hormones, and an excess of estrogens leads to tissue proliferative processes and to a violation of the hormonal receptor system of this organ.

The main and most common factors in the development of fibrosis are:

1. Heredity - the presence of neoplasms in the mammary glands of a benign or malignant nature in relatives on the mother's side.
2. Age over 35-40 years.
3. Early onset of menstruation and late.
4. Neuroendocrine disorders in the hypothalamic-pituitary system and the central nervous system-pituitary gland, as well as dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
5. metabolic disorders associated with diabetes and obesity.
6. First pregnancy and childbirth at a later age.
7. Too long and too short period of breastfeeding or its complete absence.
8. Chronic inflammatory and hyperplastic processes of the internal genital organs and ovarian dysfunction.
9. Artificial termination of pregnancy, especially repeated. This is due to the fact that in the early stages of hormonal influence is the cause of changes in the glands. As a result of interruption of this influence, reverse processes occur, which proceed unevenly. The latter become a triggering factor for the formation and development of fibrosis.
10. Prolonged neuropsychic overwork and frequent stressful conditions that contribute to the dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system.
11. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract with a violation of their function. As a result, the inactivating, in relation to excess hormones, ability of the liver and their excretion with bile decreases. In this regard, it should be noted the negative impact on the liver and bile ducts the use of foods rich in fat, alcoholic beverages and other hepatotoxic substances.
12. Intestinal dysfunction (constipation), insufficient intake of foods containing fiber, violation of the biocenosis of the intestinal microflora, as a result of which, as expected, there is a reabsorption of estrogens that enter the intestine with bile.
13. Lack of vitamins in food, especially A, which has antiestrogenic effects; E, which is an antioxidant and potentiates the effects of progesterone; B 6 , which reduces the content of prolactin and contributes to the normalization of the function of the nervous and vascular systems.
14. Excess consumption of foods containing methylxanthines, which contribute to the development of fibrous tissues and the accumulation of fluid in cystic formations. These products include mainly coffee, strong brewed tea, chocolate, Coca-Cola, cocoa.

Clinical manifestations of moderately pronounced changes may be absent until a certain time.

The most common symptoms of breast fibrosis are:

• an increase in the volume of the glands, engorgement (mastodynia), a feeling of discomfort and heaviness in them a few days before the onset of menstruation or in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
• increased sensitivity of the glands and their pain on palpation;
• pain in the above periods (), less often they become permanent;
• diffuse or single seals in the form of strands, small or large nodular formations, determined by palpation and sometimes painful, especially 1-2 weeks before menstruation;
• sometimes a slight change in skin color and discharge from the nipples when pressed.

Treatment of breast fibrosis

Anatomical changes in the organ resulting from physical trauma, radiation therapy, surgical intervention can only be corrected through the methods of plastic surgery.

With nodular forms, an examination by an oncologist is necessary with various diagnostic methods, including a puncture biopsy. In the case of a single node, it is recommended with an emergency histological examination.

For prevention, as well as as one of the components of the treatment program for diffuse forms of fibrosis, some authors recommend diet and correction of the functions of the central nervous system, mental state, endocrine system disorders, liver function, biliary system and intestines.

When the psycho-emotional state is disturbed, it is desirable to use light sedatives, mainly of plant origin, in the form of tinctures and decoctions.

It is necessary to significantly limit the intake of alcoholic beverages and increase fluid intake to 2 liters per day. Food should be high in fiber and vitamins. It is desirable to use food products containing phytosteroids. The latter are found in soybean and its sprouts, nuts, sesame seeds, germinated wheat and, to a lesser extent, in olive oil, fruits and vegetables, berries, and corn. It is also possible to use dietary supplements with phytosteroids.

Medical therapy

Considering a high degree organ dependence on hormones, most often recommended are various hormonal active drugs and their antagonists. These include:

• Bromocriptine at a dose of ½ - 1 tablet per day for 3 months - six months, contributing to the correction of excess prolactin in the blood.
• Parlodel, which is a semi-synthetic derivative of ergot alkaloids. It has a stimulating effect on the dopamine receptors of the hypothalamus, as a result of which the release of prolactin and somatotropic hormone into the blood is suppressed.
• Tamoxifen, the action of which is based on competitive binding in tissues with cellular estradiol receptors, as a result of which ovarian function is suppressed. This leads to a decrease in foci of compaction in the glands and their soreness.
• Danazol, which is used in accordance with the developed schemes. It has a multifactorial mechanism - it acts directly on steroid receptors in the hypothalamic nuclei, reduces the number of pulsating secretions of gonadotropin-releasing hormones by the hypothalamus, has a direct regulatory effect on the synthesis of steroids in the ovaries by binding certain enzymes and is involved in the synthesis of sex steroids.
• Decapeptil, Nafarelin, etc., acting on the pituitary gland and suppressing the secretion of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones by its cells, as a result of which the content of sex steroids in the blood decreases.
• Tibolone (Livial) - suppresses the secretion of gonadotropic hormones and has an antiestrogenic effect on epithelial cells.
• - with low-dose adequate selection, they are pathogenetically justified and highly effective. These include Norethisterone, Medroxyprogesterone, Duphaston and others, as well as the external preparation Progestogel gel.

There is no single algorithm for the treatment of breast diseases caused by excessive diffuse proliferation of connective tissue, and an individual approach is required in each individual case.

Age-related changes in the breast occur in every woman. Most often, involutive restructuring includes fibrosis of mammary gland tissues: a benign process does not adversely affect a woman's health, but can cause unpleasant manifestations and symptoms. It is necessary to be observed by a doctor, performing the prescribed diagnostic tests: in most cases it is not necessary to be treated or use surgical methods therapy.

What is breast fibrosis

Anatomically, the mammary gland is a glandular and adipose tissue that is held together by Cooper ligaments (connective tissue structures that act as a framework).

Fibrosis of the mammary glands is a natural involutive process during which glandular tissue in the form of milk lobules is replaced by connective tissue strands and fibrous structures. Normally, every woman has a moderate involution, which does not adversely affect the mammary glands.

Severe fibrosis in women can cause pain and discomfort, therefore, in each case, it is necessary to seek help and perform the studies prescribed by the doctor. Depending on the results of the diagnosis and the identified problems, the following 2 main variants of the pathology are distinguished:

1. Local (focal);
2. diffuse fibrosis.

When performing a mammogram, the doctor can determine the following types of disease:

• linear;
• periductal;
• perivascular;
• stromal;
• heavy.

Symptoms may be absent - not always the manifestations of involutive processes bother a woman. Often, breast fibrosis is detected by chance during preventive mammography, which must be done at least 1 time in 2 years.

Local (focal) breast fibrosis - what is it

Any dense formation in the breast indicates a high risk of oncology. The focus of fibrosis is a nodular neoplasm of a benign nature, but this can only be found out after a complete examination.

Localized fibrosis is a limited local process in the mammary gland, which can become the basis of malignant degeneration: the doctor knows what the tumor looks like, what the node is dangerous for, and what are the differences between fibrosis and cancer. You should contact a specialist if you experience the following symptoms:

• detection in the chest of a dense nodule of any size;
• painlessness of education;
• node mobility;
• breast deformity.

After the examination, the doctor can identify the following types of pathology:

• fibrosis;
• single cyst;
• polycystic node;

Diffuse fibrosis of the mammary gland

The most favorable variant of age-related changes is a diffuse distribution of connective tissue structures throughout the mammary gland. The absence of nodes and tumor-like formations provides a low risk of oncology: diffuse fibrosis rarely causes malignancy, but can provoke the following unpleasant symptoms:

• pulling sensations in the chest;
• diffuse pain in the mammary glands (without specifying a specific location);
• tissue engorgement before critical days;
• irregularity of tissues on palpation;
• change in the shape of the breast.

After the examination and exclusion of oncology, it is important to continue monitoring with the doctor, visiting a specialist at least once a year.

Linear fibrosis of the breast

Examination for pathology of the mammary glands includes the following studies:

1. Ultrasonic scanning;
2. aspiration biopsy;
3. Tomography (MRI according to indications).

With the help of mammography, a linear variant of fibrosis can be detected, which looks like a variety of thin lines on the pictures, and affects the following:

• interlobular spaces;
• intralobular spaces;
• intraductal structures.

Linear fibrosis of the mammary glands is a favorable type of changes in the breast, requiring observation and symptomatic therapy.

Periductal and perivascular fibrosis - what is it

In addition to adipose tissue and the connective tissue framework, the milk lobules are the basis of the breast, tissue fibrosis around which leads to a periductal type of fibrosis. The vascular network in the mammary glands provides tissue nutrition: the deposition of fibrous tissue around the arteries and veins leads to the formation of perivascular fibrosis of the mammary glands.

Both options are relatively safe types of involutive changes that do not require surgery or the use of aggressive methods of treatment.

Stromal fibrosis

A typical variant of the age-related restructuring of the mammary glands in menopausal women is the predominance of fibrous structures over glandular and adipose tissue. Stroma is a shorthand for all anatomical structures in the breast that do not secrete milk. Stromal fibrosis is a structural redistribution of tissues due to menopausal changes (the stroma is much larger, there are very few milk lobules), which requires preventive monitoring by a specialist.

Severe fibrosis of the breast

A rare variant of the distribution of fibrous structures is stellate or striatal fibrosis. With this type of changes in the mammary glands, the doctor sees radially divergent rays of fibrous tissue on mammographic images. The provoking factors for the formation of strands include:

1. medical or cosmetic surgery;
2. Radiotherapy (after radiation therapy);
3. Post-traumatic changes;

Pronounced and coarse connective tissue strands are a protective reaction of breast tissues to any type of damage.

It is not necessary to treat or operate on severe fibrosis: it is quite enough to visit the doctor regularly for preventive purposes.

Fibrosis of the mammary gland - ultrasound

With the help of ultrasound scanning, you can assess the condition of the mammary glands and make a preliminary diagnosis. Common signs of fibrosis on ultrasound include:

1. Reducing the amount of glandular tissue and fatty lobules;
2. Thickening of the Cooper ligaments with the formation of fibrous cords;
3. Detection of interlobular linear structures.

Ultrasound will help to identify the first signs of involutive changes, but an accurate diagnosis can be made on the basis of x-rays and biopsy. In difficult cases and according to indications, the doctor will prescribe magnetic resonance imaging, with which you can confidently exclude or confirm breast cancer.

Treatment of breast fibrosis

For each woman who has fibrosis in the breast, the treatment is selected individually. Indications for surgical intervention are:

1. Focal fibrosis with a high risk of malignancy;
2. Inability to exclude breast cancer;
3. Breast deformity requiring cosmetic surgery.

With diffuse and involutive variants with a minimal risk of oncology, the doctor will advise the following types of correction:

• diet with restriction of fats and carbohydrates;
• weight loss;
• rejection of bad habits;
• soothing therapy;
• treatment common diseases internal organs.

Hormone therapy is used extremely rarely - indications for taking serious drugs can be endocrine disorders that provoke changes in the breast, or a cystic type of mastopathy, detected against the background of fibrosis of the mammary glands.

Folk remedies for the treatment of breast fibrosis

For symptomatic therapy can be used folk remedies, which solve the following problems using safe and affordable methods:

1. Elimination of pain;
2. Correction of hormonal balance;
3. Increased immune defense;
4. Sedative (calming) effect.

It is optimal to use an integrated approach to treatment, using local effects on breast tissues (compresses, ointments) and general therapy with herbal infusions and plant-based tablets. Treating fibrosis of the mammary glands with non-traditional methods should be after examination by a doctor and exclusion of oncology. It is important to remember that folk remedies will not remove the fibrous node and will not save the woman from the risk of a malignant tumor, so you should regularly consult a doctor for a preventive examination.

Hello. During mammography, I was found to have involutive changes in the mammary glands with fibrosis. How dangerous is this and what should be done to avoid surgery? Anastasia, 51 years old.

Hello Anastasia. Involution is a natural age-related changes in the breast, in which the glandular tissue is replaced by fibrous and fatty tissue. Do not be afraid - diffuse fibrosis is not life-threatening and does not require surgery. If a focal form (a node in the chest) is detected, a complete examination should be carried out in order to exclude a dangerous pathology. It is necessary to contact a specialist (mammologist, surgeon) with pictures in order to receive the necessary recommendations on lifestyle, nutrition and the use of preventive treatment.

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