Anechogenic mass in the breast

Ultrasound examination is considered one of the most common diagnostic methods today. For the doctor who performs the ultrasound, the visual image of the examination is usually simple and clear, which cannot be said about the patient himself, who is often puzzled not only by the image on the screen, but also by the terminology used by the doctor regarding this procedure. For example, an anechoic formation in the mammary gland - what is it? Should you worry about it? How to treat it and is it necessary?

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Causes of an anechogenic mass in the breast.

Let's try to analyze this phrase piece by piece:

• "anechoic" "an" not, "echo" sound, "gen" formation, development; thus, "anechoic" literally means "not reflecting sound" (in this case, we mean ultrasonic vibrations);
• "formation" is something that has formed in an organ outside the norm (tissue proliferation, atypical inclusion, etc.).

So, should you worry? All patients need to know one rule: an anechoic formation is not a diagnosis, but merely a description of an ultrasound image. However, it is logical to note that such a formation can be almost anything, but most often we are talking about a cyst - a sac-like inclusion with liquid contents.

It is easier to determine the causes of an anechoic formation when the doctor has already established an accurate diagnosis. However, there are general factors that contribute to the development of pathological inclusions in the breast:

• a stressful situation or frequent psycho-emotional stress, which entails hormonal imbalances in the body with increased production of substances such as prolactin, testosterone, cortisol;
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (excessive tanning, both on the beach and in solariums), which provokes an increased release of estrogens into the blood;
• abuse of thermal procedures (hot baths, saunas, hot compresses, work near heating devices, etc.);
• mammary gland injuries;
• hormonal disorders due to pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, etc.

The use of certain medications (for example, hormonal drugs, including oral contraceptives), genetic predisposition, and previous breast surgeries are also taken into account.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of an anechoic formation most often begins with the emergence of a specific focus, around which a kind of capsule is formed. In this way, the body tries to "separate" pathologically formed tissues from healthy ones.

The shape of the formation can be round, oval, or any other. The size can also be different: from a couple of millimeters to 6 or more centimeters in diameter. In addition, the formation can be located singly or multiple (for example, if we are talking about polycystic disease).

In the vast majority of cases, the anechoic inclusion is benign. But it cannot be ruled out that over time, or under the influence of specific factors, it can structurally degenerate and acquire a malignant nature.

However, before an accurate diagnosis is made, there is no need to be upset – the probability of such an element degenerating is very low. In 90% of situations, the pathology is cured by prescribing adequate and competent treatment. Moreover, some types of anechoic inclusions tend to disappear on their own, under the influence of certain favorable factors.

Therefore, you should never rush to conclusions after an ultrasound. Trust your doctor.

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Symptoms of an anechogenic mass in the breast.

In most cases, a small anechoic formation does not cause discomfort and does not manifest itself with any external signs. Its appearance is usually discovered only after an ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. Larger fluid inclusions may reveal themselves as slight pain and compaction in the area of the pathology.

Often, the first signs of the appearance of growths can be associated with a certain phase of the monthly cycle. For example, before the onset of menstrual bleeding, pain in the chest area can intensify, and the glands themselves enlarge. In some cases, additional signs appear - for example, the appearance of secreted secretion from the nipples, which is a diagnostically important moment and requires mandatory additional examination.

Often the formation can be palpated, and in case of large volumes – even noticed visually. Sometimes the skin over the pathological focus changes its color – from pink and red to a bluish tint.

In some cases, inflammation of the lesion may occur. If this happens, the patient's temperature rises (including that of the mammary gland itself), the skin of the breast turns red and swells, and the nearest lymph nodes enlarge. This condition requires urgent medical intervention.

Structural characteristics of anechoic formations

As we have already said above, when an anechoic formation is found in the tissues of the mammary gland, then most often we are talking about a cavity inclusion with liquid contents. Usually in such cases a cyst is assumed, and if the woman is in the lactation period - then a galactocele (a fatty cyst with milky fluid inside).

Standard types of cysts are traditionally described as "homogeneous anechoic structure." If any other signs are present, the doctor may use the term "hyperechoic area" (e.g., partially calcified). Unfortunately, none of the listed conclusions can exclude the presence of malignant cells in this area. Structures with jagged edges, areas of deformation, and additional inclusions should cause particular concern.

An anechoic two-chambered formation in the mammary gland is more prone to malignancy than others. Multi-chambered cysts often contain individual sound-absorbing inclusions or tissue growths. Such structures are subject to mandatory surgical removal.

An anechoic avascular formation of the mammary gland is a structural element that is not intergrown with a vascular network, so the probability of malignancy of such a cyst is reduced to zero. As a rule, cancerous tumors of the mammary gland contain a large number of vessels that supply blood to the growing tumor.

Only a medical specialist can accurately determine whether a structure is malignant or benign, having in hand not only a description of the ultrasound examination, but also the results of histology and biopsy.

Complications and consequences

An anechoic formation of a small diameter practically does not pose any threat to the life and well-being of the patient. The possibility of the appearance of undesirable symptoms or complications increases significantly if the course of the process is supplemented by the development of an inflammatory reaction, the addition of an infection, suppuration. In such cases, signs of local inflammation appear: pain, swelling of the breast, an increase in temperature.

In addition, structural inclusions with liquid contents that are too large can cause visual deformation of the affected breast, which will be accompanied by uncomfortable sensations that do not depend on the period of menstruation.

Situations with malignancy of the process (malignancy) are still rare. One of the risk factors for such degeneration is the side development of fibrocystic mastopathy in the patient.

Diagnostics of an anechogenic mass in the breast.

An anechoic formation in the mammary gland is depicted on the ultrasound screen as an ovoid or round inclusion that reflects ultrasound waves. It has strictly defined internal and external boundaries, does not allow the appearance of internal echo signals (with a transparent structural composition that does not contain inclusions, and the acoustic signal from behind is amplified).

The size of the detected element can vary from 2-3 mm to 5-8 centimeters. If several elements are located nearby, they may merge by lysis of the separating membrane. Thus, instead of several separate formations, a multi-chamber focus is formed, in which the remains of the lysed membrane can be seen. The acoustic amplified signal from behind becomes less pronounced.

If the anechoic formation exists for a long time, then sometimes perifocal inflammation can develop, which reveals itself by fibrosis, infection and suppuration of the process. In such cases, diagnostics can be supplemented by tests: general blood and urine analysis for inflammation, as well as histological analysis of the tumor.

Differential diagnosis

Before medicine began using the ultrasound method of examination, differential diagnostics of cystic elements was somewhat complicated. The use of ultrasound sensors with a frequency of 7.5 MHz and higher made it possible to examine various internal growths in cavity formations. At the same time, specialists discovered other ultrasound signs of distinction, depending on the etiology of the element.

Additionally, other instrumental diagnostics of the mammary glands can be used, for example, mammography. But, as a rule, ultrasound and mammography are mutually exclusive. Ultrasound is a sufficient procedure for determining an anechoic formation.

Treatment of an anechogenic mass in the breast.

Treatment of anechoic formation is prescribed only after the final diagnosis is established. Let us remind you that the term "anechoicity" is not a diagnosis - it is just a description of the image obtained on the ultrasound scanner monitor.

Most often, when diagnosing cysts, conservative therapy is used, aimed at stabilizing the hormonal balance. The following medications can be used for this:

• homeopathy (Mastodynon, Mastiol Edas, Mastopol, Galium-Heel);
• herbal preparations (Indinol, Fitolon, Klamin);
• iodine-containing drugs (Iodine-active, Iodomarin);
• hormonal drugs (Utrozhestan, Duphaston, Estrogel, Progestogel, etc.);
• anti-inflammatory drugs (Wobenzym, Diclofenac);
• vitamin complexes (Vitrum, Elevit, Alphabet, etc.);
• sedatives (valerian, motherwort, Novopassit, Fitosed).

If the size of the formation exceeds 25 mm, surgical treatment may be prescribed - surgical removal of the element. In case of average sizes and proven cystic origin of the tumor, sclerotherapy may be used - the introduction of a special substance into the cavity (after aspiration of the fluid), which causes its walls to collapse and stick together. After this, the cyst no longer fills up.

If there are many anechoic formations, they grow, and their walls thicken, then sectoral resection of the mammary gland may be prescribed (especially in the case of a burdened oncological history).

Traditional medicine is also recommended to be used only after a final diagnosis has been made. Remember: you can’t treat something that doesn’t exist. Don’t rush to conclusions, wait for the results of all the tests, get a competent answer from a specialist who will prescribe adequate treatment, and only after that, if your doctor doesn’t mind, contact traditional healers.

Herbal treatment for cystic tumors may include the following recipes:

• internal use of burdock and St. John's wort infusion (10 g of herbs per 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 3 hours). Take 2 tbsp three times a day before meals;
• applying a compress of grated beets with vinegar at night (1 tbsp. vinegar per 100 g of gruel);
• applying a cabbage leaf beaten with a hammer to the affected side of the chest at night;
• applying a compress of grated carrots (at night);
• use garlic oil before every meal.

Of course, folk treatment can be an effective addition to traditional treatment. However, self-medication, especially before a final diagnosis, is unacceptable.

Prevention

To minimize the likelihood of the appearance of pathological structures of the mammary gland, it is recommended to follow some rules:

• wear a bra that is properly selected depending on the shape and size of your breasts;
• limit or eliminate consumption of coffee, strong black tea and dark chocolate;
• consume no more than 4 g of salt per day to avoid fluid retention in tissues;
• avoid stressful situations, try to avoid conflicts, get enough rest;
• do not abuse alcoholic beverages, do not smoke;
• monitor your body weight (extra pounds are an additional factor in metabolic disorders and hormonal imbalance);
• avoid trauma to the mammary glands;
• Do not use the same hormonal drugs for a long time. If you are using hormonal contraception, consult your doctor periodically about possible breaks in taking it or changing the drug to another one.

A good prevention of breast diseases is a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding. The absence of pregnancies and mature age are the main factors for the occurrence of breast pathologies.

Lead an active lifestyle and eat right - these are the main conditions for the health of the whole body.

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Forecast

The assumption that an anechoic formation must necessarily degenerate into a cancerous tumor is fundamentally wrong. Of course, no one is immune from oncological complications. However, the risk of malignancy of the process is quite small and does not exceed that of any healthy woman. In this case, infection and suppuration of the formation are much more dangerous, which entails the removal of a sector or part of the gland.

Thus, the prognosis with proper and timely detection of the anechoic element is favorable.

An anechoic formation in the mammary gland is not a reason for panic and anxiety. It is a signal that some kind of failure has occurred in the body, which must be detected and eliminated. Therefore, calmly wait for the end of diagnostic tests, talk to your doctor and, if necessary, begin treatment. The result will depend on the timeliness of this treatment.