Anechogenous formation in the mammary gland

Ultrasound examination to date is considered one of the most common diagnostic methods. For a doctor who carries out ultrasound, the visual picture of the study is usually simple and understandable, which can not be said of 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, anehogenous formation in the mammary gland - what is it? Is it worth worrying about this? How to treat it and whether it is necessary?

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Causes of the anechogenous formation in the mammary gland

Let's try to parse this phrase in parts:

• "Anechoic" "an" not, "echo" sound, "gene" formation, formation; Thus, "anehogennoe" literally means "not reflecting the sound" (in this case there are in view of ultrasonic fluctuations);
• "Education" is something that is formed in the body outside the norm (tissue proliferation, atypical inclusion, etc.).

So is it worth worrying? All patients need to know a single rule: anehogenous formation is not a diagnosis, but only a description of the image obtained with ultrasound. Nevertheless, it is logical to note that such education can be almost anything, however, most often it is a cyst-bag-like inclusion with liquid contents.

Determine the causes of anehogennogo education is easier when the doctor has already established an accurate diagnosis. Nevertheless, there are common factors contributing to the development of pathological inclusions in the chest:

• stressful situation, or frequent psychoemotional stresses, which lead to disorders of the balance of hormones in the body with increased production of substances such as prolactin, testosterone, cortisol;
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet (excessive tanning, both on beaches and in a solarium), which provokes an increased release of estrogens into the blood;
• abuse of thermal procedures (hot baths, saunas, hot compresses, work near heat appliances, etc.);
• trauma of mammary glands;
• hormonal disorders due to pregnancy, menopause, disorders in the thyroid gland, etc.

Also taking into account the intake of certain medicines (eg, taking hormonal medications, including oral contraceptives), genetic predisposition, and surgical interventions in the chest area.

Pathogenesis

Pathogenesis anehogennogo education most often originates with the emergence of a specific focus, around which a kind of capsule is formed. Thus, the body tries to "separate" the pathologically emerging tissues from healthy ones.

The form of education can be round, oval, or some other. The size can also be different: from a couple of millimeters to 6 and more centimeters in diameter. In addition, education can be located singly, or multiply (for example, if it is a question of polycystosis).

In the vast majority of cases, anechogenous inclusion is benign. But we can not exclude that over time, or under the influence of specific factors, it can be structurally degenerated and acquire a malignant nature.

Nevertheless, before the exact diagnosis is made, one should not get upset - the probability of the degeneration of such an element is very low. In 90% of cases, pathology is cured by the appointment of adequate and competent treatment. Moreover, some types of anechogenous inclusions have the property of self-elimination, under the influence of certain favorable factors.

Therefore, hurry with the findings after the ultrasound should never be. Trust the doctor.

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Symptoms of the anechogenous formation in the mammary gland

Anehogenous formation of small sizes in most cases does not cause discomfort and does not show any external signs. About his appearance is usually recognized only after the procedure of ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. More voluminous fluid inclusions can reveal themselves as a minor soreness and condensation in the area of pathology.

Often the first signs of proliferation may be associated with a certain phase of the monthly cycle. For example, before the onset of menstrual bleeding, pain in the chest may increase, and the glands themselves increase. In some cases, there are additional signs - for example, the emergence of a secreted secret from the nipples, which is a diagnostic important point and requires mandatory follow-up.

Often, education can be felt, and at large volumes - even notice visually. Sometimes the skin over the pathological focus changes its color - from pink and red to a bluish hue.

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

Structural characteristics of anechogenous formations

As we said above, when anehogenous formation is found in the tissues of the breast, more often it is a matter of cavity inclusion with liquid contents. Usually in such cases, a cyst is assumed, and if the woman is in the lactation period, then galactocele (fatty cyst, with milk fluid inside).

Standard types of cysts are traditionally described by the term "homogeneous anehogennoy structure." If there are any other signs, the doctor may use the term "hyperechogenic site" (for example, partially calcified). Unfortunately, none of the above conclusions can exclude the presence of malignant cells in this zone. Special alertness should cause structures with torn edges, deformation areas and additional inclusions.

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

Anechogenous avascular formation of the mammary gland is a structural element that is not germinated by a vascular network, so the probability of malignancy of such a cyst is reduced to zero. Typically, breast cancers contain a large number of blood vessels that supply blood to the growing tumor.

Only the medical specialist can accurately confirm the malignancy or good quality of the structure, having not only a description of the ultrasound investigation, but also the results of histology and biopsy.

Complications and consequences

Anehogenous formation of small diameter practically does not represent any threat to the life and well-being of the patient. The possibility of unwanted symptoms or complications increases significantly if the course of the process is supplemented by the development of an inflammatory reaction, attachment of infection, suppuration. In such cases, there are signs of local inflammation: soreness, swelling of the chest, an increase in temperature.

In addition, too voluminous structural inclusions with liquid contents can cause visual deformation of the affected breast, which will be accompanied by uncomfortable sensations that are independent of the period of menstruation.

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

Diagnostics of the anechogenous formation in the mammary gland

Anehogenous formation in the mammary gland on the ultrasound screen is depicted as ovoid or round inclusion, reflecting ultrasonic waves. It has strictly limited internal and external boundaries, does not allow the appearance of internal echoes (with a transparent structural composition that does not contain inclusions, and the acoustic signal from behind is strengthened).

The size of the detected element can range from 2-3 mm to 5-8 centimeters. If several elements are located next to each other, it is possible to merge them by means of the lysis of the separation membrane. Thus, instead of several separate formations, a multi-chamber focus is formed in which the residues of the lysed membrane can be considered. The acoustic amplified signal at the back becomes less pronounced.

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

Differential diagnosis

Until the time when medicine began to use the ultrasound method of investigation, differential diagnosis of cystic elements was somewhat difficult. The use of ultrasound sensors with a frequency of 7.5 MHz and more made it possible to consider various internal growths in the cavities. At the same time, experts discovered other ultrasound signs of difference, depending on the etiology of the element.

In addition, another instrumental diagnosis of mammary glands can be used, for example, mammography. But, as a rule, the conduct of ultrasound and mammography are mutually exclusive. Ultrasound is a sufficient procedure for determining anechogenous formation.

Treatment of the anechogenous formation in the mammary gland

Treatment of anechogenous education is prescribed only after the final diagnosis is established. Recall that the term "anehogenicity" is not a diagnosis - it's just a description of the picture obtained on the monitor of the ultrasound scanner.

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

• homeopathy (Mastodinon, Mastiol Edas, Mastopol, Galim-Heel);
• phytopreparations (Indinol, Phytolone, Clamin);
• iodine-containing preparations (Iodine-active, Iodomarin);
• hormonal preparations (Utrozhestan, Dyufaston, Estrogel, Progestol, etc.);
• anti-inflammatory drugs (Wobenzym, Diclofenac);
• Vitamin complexes (Vitrum, Elevit, Alphabet, etc.);
• sedatives (valerian, motherwort, Novopassit, Phytosed).

If the size of the formation exceeds 25 mm, surgical treatment can be prescribed - removal of the element by surgery. With the average size and proven cystic origin of the tumor, sclerotherapy can be used - the introduction into the cavity (after aspiration of the liquid) of a special substance that causes the walls to fall off and stick together. After that, the cyst no longer fills.

If there are many anechoic formations, they expand, and their walls thicken, then a sectoral resection of the breast can be prescribed (especially in case of an aggravated oncological anamnesis).

Alternative treatment is also recommended only after the final diagnosis is made. Remember: you can not treat what is not. Do not rush to conclusions, wait for the results of all tests, get a competent answer from a specialist who will prescribe an adequate treatment, and only after that, if your doctor does not mind, contact alternative healers.

Treatment with herbs cystic tumors may include the use of the following recipes:

• consumption inside the infusion of burdock and St. John's wort (10 grams of herbs per 300 ml of boiling water, insist 3 hours). Reception three times a day before meals for 2 tbsp. L .;
• putting a compress on the night from grated beets with vinegar (per 100 grams of gruel - 1 tbsp vinegar);
• putting a cabbage leaf beaten with a hammer for the night to the affected side of the breast;
• applying a compress of grated carrots (overnight);
• use of garlic oil before each meal.

Of course, alternative treatment can be an effective addition to traditional treatment. However, self-treatment, especially until the final diagnosis is made, is unacceptable.

Prevention

To minimize the likelihood of the appearance of pathological structures of the breast, it is recommended to follow certain rules:

• wear a bra, properly selected depending on the shape and size of the breast;
• Limit or exclude the use of coffee, strong black tea and dark varieties of chocolate;
• use no more than 4 grams of salt per day to avoid fluid stagnation in the tissues;
• avoid stressful situations, try to avoid conflicts, fully rest;
• do not abuse alcohol, do not smoke;
• follow the body weight (extra pounds - an additional factor of metabolic disorders and hormonal imbalance);
• avoid traumatizing the mammary glands;
• Do not use the same hormonal drugs for a long time. If you observe hormonal contraception, then periodically consult a doctor about possible interruptions in the reception, or changing the drug to another.

A good prevention of breast disease is a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding. Absence of pregnancies and mature age are the main factors of the appearance of breast pathologies.

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

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Forecast

The assumption that 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 education are much more dangerous, which entails the removal of the sector or part of the gland.

Thus, the prognosis for a competent and timely detection of an anechoic element is favorable.

Anehogenous formation in the mammary gland is not a cause for panic and anxiety. This is a signal that something has happened in the body that needs to be detected and eliminated. Therefore, calmly wait until the end of diagnostic studies, talk with your doctor and, if necessary, start treatment. The timeliness of this treatment will depend on the result.