Fibrocystic mastopathy

Fibrocystic mastopathy (PCM) is a pathological condition of the mammary glands, accompanied by the appearance of seals and cysts of various sizes and shapes. This is a fairly common disease among women of reproductive age, it hurts at least half of the female population. The disease is well treatable in the early stages: it is better to go through all therapeutic procedures in advance, without waiting for the development of adverse effects.

[1]

Causes of the fibrocystic mastopathy

The main cause of fibrocystic mastopathy is hormonal destabilization in the body: the main role in the process is played by the hormones progesterone and estradiol. The factors that determine the imbalance of hormones may be the following:

• early puberty. The rapid update of the hormonal background does not allow the body to quickly adapt to changes, which is reflected in the tissue structure of the mammary glands;
• late menopause. The crucial role is played by the prolonged effect of hormones on the tissues of the gland;
• no history of pregnancy;
• frequent forced termination of pregnancies (more than two times) provokes a sharp rise and fall in hormonal activity;
• absence or extremely short lactation period;
• constant or often repeated stress;
• age period of 40 years;
• metabolic disorders - obesity, diabetes, endemic goiter;
• disruption of the liver;
• endocrine disorders: hypo- or hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis;
• genitourinary diseases, reproductive disorders;
• uncontrolled hormonal drugs, including contraceptives.

[2]

Symptoms of the fibrocystic mastopathy

Initially, the fibrocystic form of mastopathy was not defined as a condition predisposing to breast cancer. However, recent scientific studies have shown that mastopathy should be regarded precisely as a precancerous condition, which under certain circumstances can transform into a malignant tumor.

The probability of the formation of breast cancer, as a consequence of PCM, depends on many factors, for example, on the total duration of the disease, its stage, intensity and brightness of the manifestations. A history of multiple and large cysts, fibroadenoma, adenosis, hyperplasia and proliferative mastopathy increases the risk of cancer by 2-4 times.

Although fibrocystic mastopathy is considered a benign disease, in some cases it is an intermediate process in the formation of a malignant tumor. That is why the clinical examination of patients with treated PCM and prolonged monitoring of their condition is an important link in the prevention of breast oncology.

The clinical symptoms of fibrocystic mastopathy are determined by painful sensations, seals of the mammary gland and the appearance of secretions from the milk ducts. Palpation can be felt fine and coarse formations, dense areas of breast tissue. Painfulness with this disease can appear spontaneously, or occur only when trying to touch: a feeling of slight discomfort can be replaced by a sharp severe pain even from a small touch.

Pain in the breast can be accompanied by a feeling of burdening, puffiness, squeezing, sometimes gives in the shoulder joint or in the axillary zone.

Often, patients notice the appearance of secretion from the lacrimal canals: the excreted fluid resembles colostrum, or it may be slightly yellow or greenish.

The initial symptoms of fibrocystic mastopathy may be more pronounced with the onset of menstruation or PMS. With the progression of the disease, the symptoms become brighter, the soreness is more tangible, and tissue consolidation can be determined already regardless of the periodicity of the cycle.

[3]

Pain in fibrocystic mastopathy

The presence of pain in fibrocystic mastopathy is a fairly frequent, but very individual symptom. Dull, aching, shooting, twitching, it can have different intensity and is accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the breasts.

Soreness often increases before the onset of menstruation (hormone levels increase at the same time), may be limited to local manifestation or radiating to the shoulder joint, subscapularis and axillary region.

Not all women feel pain during mastopathy: about 10% of patients usually do not observe signs of pain discomfort, and some feel pain only during the critical days. In this case, the general symptoms of the disease they may absolutely coincide. The reason for this phenomenon may be the difference in pressure on the nerve endings and differences in the individual threshold of pain.

Also, pain can be observed not only in the mammary glands, but also in nearby lymph nodes, which can be slightly enlarged and tense.

[4]

Discharge with fibrocystic mastopathy

Discharge with fibrocystic mastopathy may not be observed in all cases of the disease. This phenomenon is individual: there may be no liquid discharge at all, sometimes it can be very abundant (often this symptom allows you to independently detect the disease), or it can occur only with a slight squeezing of the periphery. Discharges usually do not have a specific odor, their color varies from transparent, light, whitish to yellowish and greenish. Sometimes their species resembles colostrum (secret of the mammary glands, separated in the last days of pregnancy and in the first days after birth).

In some cases, discharge may acquire a brownish or bloody hue: this is a rather formidable symptom, requiring a mandatory medical examination. The bleeding from the dairy canals can be a sign of a malignant process in the mammary glands, destruction of the capillary blood supply system and damage to the walls of the ducts.

In principle, any detected discharge from the nipples requires expert advice, and this especially applies to bleeding.

[5], [6]

Pregnancy and fibrocystic mastopathy

Pregnancy with fibrocystic mastopathy is not only possible, but also desirable. Everyone knows that in the period of carrying a child there is a significant restructuring of the hormonal status in the woman’s body. This may trigger a further stabilization of hormone levels and the cessation of the development of the disease. For this reason, many gynecologists strongly recommend that women become pregnant, boldly bear and breastfeed in the future.

By the way, the natural period of lactation often becomes the main drug to combat the disease. It is not necessary to interrupt breastfeeding in advance: the period of breastfeeding often brings relief and even complete recovery to women with the resorption of cystic formations and nodes.

Pregnancy and lactation are also recommended as preventive measures against FCM.

If a woman was treated for FCM with hormonal drugs and became pregnant in the same cycle, treatment of the disease should be immediately stopped, since the use of hormones during pregnancy requires great care. In this situation, consult your doctor, perhaps he will prescribe other non-hormonal drugs that are approved for use during pregnancy.

[7], [8], [9], [10]

Lactation

The question of breastfeeding a child with fibrocystic mastopathy must be decided by a doctor mammologist, since the degree of progression and severity of the disease in all women is individual.

Most often, with noncritical forms of FCM, a lactation period is recommended as long as possible: it helps reduce the signs of the disease and is a good prevention of the disease in the future.

The bottom line is that breastfeeding contributes to certain physiological processes in a woman's body: in particular, growth and reproduction of epithelial cells of the mammary glands are activated, which tend to synthesize their own antibodies that can affect various tumors, including cysts and fibromatous nodes.

Prolonged breastfeeding should be carried out with constant monitoring of the state of the mammary glands, with periodic medical examination and measures for the prevention of lactostasis. Reception of drugs during the lactation period must be necessarily coordinated with the doctor.

[11]

Cystic mastopathy and cancer

According to the latest scientific research, fibrocystic mastopathy should be considered as a possible precancerous condition. This concept is morphological in nature, it can be attributed to the intraductal atypical growth of the epithelium and manifestations of carcinoma.

If the following signs and symptoms are found on the mammary glands, you should immediately consult a specialist:

• nodular compaction in tissues or on the skin of the glands, especially welded to the tissues and between the nodes;
• the appearance of ulcerative lesions on the skin, in the areola, or crusts on the nipple or around it;
• localized or ubiquitous edema of breast tissue;
• bloody, brown or black discharge from the milk channel;
• the appearance of areas of redness on the skin;
• change in the shape of the breast, the appearance of tuberosity, a violation of the contours of the glands or the periplasma;
• the appearance of asymmetry in the location of the mammary glands;
• inability to shift the gland.

In such situations, in order to avoid adverse effects, you should definitely see your doctor and describe in detail the symptoms of the manifestations found.

[12], [13]

Forms

ICD-10 is a generally accepted international classification of diseases, among which there are all types of mastopathy. This is the main informative documentation used by medical professionals around the world. Standardization and unification of diseases has the right to revision only once a decade.

This classification is intended to create the most comfortable conditions for determining the analytical data of world statistics regarding the level of cases of diseases and deaths, which periodically record and send various regions and countries of the world. Diagnostic indicators are described as an alphanumeric code, which is extremely convenient in the process of storing and retrieving the necessary information. Data obtained from all over the world is carefully structured and processed.

Diseases and pathological conditions of the mammary gland in the list of ICD 10 are in the subsection of diseases of the genitourinary system under the numbering N60-N64.

[14]

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy

Diffuse lesions of the mammary gland are characterized by excessive growth of the connective tissue sites of various shapes. Such a condition can disrupt the structure of the canals and the lobular structure of the glandular organ, and contribute to the appearance of small cystic formations.

The diverse etiology of diffuse mastopathy may be associated with genetic predisposition, ecology, as well as multiple external factors. The determining causes are a disorder of neurohumoral processes, an increase in estrogen synthesis and a deficiency of progesterone.

Depending on the structure and nature of tissue damage, the following types of diffuse mastopathy are distinguished:

• pathology with the dominance of the glandular component (adenosis);
• pathology with predominantly fibrous component (fibroadenomatosis);
• pathology with the dominance of the cystic component (cystic);
• mixed flow FCM;
• sclerosing type of adenosis.

The intensity of the detected disorders allows to divide the diffuse mastopathy into an insignificant, moderate and pronounced form.

[15], [16]

Nodular fibrocystic mastopathy

The term "focal fibrocystic mastopathy" is also often used for nodular FCM. Nodular mastopathy can be characterized by the growth of connective tissue sites and the formation of cystic formations resembling single or multiple nodes.

With this disease in the mammary gland, one or a group of nodules can be palpated, with clear limited contours. Before the onset of menstruation, nodular formations may swell, grow, and acquire some pain. At the end of the menstruation, it is possible to easily palpate slightly painful nodules of various shapes, tight-elastic consistency, with clear boundaries that are not soldered to the surrounding tissues. It is noteworthy that in the horizontal position the nodules are felt very weakly, or even completely absent.

Peripheral nodes do not usually increase.

The pain may be insignificant or absent altogether, and the presence of nodules is more often found by women completely randomly: thus, the manifestations of the disease can be very individual.

Nodular mastopathy is often the result of a diffuse disease.

Nonproliferative fibrocystic mastopathy

The medical term for non-proliferative fibrocystic mastopathy denotes a disease of the mammary glands that does not have the characteristic signs of proliferation, namely, tissue proliferation of the glandular organ with the formation of a neoplasm and intensive cell division and reproduction. With this pathology, there is no increase in the number of structural elements of the tissue and organ as a whole, there is no excessive growth of tissues, as in many other pathological conditions. There may be significant or localized tissue swelling, which cannot be called the formation of new structures.

Proliferation is a process of cell reproduction, which in most cases is the final stage of any inflammation, during which a clear separation of the pathological focus from healthy nearby tissues can be observed.

The non-proliferative form of FCM has a more favorable course and prognosis, but requires no less careful medical observation and treatment.

[17], [18]

Mixed fibrocystic mastopathy

In the mixed form of fibrocystic mastopathy, the characteristic symptoms of all forms of the disease are combined:

• signs of diffuse PCM with a predominant cystic component, when small cavities (capsules, or cysts) with a liquid form in the mammary gland;
• signs of fibrous mastopathy with a predominant fibrous component, in which there is a proliferation of connective tissue sites in the gland;
• manifestations of adenosis of the mammary glands (growth with a predominant glandular component) - excessive growth of glandular tissues, which is characterized by a significant increase in breast size;
• cystic formations, or nodes, affect the mammary gland, both in the form of single manifestations and in total multiple tumors, which are palpable in an upright position;
• possible simultaneous development of fibroadenomas - a rounded, mobile and dense formation of benign character in the mammary gland.

This form of the disease is a somewhat neglected variant of the course of the disease, is more difficult to treat and requires long-term therapeutic effects.

Bilateral fibrocystic mastopathy

The name of this form of FCM speaks for itself - manifestations of fibrocystic disease in this pathology are present on two mammary glands at the same time. Changes are expressed in hyperplasia of connective tissue, fibrous, glandular elements in both breasts, affecting the organs themselves and their lacteal canals, which contributes to the violation of trophic processes and the formation of cystic formations.

Such a bilateral lesion of the mammary glands approximately doubles the risk of a malignant tumor, although FCM itself does not pose a life-threatening threat.

Bilateral fibrocystic mastopathy is a consequence of persistent, prolonged and serious disruption of the hormonal balance in the body, so its treatment should be directed primarily at restoring normal natural hormone levels, identifying the cause of imbalance (pathology of the ovaries, thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary system, etc..).

[19]

Fibrocystic mastopathy during menopause

Violation of the regularity of the appearance of menstruation and their complete disappearance for fifty-year-old female age is considered to be a normal physiological state, moreover, it determines the positive dynamics of the current pathological processes of the reproductive system of the body, up to and including complete recovery.

The danger of acquiring additional or exacerbating an already existing breast disease may increase if menopause occurs too early (before 45 years of age) or too late (after 55 years of age).

With the first symptoms of menopause, a significant change in hormonal balance occurs. At this time, the breast glands can cause pain and a feeling of tension and pressure.

The signs of fibrocystic mastopathy usually weaken in this period. Cystic formations, cords and knots in the mammary glands can significantly decrease or disappear altogether, pain and heaviness in the chest gradually fade away.

Along with a decrease in ovarian function, the glandular tissue in the mammary glands gradually atrophies, and its replacement by connective tissue and lipid regions occurs.

[20], [21], [22], [23], [24]

Cystic mastopathy and IVF

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the so-called “in vitro conception”, sometimes the only way to childless couples to have their child. Before preparing for artificial insemination, a lot of doctors should be examined to determine possible contraindications to the procedure. Often, women are very worried about the presence of various forms of PCM: what will the doctor say, and is mastopathy not a contraindication for IVF?

Honestly, their experiences are not groundless: when artificial insemination using the method of hormonal stimulation, and this can significantly complicate the course of the disease and provoke a rapid increase in cystic formations.

However, many doctors understand the importance of this procedure for women. It also takes into account the fact that FCM phenomena tend to regress during the period of breastfeeding. Therefore, often reproductive and mammology give permission for an in vitro fertilization procedure and in the presence of fibrocystic mastopathy.

[25]

Complications and consequences

The most common effects of PCM can be the following states:

• an increase in the size of the cystic formation with a visual change in the mammary gland;
• the development of a background inflammatory process with subsequent infection and suppuration of cystic formation;
• degeneration of cystic formation into malignant;
• rupture, cyst integrity violation.

Fibrocystic mastopathy cannot pose any immediate danger to the patient's life and is not the cause of significant discomfort and inability to live a full life (in the absence of neglected stages with huge sizes of cystic formations).

The severity of the pathological process is exacerbated only when the background development of the inflammatory reaction, ingestion of an infectious agent, signs of festering nodes.

There are also cases of conversion of a cyst into a cancer, because it is known that the development of mastopathy significantly increases the risk of the formation of a malignant tumor.

[26], [27]

Diagnostics of the fibrocystic mastopathy

It is possible to detect cystic FCM with independent palpation of the mammary glands. To confirm the diagnosis using the method of ultrasound and mammography (chest radiograph).

The mammography method is quite informative and determines the size, contours and number of cystic formations.

The ultrasound method provides the possibility of a detailed examination of the formations with the examination of the cystic wall.

Magnetic resonance imaging is used quite rarely, this method allows careful examination of each layer of tissues and formations.

Aspiration biopsy of the mammary gland determines the nature of cystic formation, and pneumocystography can also demonstrate this result.

Histological examination of the material extracted during biopsy is carried out without fail: this method is necessary to study the cellular structure of the cyst and allows you to disprove the malignant nature of the formations, determine the presence of intraductal papilloma or clarify the presence of inflammatory and purulent processes in the cyst.

Also, the standard diagnosis of mastopathy is impossible without palpation of the mammary glands and taking anamnesis characteristic of this pathology. Sometimes blood tests can be prescribed to determine the degree of hormonal imbalance.

Ultrasound

The method of ultrasound allows to measure the thickness of the glandular tissue in each area of the mammary glands from the periphery to the periphery zone, as well as to evaluate the density of tissues in various areas of organs.

The image obtained with the help of ultrasound stably varies depending on the patient's age: over the years, the thickness of the glandular tissue layer decreases, and the density index increases, reaching maximum values by the age of 55.

The structure of the mammary glands varies significantly in adolescence, reproductive, menopause, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In fibroadenomatosis and diffuse mastopathy, the picture may be different depending on the dominance of any sign of the disease: it may be glandular hyperplasia, and cystic formations, fibrous changes, or a mixed type of pathology. Very often, cystic manifestation of FCM is combined with signs of fibrosis of glandular tissues.

The main ultrasound signs of fibrocystic mastopathy are:

• fibrous changes (fibrosis of the areas of the lacrimal canals and partitions);
• the inconsistency of the structure of the mammary glands to the patient's age period;
• damage to the nipple and surrounding area;
• thickening of the glandular tissue over 14 mm;
• dilation of the ducts of the breast;
• detection of cystic formations.

Punctuation

Puncture is usually done by aspiration using a thin needle. The cystic capsule is punctured with a needle, which simultaneously performs the aspiration of the internal contents of the cyst. The procedure is not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic.

Cystic contents obtained by puncture, usually has a yellowish-gray color, however, with the long-term existence of a cyst, the liquid may become brownish-black or greenish. Cytological examination of the content is rarely carried out due to its low information content.

Puncture for the collection of cells from the tumor-like formation of the mammary gland is quite a popular research procedure. The obtained cell samples are mandatory sent for histological and cytological examination. Sometimes, with a negative result, aspiration may prescribe a repeated biopsy of the cells.

Puncture of the mammary gland is a little painful, but extremely informative procedure, which is essential for the differential diagnosis of fibrocystic PCM.

[28]

Treatment of the fibrocystic mastopathy

The main activities in the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy should be aimed at stabilizing the normal hormonal background in the female body.

Therapeutic methods of exposure are determined by a specialist on the basis of the results of analyzes of hormones in the blood, in particular, progesterone, estradiol and prolactin. In accordance with the results prescribed drugs that can correct the disturbed balance of hormones.

Treatment of mastopathy may include puncture method of aspiration of fluid from a cyst with further introduction of special drugs into the cavity, provoking obliteration of the cyst walls (sclerotherapy). This procedure is applicable to ordinary cystic formations without the phenomenon of malignancy of the process and symptoms of an intraductal tumor.

In severe situations characterized by the appearance of multiple cystic formations, excessive tissue proliferation, as well as the suspicion of malignant cell degeneration, an operation of sectoral resection of the mammary gland with an obligatory histology of samples of the removed tissues is used.

Alternative treatment

Alternative treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy is used for unstable and mild symptoms of the disease; with nodal FCM, a small decrease in the formations is noted, however, recurrences of pathology foci are not excluded.

A burdock has established itself well - fresh, washed leaves of a plant are applied to the affected breast, preferably overnight, and left until morning. Burdock leaves have a resolving effect.

Cabbage leaves are also effective in the treatment of mastopathy. Usually, cabbage leaves are applied overnight, or a compress is applied: the mammary gland is smeared with unsalted butter, a clean tissue napkin is applied, and a mixture of ground cabbage and sour milk is applied. You can use this compress both day and night, after wrapping cellophane on your chest.

Using a mask of castor oil (100 g), honey (2 tablespoons), lemon juice (from 2 lemons) and ground burdock root (up to sour cream consistency) will help with different degrees of disease development. All components are mixed and applied to a clean linen napkin. Constant use of the mask allows you to achieve recovery a month after the start of treatment.

Also popular are herbal and medicinal plant based products.

[29]

Herbal medicine

• Altai herb Borovaya uterus is recognized as very effective in female diseases. It is used for hormonal disorders in the body, to restore the metabolism, function of the endocrine system, a positive effect on the state of the ovaries, bladder, and breast glands. The tincture of this herb is prepared as follows: 0.5 g of high-quality vodka is poured over 50 g of pine forest uterus, insisting 2 weeks in a dark place (not in the refrigerator). Take a teaspoon three times a day before meals, the duration of admission - about six months, with the interruption of treatment during menstruation.
• The grass of the red brush perfectly cleanses the genitourinary system and stabilizes the endocrine system. The infusion of this herb is used three times a day for half a teaspoon for half a glass of water, taken with meals for a month, taking a break during menstruation.
• Burdock root can be poured with three cups of boiling water (60 g leaves), insisted for 4 hours, strain and drink a glass three times a day before meals.
• Yarrow, motherwort and a succession - mix 2 tablespoons of raw materials and pour a liter of boiling water. Take 1 glass before meals. Excellent tool for diffuse mastopathy.
• Identical portions of honey, lemon juice, radish juice, carrot and beet juice are mixed with an equal share of Kagor wine, take 2 tablespoons of the mixture before eating until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear.

[30], [31]

Operation

The operative method of treatment is used for fibroadenoma or some large cystic formations.

With minor tumors and nodes, it is sometimes sufficient to use conservative therapy and periodic observation by a specialist.

The following methods of surgical treatment of the disease are commonly used:

• sectoral resection (the formation is removed simultaneously with the area of the mammary gland);
• enucleation of cystic formation (husking and removal of the cyst itself).

The use of surgical treatment should be reasoned and applied with the following indications:

• on the basis of a histological study confirming the suspicion of malignancy of tumor cells;
• with an intensive increase in education (the tumor is observed for three months);
• with repeated recurrence of nodal FCM after conservative or sclerotherapeutic treatment of the disease.

Surgical intervention is carried out using general or local anesthesia, the duration of the operation is about 40 minutes.

[32], [33], [34]

Drug treatment

Therapeutic drugs that are used in the treatment of mastopathy, first of all, should be aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease, improving the body's immunity, treating pathologies of the ovaries and thyroid gland.

• Hormonal drugs: progesterone, duphaston, utrozhestan, etc.
• Contraceptives - used to regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Estrogen inhibitors.

In case of severe pain, analgesic drugs are used, diuretics (relieve swelling of the gland before menstruation), homeopathic remedies.

From the age of 40, steroids can be prescribed methylandrostendiol, methyltestosterone, testosterone injections.

With insufficient function of the corpus luteum in the second phase of the cycle taking drugs or injections of progesterone.

Iodine preparations may be prescribed for insufficient thyroid function.

The effectiveness of the funds listed is varied. However, the benefits of treatment are felt as a result of the complex effects of drugs: analgesics, bromkriptin, vitamins, homeopathy, potassium iodide, contraceptives, phytopreparations, tamoxifen, danazol, progestin drugs, etc.

[35]

Mastodinon

The drug Mastodinon is a homeopathic remedy that is very popular among women who have problems with the menstrual cycle, breast pathology, PMS.

The drug is popular primarily for its effectiveness, as well as the natural origin of the composition of the product: the medicine is based solely on herbs.

Mastodinon eliminates various violations of the menstrual cycle, helps with fibrocystic FCM, eliminates the associated signs of PMS.

The drug helps to reduce the synthesis of prolactin posterior lobes of the pituitary gland, which allows you to influence the processes of pathological proliferation of breast tissue.

Reception Mastodinona extremely rarely accompanied by side effects due to the presence of exclusively natural components in the preparation.

In case of fibrocystic mastopathy, mastodinone use 30 drops or one tablet twice a day. Can be diluted with a small amount of liquid.

The drug should be continued for at least 90 days continuously, the visible effect is already apparent in the second month of administration.

Mastodinon can be taken for a rather long period if there are proper medical indications for this.

[36]

Homeopathy

The use of alternative methods of treatment with homeopathy has long proven itself on the good side: homeopathic remedies do not accumulate in the body, do not provoke allergic and adverse reactions, are suitable in the treatment of pregnant women and nursing mothers, the elderly and young children.

Homeopathy can cure the disease within 2-5 weeks, and relapses after taking the drugs are extremely rare.

In the inflammatory process in the tissues of the gland, preparations based on apis (apis mellifica) work well, and the belladonna will relieve swelling and burning sensation in the breasts.

Significant suppuration of the gland, accompanied by high temperature indices and dull pains is a pretext for prescribing preparations prepared from plants of bryonia and bufo. Breast disease, triggered by trauma, will help cure pulsatilla extract.

Despite the fact that homeopathic medicines have practically no contraindications and cautions in use, the use of funds should be discussed with the doctor. It will help you choose the right drug that will make the treatment of the disease even more effective.

[37]

Vitamins

Fibrocystic FCM drug therapy is often supplemented with vitamin complexes containing vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, PP and ascorbic acid, as well as vitamin E.

Vitamin E is assigned a special role in therapeutic measures in the fight against the disease. This vitamin has antioxidant properties, enhances the action of progesterone, is involved in the regulation of fat metabolism, softens the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

The properties of the antioxidant explain the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of the drug. However, its effectiveness requires taking vitamin E for at least three months.

B vitamins are also important in the treatment of mastopathy. They are responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system and normalize energy metabolism. The efficiency of the immune system, cell division and growth are provided by these vitamins. Vitamin supplements are especially necessary for people with mental and emotional stress, stress, and chronic diseases.

You can adjust the intake of vitamins in the body by taking vitamin complexes, or provide your diet with enough fruits and vegetables.

Nutrition and Diet

The principles of nutritional changes in fibrocystic mastopathy are aimed at stabilizing the hormonal background in the body.

In the diet it is recommended to introduce products containing fiber - this is all kinds of cereals, parsley, dill, various greens. The use of natural estrogens is important - these are peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, mung bean, cabbage (white cabbage, Brussels, Peking, broccoli, Savoy, cauliflower). Needless to say, the body needs vitamins, minerals contained in citrus fruits, dried fruits, other fruits and vegetables.

Iodine, which is rich in seafood, fish, is also useful for the endocrine system. The source of the necessary phospholipids will be dishes from the liver, dairy products.

It is recommended to limit the consumption of animal fats, fast carbohydrates, to monitor the calorie intake: the presence of excess weight adversely affects the health of the mammary glands and the reproductive function of women.

Diet for fibrocystic mastopathy should be balanced, rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. Great importance should be given to the drinking regime: a sufficient amount of fluid will allow stabilizing the metabolic processes in the body more quickly. One and a half liters of pure water per day is the optimal amount of fluid for the normal functioning of the body.

In addition, for the successful treatment of PCM, it is necessary to exclude products with a content of methylxanthines from the diet - black tea, coffee, cocoa, coca-cola, chocolate.

[38], [39], [40], [41], [42]

Prevention

The main method for the prevention of fibrocystic mastopathy is an independent periodic examination of the mammary glands, which allows you to timely detect the slightest changes and consult a specialist in time, preventing further development of the disease. Immediately after the end of menstruation, women should examine the mammary glands alternately in a horizontal and vertical position, palpation should be carried out from the periphery of the organs to the okolososkovoy region.

Finding incomprehensible education, consult a doctor - timely treatment is often a guarantee of complete recovery and prevent the development of unwanted complications.

An excellent prevention of mastopathy is pregnancy and natural breastfeeding. True, too long feeding of the baby is also a risk factor, so do not overdo it, feed the child no more than 1.5 years.

Avoid abortions: forced abortion significantly increases the risk of FCM.

In order to prevent hormonal imbalance, it is recommended to establish regular sex; in cases of hypothyroidism, iodized salt or special iodine preparations should be used.

And, of course, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, playing sports, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol are one of the main links of the necessary preventive measures.

[43], [44], [45]

Forecast

The prognosis of fibrocystic mastopathy can be individual. With timely access to a doctor, the situation is more favorable: sometimes there are enough changes in the diet and lifestyle, or some medical appointments to achieve full recovery of the patient.

Launched cases may be accompanied by frequent relapses of the disease, which may be due to failure to identify the cause of hormonal disorders.

Malignant degeneration of mastopathy can occur in the presence of fibroadenomas or old untreated cases of cystic FCM.

Regular visits to a specialist breast specialist, periodic breast ultrasound will save you from the unpleasant effects of breast pathology.

The favorable prognosis of any disease comes down to timely treatment to the doctor. Do not be afraid of the symptoms of the disease and its treatment, be afraid of the consequences. Fibrocystic mastopathy can pass without a trace, for this you need only a little of your attention to your own health.

[46], [47]