Fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands

Fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is a pathological condition in which there is an unnatural proliferation of connective tissue of the glands with a dominant fibrous structure. Diseases of the mammary gland should be taken very seriously, since any process of this localization can serve as an impetus for the development of more dangerous pathologies for health and life, in particular, the appearance of malignant tumors. In order to prevent the occurrence of the disease and, especially, complications, it is necessary to know as much information as possible about mastopathy.

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Causes fibrous mastopathy of the breast

The main causes of fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands are a failure in the production of hormones, a lack of progesterone and increased production of estrogens in the female body.

Hormonal balance is an important component of a woman's physical and reproductive health. Its disorders can occur due to many factors:

• artificial termination of pregnancy (when the hormonal restructuring of the pregnant woman's body has already begun, the glandular tissues of the mammary glands are in the stage of preparation for an important mission - feeding the child; forced suppression of such a process most likely leads to the development of mastopathy;
• pathology of the reproductive system (inflammatory processes in the genital area, especially chronic and infectious etiology);
• prolonged absence of sexual intercourse;
• menstrual dysfunction (with a normal cycle, there is usually a decrease or increase in the level of certain hormones depending on the phase; menstrual dysfunction is usually associated with a discrepancy between the amount of hormones and the given period of the cycle);
• any endocrine pathology (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, obesity) can affect hormone-sensitive organs such as the mammary glands;
• the natural purpose of a woman - giving birth to children - has a positive effect on the natural hormonal background; a long absence of pregnancies, sexual activity, and forced cessation of breastfeeding have an adverse effect on the condition of the mammary glands;
• Frequently recurring stressful situations also lead to hormonal imbalance and can provoke the development of mastopathy;
• bad habits (cigarettes, alcohol) do not contribute to normal hormonal function;
• abuse of solariums and tanning, especially topless sunbathing;
• hereditary factor.

Symptoms fibrous mastopathy of the breast

Fibrous mastopathy is a pathological condition that sooner or later occurs in almost every second woman. The initial signs of the disease are not particularly pronounced and are often ignored by patients. Such manifestations may include:

• breast pain during the luteal phase and during menstruation;
• engorged breasts, noticeable increase in volume;
• a feeling of discomfort and pressure in the mammary glands.

A pronounced premenstrual syndrome should also alert a woman, as it may signal the presence of certain hormonal problems.

As the process progresses, more pronounced symptoms of fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands appear:

• significant, persistent pain in the breasts, or one of them, and the pain no longer depends on the period of the menstrual cycle;
• painful lumps appear in the chest, the discomfort intensifies when palpating the glands;
• serous discharge from the nipple may be observed.

If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately see a gynecologist or mammologist.

Forms

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands is characterized by excessive proliferation of lobular tissue and the formation of seals that have clear boundaries within the glandular lobule. This form of breast disease is most common in middle-aged women and can manifest itself in one or two glands at a time.

Due to hormonal disorder, the periodicity of changes in the physiology of gland tissues is also disrupted, which favors the development of the fibrocystic form of the disease. The disease can occur against the background of disorders of ovulation, menstruation and reproductive function.

The fibrocystic nature of the pathology is manifested by the formation of tumor-like formations of various diameters from 0.2 to several centimeters in the glandular organ, located locally or remotely from each other. These formations are not fused with the surrounding tissues and have some mobility upon palpation. No enlargement of the peripheral lymph nodes is observed.

Cystic formations usually do not disappear with the end of menstruation, but over time they increase in size and cause more and more discomfort. These manifestations must be differentiated from oncological diseases.

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Diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is determined by fibrosis of the epithelial tissues of the organ and the formation of single or multiple intracanal cystic tumors, more often in old age. Sometimes one can observe various manifestations of proliferation and dysplasia of the lobular structure of the mammary glands, the phenomena of connective tissue fibrosis (the formation of seals with the development of cicatricial changes in tissues).

The diffuse form of the disease is characterized by severe pain when palpating the glands. By palpation, one can determine signs of diffuse tissue compaction, the presence of small cystic formations of a round or oblong shape, elastic consistency. Such cysts can practically disappear at the end of menstruation, reappearing at the beginning of the cycle. There is constant discomfort, independent of the periodicity of the cycle, as well as symptoms such as a feeling of fullness of the mammary glands, the presence of uniform tissue compaction, and homogeneous oblong formations are felt upon palpation.

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Diagnostics fibrous mastopathy of the breast

Diagnosis of fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands begins with a visual examination, palpation examination. If necessary, mammography, ultrasound, puncture biopsy of fibromatous nodes, cytology of the taken material are prescribed.

It is more appropriate to conduct a visual examination in the first phase of the cycle after the cessation of menstrual flow, since the second phase, aggravated by premenstrual syndrome, can provoke erroneous symptoms.

External examination includes assessment of the symmetry of the organ contour, uniformity of the skin. Visual examination is carried out from different angles in the patient's lying and standing position. Attention should be paid to the condition of the peripheral lymph nodes.

The ultrasound examination method is quite informative regarding the tissue structure of the mammary glands, which allows one to determine the nature of the formations, their size and location, and also provides the opportunity for simultaneous examination of nearby lymph nodes.

The mammographic method is the production of an X-ray image of the mammary gland taken from different angles.

The method is quite effective, but has a number of contraindications for use: pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the young age of the patient. Mammography is not recommended more often than once every two years.

The diagnosis of fibrous mastopathy should be made only on the basis of a comprehensive examination of the patient.

Treatment fibrous mastopathy of the breast

Treatment of fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is usually carried out on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a physician; therapeutic methods are prescribed taking into account the patient’s age, her hormonal state and the degree of development of the disease.

Taking hormonal drugs is possible to stabilize the level of hormones in the body. Such drugs are prescribed after passing the necessary tests for the content of progesterone, estradiol, prolactin in the blood in a specific period of the menstrual cycle:

• Progestogel gel liniment contains progesterone and is applied locally (to the skin of the mammary glands);
• Livial is a hormone replacement therapy used at the onset of menopause;
• Utrozhestan, Duphaston - natural and synthetic analogues of progesterone;
• Tamoxifen is a strong anti-estrogen, used in the treatment of cystic, fibrous and other formations, including in oncology.

General strengthening therapy is aimed at increasing the body's immune defense. For these purposes, taking complex preparations containing vitamins and microelements is indicated.

If there is a psychological factor in the development of mastopathy, they resort to prescribing sedatives and tonics (preparations of motherwort, valerian, hops).

Uncomplicated forms of the disease are treated quite effectively by prescribing herbal preparations (phytolone, clamin, mastodinone).

In cases where conservative treatment does not produce positive results, removal of fibrous nodes is performed surgically.

Traditional medicine is a good support in the treatment of fibrous mastopathy:

• applying fresh cabbage leaves or burdock leaves (shiny side inward) to the affected breast is effective, as it promotes the resorption of the formations;
• lubrication of the mammary glands with burdock oil (mix 1 part ground burdock root with 3 parts olive oil, leave in a warm place for 10 days, then strain and store in the refrigerator);
• Hemlock tea - drink constantly until symptoms disappear;
• infusion of equal parts peppermint, dill seeds, chamomile flowers and valerian root per glass of boiling water, take half a glass three times a day.

Treatment of mastopathy also involves the prescription of a specific diet with restrictions on coffee drinks, chocolate and hot spices; drinking large amounts of liquid in the form of herbal teas and still mineral water is encouraged.

Prevention

Prevention of fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is the best way to avoid this unpleasant disease. It includes maintaining a healthy, fulfilling sex life, maintaining psychological balance, and timely treatment of pathological processes in the reproductive system.

A woman must take a responsible approach to the possible consequences of a forced termination of pregnancy, and also avoid any factors that provoke changes in the hormonal background in the body.

A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and abstinence from alcohol and smoking significantly strengthen the immune system and help the immune system resist the onset of a pathological process.

Periodic self-examination of the mammary glands, conducted approximately from the sixth to the twelfth day of the cycle, allows for timely detection of pathology and timely initiation of treatment. During the examination, special attention should be paid to the symmetry of the glands, changes in the shape of the breast, the color of the skin, and the presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit area. If suspicious seals or secretory discharge from the nipples are detected, it is necessary to undergo additional examination by a qualified gynecologist or mammologist.

Forecast

The prognosis for fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands, provided that treatment is carried out in a timely manner, is generally favorable, although repeated relapses of the disease are not excluded, including after surgical removal of cystic formations. The presence of mastopathy in the anamnesis requires periodic examination by a mammologist in the future to avoid recurrence of the pathology.

The manifestations of the disease do not pose a danger to the patient's life, however, untreated, long-term mastopathy poses a risk of the pathological focus degenerating into a malignant tumor, which is why timely adequate treatment is an extremely important link in a successful prognosis.

It should also be noted that the treatment of fibrous mastopathy in the early stages of development is much easier and more effective than the same treatment of an advanced form of the disease.

The mammary gland is a very delicate and vulnerable organ that requires careful and attentive treatment. Careful prevention and compliance with medical recommendations, regular self-examinations and medical consultations will protect women from such an unpleasant pathology as fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands.