Local fibrosis of mammary glands

Functions and health of the female breast are directly related to the state of the hormonal balance in the body. For example, changes in the amount of hormones that occur during puberty, the period of gestation and breastfeeding, with menopause, can provoke all kinds of processes in the structure of the mammary glands. Local fibrosis of the mammary glands is one of such probable processes. It represents the development of cystic or fibrous formations, which is considered very common and common among middle-aged women.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of the local fibrosis of mammary glands

The main factor in the formation of fibrosis is an increased level of sex hormones in the body of a woman. A huge role in the appearance of the disease is played by the following reasons:

• numerous stressful situations;
• negative emotions;
• exposure to radiation and toxic substances;
• prolonged fatigue and overwork;
• Thyroid gland diseases;
• periodic inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system.

The risk of developing fibrosis appears in women who have a history of such factors:

• long-term use of hormonal contraceptives;
• premature puberty ;
• later onset of menopause (after 50 years of age);
• the onset of the first pregnancy after 35 years, or premature delivery;
• frequent abortions (more than 2 cases);
• absence of lactation period, insufficient period of breastfeeding, or, conversely, excessively prolonged breastfeeding;
• the failure of metabolic processes in the body, the presence of serious chronic pathologies, excess excess weight;
• long-term treatment with hormonal drugs.

Pathogenesis

The main role in the appearance of fibrosis is given to the restructuring of hormones in the female body. It has been shown that the formation of the breast, periodic cyclic transformations in it, structural changes during childbearing and breastfeeding occur under the influence of a number of hormones - gonadotropins, prolactin, hypothalamic hormones, hCG, TTG, androgens, corticosteroids, insulin, progesterone and estradiol. Any hormonal balance disorder occurs with any changes in the breast tissue.

In the mechanism of the development of fibrosis, great importance is relative or absolute hyperestrogenism (an increase in the number of estrogens) and a deficiency of progesterone. Estrogens provoke the growth of alveolar epithelial tissue and stroma, and the action of progesterone is manifested in counteracting these processes, in reducing the activity of estrogen receptors and reducing the number of active estrogens. Hormonal incompatibility in the tissues of the breast (a deficiency of progesterone) occurs with the appearance of swelling and an increase in the volume of ductal epithelial tissue, which can result in the formation of cystic formations.

The development of fibrosis can be accompanied by an increased level of prolactin in the bloodstream, which is manifested by an increase in the fullness of the breasts, edema, which is most noticeable in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

[4], [5], [6], [7],

Symptoms of the local fibrosis of mammary glands

Local breast fibrosis is most often determined in women of the age group from 30 to 50 years. In the tissues of one or both breasts, single or multiple nodular formations arise. These nodes have clear boundaries, they are not soldered to nearby tissues, can easily be seen in the standing of a woman, and disappear from sight when the woman lies. The following clinical signs can be observed:

• the first signs are an increase and swelling in the mammary gland;
• the appearance of discharge from the nipple;
• the emergence of small separate or numerous formations, which can be palpated independently.

Most nodular lesions of fibrous tissue are found in women who have reached pre-menopausal age. The appearance of pain in fibrotic lesions is not typical.

On the roentgenogram, this formation has the appearance of a node with irregular contours, with an inhomogeneous structure, with a low density. The growth of the local fibrous node is rather slow.

Forms

ICD Code 10

• diseases of the breast N 60-N 64 (except those associated with the birth of a child)
• a benign course of mammary gland dysplasia N 60 (including fibrocystic mastopathy)
• diffuse cystic form of mastopathy N 60.1
• fibroadenosis of breast N 60.2 (except for fibroadenoma)
• fibrosclerosis of breast N 60.3
• other mammary dysplasia with benign course, also unspecified N60.8

Complications and consequences

The launched form of fibrosis in the future can result in the development of dangerous pathologies in the female body, and, in particular, the emergence of infertility.

Complications are also associated with an increased risk of a malignant disease - a breast cancer, because most experts believe that fibrosis is one of the likely precancerous conditions. Of course, such consequences and transformation of the disease into breast cancer do not occur in all patients, but the risk of their occurrence increases about 4-5 times.

Particular danger is represented by single sites, compacted and inactive at palpation - soldering with the nearest tissues can mean malignant degeneration of initially benign formations.

In addition, hormonal failure in fibrotic lesions creates favorable conditions for the development of cancer in the cervix and appendages, so when symptoms of the disease should immediately seek medical help and undergo all necessary diagnostic procedures.

[8], [9], [10], [11],

Diagnostics of the local fibrosis of mammary glands

An important stage of diagnosis is an independent examination of the mammary glands, which has its own rules and sequence of actions:

• Inspection is carried out regularly on the same day of the cycle (preferably in phase I);
• The breast should be examined while standing directly in front of the mirror, while the hands are lowered;
• Next, they examine the chest, with their hands behind their head, or in the lying position;
• feel the area of the nipples, immediately glands, up to the zone of the armpits;
• check if there is any discharge from the nipples.

If during the self-examination the woman discovers compacted areas, pigmentation, redness, painful areas or the presence of discharge, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist or mammologist without delay.

Instrumental diagnostics of local breast fibrosis is improved every year. Such surveys become more and more informative and accurate, and the corresponding medical equipment - all of a quality. Currently, the diagnosis of local fibrotic lesions can be established and confirmed for several hours.

• The method of mammography is an x-ray diagnostic method that provides the most extensive information, helping to identify and detect even very small, nondescript nodules. Nevertheless, this method is not without its minuses: because of radiation exposure to the body, mammography is not used during pregnancy, and also for patients under 35 years of age. To date, the digital mammogram is very popular, when the resulting picture is translated first to the film, and then to the monitor, which makes the image easier to recognize and process.
• The ultrasound method of investigation is no less popular diagnostic procedure, which is constantly being improved. The use of ultrasound in conjunction with Doppler sonography helps to detect not only compaction in the structure of the gland, but also to examine the vasculature, to determine the degree of thickness of the cystic walls, to analyze the condition of the lymph nodes. This method of investigation is considered the safest. It is allowed for repeated use in all periods of a woman's life, both during pregnancy and lactation, and at a young age.
• CT and MRI of the breast with local fibrosis are used very rarely, and only in cases of obtaining a small amount of information when applying the above methods.

In addition to instrumental methods, the following tests are also performed:

• blood chemistry;
• calculation of prothrombin index;
• a blood test for the content of hormones;
• blood test for oncomarkers;
• analysis on fibrous markers.

[12]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis can be carried out with suspicion of malignant formation - in this case, a biopsy of the compaction is carried out with further histological examination of the material.

Treatment of the local fibrosis of mammary glands

Treatment consists in correction of sexual sphere problems, hormonal imbalance and other accompanying pathologies.

Nutrition with local fibrosis.

Important in the treatment of fibrotic lesions of the breast have the principles of nutrition of women. The fact is that food has a significant effect on hormone metabolism. Dietary nutrition in fibrosis pursues the following goal - to limit the intake of animal fats and meat products, since such food causes an increase in the amount of estrogens in the body.

It is noticed that the use of coffee in large quantities, as well as cocoa, strong black tea promotes the growth of connective tissue in the glands, as well as the filling of cystic elements with liquid contents. It is also recommended to abandon spirits, spicy spices, fried foods and soda water. The menu includes a large number of plant products and provide sufficient drinking regime.

Drug therapy.

In the early stages of the disease, in addition to changes in nutrition, non-hormonal agents are prescribed. Applied homeopathy and traditional preparations on a plant basis. As a rule, such medications give a quick and positive result: the patient's condition is relieved, the gland becomes softer, the seals dissolve. Drugs can be prescribed alone or in combination with each other (this is decided by the doctor):

• Mastodinone is a popular homeopathic drug;
• Mastophyte - a natural complex from the company Evalar;
• Mastopol - a safe homeopathic remedy;
• Mamoklam is a herbal preparation based on kelp;
• Cyclodinone - a tool that normalizes the ratio of gonadotropic hormones;
• Clamen - a bioadditive based on brown algae, replenishes iodine deficiency in the body;
• Phytolone is a biological product from seaweed, used to prevent malignant pathologies.

Often, a doctor can recommend multivitamin preparations containing vitamin A, E, iodine, zinc and selenium.

Symptomatic treatment is also prescribed, most often sedatives based on motherwort, valerian, etc.

[13], [14],

Hormonal therapy.

In most cases, it is possible to stabilize the breast with progestagenic contraceptive drugs - they are taken in tablets during the monthly cycle. However, there are other medications that can cause artificial menopause (Dipherylline, Zoladex) and normalize the "jumps" in the amount of estrogens at different phases of the cycle.

With a diagnosed deficiency of prolactin, a course of treatment with drugs such as Dostinex or Parlodel is prescribed.

In addition to these medicines, a positive result in treatment is expected from the use of progestogen. The most famous of them are Dufaston and Utrozhestan - representatives of progesterone, which are prescribed by the course for 3 to 6 months.

Another type of hormonal therapy can be attributed to the introduction of testosterone, or oral use of steroid drugs - they inhibit the production of estrogens by the body, but are not indicated for use before the age of 40 years.

Operative treatment.

Surgery is indicated when large areas of seals appear, or if malignancy (malignancy) of the fibrous process is probable. Usually resort to such options for surgical treatment:

• sectoral resection (surgery to remove a suspicious formation with elements of healthy breast tissue);
• enucleation (an operation to remove the neoplasm and separate it from the remaining nearby tissues).

The duration of the operation is usually from 40 minutes to 1 hour, under general or local anesthesia (depending on the situation).

All the seized biological material is sent for histology to be diagnosed.

Local treatment.

To increase the effectiveness of the main treatment, external agents can also be used. Such products include oil-like and cream-like medicines, for example, Mastophyte, Progestogel, Mastocrel, gum preparations, etc. However, such treatment can only play a role as an additional remedy for the disease and can be combined with any therapeutic regimen.

Alternative treatment

Herbal treatment should not be used in lieu of standard medical therapy, but only against the background of it, after consultation with the treating doctor. The most common is the appointment of herbal mixtures, in which there is St. John's wort, a burdock, a rhizome of valerian, calendula, nettle, etc.

During the treatment it is not recommended to use the bath and other hot procedures, as well as to sunbathe.

• The use of such a famous "female" plant, like the Red Brush, helps stabilize the balance of hormones, but medicines based on this plant should not be used in conjunction with drug hormone treatment. For consumption, prepare tincture, which includes 50 g of vegetable raw materials and 500 ml of quality vodka. The medicine is insisted for one month in a dark place, filtered and taken for 1 tsp. Morning, afternoon and evening half an hour before meals. The course of admission is a one-month cycle, after which they take a break and resume reception through the cycle.
• A cabbage leaf is a simple and effective tool that is almost always at hand. Cabbage successfully eliminates discomfort, resolves seals, prevents the development of an inflammatory reaction. As a remedy, a freshly discarded sheet of freshly cut ham is placed on the affected iron underneath the undergarment. The procedure is recommended to be carried out overnight for 2 weeks. Also cabbage can be used in a crushed form under a compress, which is held on the gland region for about 2 hours. Duration of treatment - 7-10 procedures.
• Boligolov medicinal is used in the form of tincture, which is prepared in this way: vegetable raw material is filled with 1/3 glass jar, the rest of the space is filled with vodka. In the same jar it is recommended to add seeds of a hemlock 1/5 from a capacity of a can. The medication is insisted for 14 days in the dark. Scheme of admission: 15 drops per day for six months, keeping track of their condition. This plant is considered poisonous, so take it carefully, in no case exceeding the dosage.
• Herbal teas based on medicinal fees can be drunk throughout the day in three divided doses. Collection can be prepared from plants such as nettles, sage, plantain, wormwood, spores. To prepare the infusion, take 1 tablespoon of herbal mixture and pour 250 ml of boiling water, insist for an hour.
• With fibrotic growth, it is useful to take preparations from propolis. The easiest way is to buy a special tincture of propolis in the pharmacy and drink it for 1 tsp. 2 times a day before meals. At the same time, it is recommended to lubricate the skin of the breast with any cream containing propolis.

[15], [16], [17], [18]

Prevention

Preventing the disease is the best way to keep your breasts healthy and attractive. Specialists developed a special set of measures aimed at reducing the existing danger of developing serious pathologies of the mammary glands.

We list the main measures of prevention.

• Try to avoid stressful and stressful situations. If you think that this is not possible, then ask the doctor to prescribe you sedatives to stabilize the psycho-emotional state, normalize the heart activity and blood pressure. To prevent disruptions, it is recommended to take preparations based on valerian root, drink soothing preparations, do not overwork, listen to your favorite light music, etc.
• As it is banal, but it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, giving up negative habits of habits - nicotine addiction, alcohol intake, etc. Determine for yourself the rational regime of the day, in which it is necessary to designate time for work, for sleep, for useful pastime , for rest and food. Chaotic daily routine can lead to hormonal disorders and weakening of the body's defenses, which exacerbates the negative impact of external factors.
• Watch for metabolic processes in the body - timely treat diseases (especially the sexual sphere), do not allow the appearance of extra pounds (obesity and excessive growth of fatty tissue contributes to the development of local fibrosis). Experts have noticed that eating meat and fatty foods provokes a decrease in the level of androgens and an increase in the level of estrogens in the body. And this is not all - everyone knows that fatty and fried foods are potential carcinogens that can push benign processes towards malignancy. For this reason, nutrition should be given maximum attention, namely: to consume enough plant food, reduce the intake of animal fats, avoid pickles, smoked products, preservatives, fried foods and foods containing artificial additives.
• Regularly conduct a general examination of the breast in front of the mirror. If such self-examination is done correctly and constantly, you can notice the appearance of dangerous diseases already at the earliest stage of their development, which will allow you to consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin treatment.

Among the rules and conditions of secondary prevention are the following:

• elimination of abortions;
• the presence of healthy pregnancies;
• full lactation period;
• regular sex life;
• active lifestyle;
• prevention of chest injuries.

The listed preventive rules are under the power of every woman, so doctors strongly recommend to listen to them and gradually introduce them into their lives.

[19], [20], [21]

Forecast

The launched form of fibrous lesion can subsequently cause dangerous diseases. It is important to know that it is not possible to fully cure fibrosis, but with a competent approach and carrying out a qualified treatment a woman can forget about the disease and lead an absolutely full life. A full course of treatment will help to correct the hormonal balance and strengthen the immune defense. In the future, the doctor will advise you to avoid injuries, stressful situations and to pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle.

Since local fibrosis of the mammary glands is considered a chronic pathology, the patient will be advised to visit the medical specialist on a regular basis, carefully perform its appointments, take tests and do not resort to self-treatment.

[22], [23], [24], [25]