Nodal mastopathy

What is nodal mastopathy? This is a benign breast pathology, more often associated with hormonal imbalance in the body of a woman.

The disease is manifested in the appearance of a site with increased density in the breast, accompanied by painful sensations, changes in the breast before the onset of critical days, with the detection of discharge from the milk ducts.

[1], [2]

Causes of the nodal mastopathy

Among the causes of nodular mastopathy, the following are often identified:

• pathology of the reproductive system and inferior sexual life;
• stable psycho-emotional and stressful conditions;
• hormonal failures in the body;
• metabolic disorders;
• pathology of the sexual and endocrine system;
• congenital and hereditary predisposition;
• ecological problems;
• uncontrolled intake of hormones and contraceptive drugs;
• negative habits, improper eating behavior and lifestyle.

Any of the listed reasons directly or indirectly affects the normal hormonal balance of a woman. Nodal mastopathy is a disease provoked by an increased amount of estrogens, enhanced prolactin synthesis, a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

An important role in the development of mastopathy is the artificial termination of pregnancy: in this state there is a sharp surge and the same sudden decline in hormonal activity, which can not but affect the condition of the female body.

The disease is characteristic mainly for women 30-50 years, which is explained by the peculiarities of the female body in this period.

[3], [4]

Symptoms of the nodal mastopathy

Diseases of the breast are very common in women. This is a group of pathological conditions that develop regardless of the presence of pregnancy, accompanied by violations of the structural histology of the mammary glands.

Nodular mastopathy is characterized by a disorder in the normal balance of the epithelial and connective tissue, as well as with diverse changes in glandular tissues. The disease is formed due to the increased amount of estrogen hormones in the body. By the way, women who have many children, often give birth and breast-feeding, are much less likely to have a nodular form of mastopathy.

Nodular mastopathy is most often manifested by the formation of nodular and cystic lesions in the breast, accompanied by excessive proliferation of connective tissue. This form of the disease occurs, as a rule, along with the already available fibrotic mastopathy. Foci of compaction can be observed from one or both sides of the mammary glands: they have a clear localization, they are easily captured with fingers. In the premenstrual period, there may be a transient increase and swelling of the nodules that diminish or disappear with the arrival of critical days.

In case of nodular mastopathy, women notice pain in the mammary glands, swelling of them before menstruation, appearance of discharge from the milk ducts, deterioration of the condition during menstruation. Pain and discomfort in the glands can be different: from minor to intense, they intensify before critical days, and after a few days weaken. The pain can radiate into the shoulder joints, shoulder blades.

With PMS in the mammary glands there is a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, internal pressure, the breast significantly increases in volume. Appearance of the discharge from the milk canals may differ yellowish or greenish tinge.

Disorders of the menstrual cycle with mastopathy are usually not observed, although in some cases it is possible to develop polymenorei, the absence of ovulation, lengthening of the cycle due to the luteal phase.

Also, patients complain about the presence in the breast gland of a dense formation that has diffuse or focal localization. Along with densification, nearby lymph nodes, subclavian and axillary, can increase.

Simultaneously with diffuse changes, single or multiple nodular foci that have an irregular shape and distinct boundaries, densely-elastic at palpation, can be probed. In the prone position the nodules can hide, in the vertical position they return to their original position again.

Forms

[5]

Fibro-nodal mastopathy

In fibro-nodular mastopathy, there is a benign fibrous growth of the breast tissue, accompanied by the growth of dense nodal formations. Hormone-dependent disease - is associated with a hormonal disorder in the female body.

The disease occurs with a change in the histological structure of the mammary glands and a simultaneous pain syndrome. The glands do not lose symmetry, and the aching pain is both permanent and episodic (more often before the onset of menstruation).

The discharge from the milk ducts can vary in intensity and color - from transparent to yellowish-green. The process can affect one or both mammary glands at the same time.

This disease should be carefully diagnosed, as the symptomatology of fibro-nodal mastopathy is largely similar to the clinical picture of the malignant process in the mammary glands. Surveys are conducted not earlier than 7 days after the onset of menstruation, when the cyclic enlargement of the mammary glands decreases.

[6], [7], [8]

Diffusive-nodular mastopathy

With the development of diffuse-nodular mastopathy in the mammary glands, cystic formations with liquid contents are formed. Cystic capsules can be of different size and shape, from a few millimeters to ten centimeters in diameter. Cysts have limited contours, more often round or oblong form. The pain in the area of the nodules can be given in the arm, the shoulder joint, the axillary region or the scapula.

At the beginning of the disease, mastopathy may mildly manifest itself, and only an independent examination of the mammary glands - intentional or accidental - can determine the presence of a suspicious pathology. In a healthy state, the mammary glands should not deliver painful sensations and sharply increase in size, especially on the one hand and asymmetrically. Breast puffiness, changes in the skin, a feeling of discomfort, tingling, twitching in the glands, the appearance of fluid from the nipples - any of these symptoms should alert the woman and convince her to visit a mammalogist or gynecologist.

[9], [10], [11], [12]

Cystic-nodular mastopathy

The main manifestations of cystic-nodular mastopathy are nodal formations with distinct boundaries, having different sizes. Sometimes for the differentiation of this kind of mastopathy and cancer, a number of additional studies are carried out, up to the time of the diagnostic operation.

The consolidation of the breast or its separate area can gradually increase, capturing adjacent tissues: such symptoms are especially noticeable on the background of the onset of menstruation.

Cystic-nodal mastopathy often occurs at a young age at the final stage of puberty, as well as in pregnant women in the first trimester.

The enlargement of the mammary glands can occur due to the formation of cystic formations, supplemented by congestion of venous blood and swelling of connective tissues. The condition is accompanied by increased sensitivity of the breast and its soreness, as well as psychological discomfort - excessive irritability, nervous breakdowns, insomnia.

Allocations from the milk canals outwardly resemble colostrum. The appearance of brownish and bloody discharge serves as an occasion for immediate contact with a doctor.

[13], [14], [15]

Diagnostics of the nodal mastopathy

To date, there are many different methods of diagnosis, which allow to differentiate nodular mastopathy from other no less serious diseases of the mammary glands. Consider the main ones:

• the method of mammography is the most popular and informative X-ray study, it provides diagnostics of diseases even at an early stage, provides complete information on the state of the mammary glands, their structure. You can view the entire gland as well as its individual areas. Examination is recommended every 1-2 years;
• the method of ultrasound diagnosis - thoroughly recognizes cystic tumors, while allowing you to assess changes in surrounding tissues. This method is somewhat inferior to mammography in informativity;
• method pneumokistografii - helps in the diagnosis of large cystic capsules;
• method of aspiration biopsy - histological examination of glandular tissues;
• methods of computer and magnetic resonance imaging - layered examination of the gland tissues, is used relatively rarely.

[16], [17], [18]

Treatment of the nodal mastopathy

Treatment is usually determined on an individual basis for each case, given the form, neglect of the process, the presence of additional pathological factors affecting the hormonal picture and the functionality of the reproductive system.

Conservative therapy of the nodal form of mastopathy is aimed at stabilizing the disturbed hormonal background, as well as concomitant urinary and metabolic pathologies. The main treatment is usually aimed at the removal of cystic nodes and formations by surgery.

Puncture of the cystic capsule can be performed, with suction of the internal fluid and subsequent sclerotherapy of the walls of the formation. With the repeated occurrence of nodal mastopathy, I sometimes use the method of enucleation - cyst outgrowth with preservation of surrounding tissues.

In severe cases, the operative method of sectoral resection is used, which is the removal of the nodular formation at the same time as part of the breast tissue. In particular, multiple cysts and nodes that are not amenable to qualitative exudation can be removed by sectoral, radical resection, and possibly using partial or complete mastectomy.

Operation with nodal mastopathy

Operative therapeutic decisions in nodal mastopathy provide for excision or ulceration of nodular formations in the case when there is no positive dynamics in the process of conservative treatment. Surgical interventions are used only if there are enough indications for the operation: for example, when there is a suspicion of malignancy of the process, a sharp increase in the tumor, the rapid appearance of diffuse forms of nodes and cystic formations. Increasing sizes of the nodes more than twice over three months are sufficient indication for the operation.

Operative therapeutic methods for nodular mastopathy are performed with the help of local or general anesthesia and last 40-50 minutes depending on the complexity of the operation.

Unfortunately, about 10% of diagnosed forms of nodal mastopathy can degenerate into a malignant variant of the course of the disease. Therefore, sometimes, with the slightest suspicion of rebirth, doctors can insist on surgery so as not to miss the opportunity to save the breast by removing the pathological nodes directly.

In order to avoid serious complications, women who suffer from nodal mastopathy are recommended to undergo one or two examinations every year from a specialist mammologist.

Removal of nodal mastopathy

Focal removal of nodular mastopathy is called a sectoral resection - it is an operation on the breast, during which some of its sector is removed along with the tumor.

The method of sectoral resection usually involves the removal of a specific tissue zone, which may result from hyperplasia or malignancy of tumor cells.

The type of anesthesia used can depend on the form and severity of the pathological process. Local anesthesia is mandatory, with the use of novocaine or lidocaine. General anesthesia is used in cases where the cystic node is not palpable, or resection of the nodes is more extensive.

After carrying out of operative procedures the necessity of stay in a hospital is determined by the doctor on the basis of the patient's well-being: usually one day is enough, followed by an extract. After the operation, analgesic, antibacterial drugs can be prescribed; In a week, with a normal healing process, you can remove postoperative sutures.

Treatment of nodal mastitis by alternative means

Alternative therapies can be effective at the initial stages of the disease. Running forms are recommended to be treated in a traditional way to prevent the development of malignant degeneration of the process.

Consider the most common methods of treatment:

• red brush - a well-known female herb, applied in the form of alcohol drops or herbal infusion; is effective in many women's diseases, including mastopathy;
• Burdock root is a good antitumor agent, its extract can be bought at a pharmacy, or you can prepare it yourself; on a tablespoon of burdock roots use a glass of boiling water, insist for half an hour and take one tablespoon up to five times a day;
• grass motherwort, yarrow and string - on a tablespoon of raw materials mixed, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water; take a glass three times a day before meals;
• mint, valerian, chamomile - mix in equal parts; brew a tablespoon of the collection of a glass of boiling water, take 100 ml three times a day before meals;
• leaves of burdock or white cabbage - apply fresh leaves to the affected places on the chest, you can at night;
• beet and honey - mix grated raw beets and honey in a ratio of 2/1, the resulting mask is applied to the breast for 20-30 minutes.

Alternative treatment will certainly help in the initial stages of nodal mastopathy. However, in more advanced forms, and also in the absence of results from treatment by alternative means, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Prevention

Preventive measures against nodal mastopathy begin with periodic medical and self-examination: 1-2 times every year, all women are recommended to have a mammogram followed by a specialist's consultation.

A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, regular hygiene procedures are important factors among methods of preventing mastopathy.

It is also important to avoid possible traumatization of the mammary glands, since mechanically damaged tissues can be susceptible to diffuse growth, as well as changes in the cellular structure.

Proper nutrition of a woman is a food rich in vitamins, microelements, in particular, iodine. It should also significantly reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages, quit smoking. In addition to nutrition, it is necessary to monitor the quality and quantity of sleep, to struggle with insomnia, to protect your nervous system, to avoid stressful situations.

A very important role can be played by properly selected underwear, which protects and does not injure the mammary glands.

If you have any signs of breast disease, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Forecast

Nodal mastopathy has a good tendency to be cured, the main factor for a successful prognosis is a timely call to a doctor, setting the right diagnosis and prescribing an adequate literate treatment.

If during the treatment of the disease there was no stabilization of the level of hormones in the blood, then nodal mastopathy can cause relapses. Also, in some cases of tissue degeneration, gradual malignancy of the process may occur, which contributes to the formation of oncological pathology of the mammary glands.

Careful implementation of preventive measures after the treatment of mastopathy will help make the prognosis favorable and rule out the repetition of the disease in the future.

Nodular mastopathy is a hormone-dependent disease that a doctor should treat. Alternative drugs can help alleviate the condition, but are unlikely to affect the hormonal balance in the body. Do not be afraid to go to the doctor and take care of your health.

[19], [20]