Nodular mastopathy

What is nodular mastopathy? It is a benign pathology of the mammary gland, often associated with hormonal imbalance in the woman's body.

The disease is expressed in the appearance of an area with increased density in the mammary gland, accompanied by painful sensations, changes in the chest before the onset of critical days, with the detection of discharge from the milk ducts.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Causes nodular mastopathy

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

• pathologies of the reproductive system and inadequate sexual life;
• stable psycho-emotional and stressful states;
• hormonal imbalances in the body;
• metabolic disorders;
• pathologies of the reproductive and endocrine systems;
• congenital and hereditary predisposition;
• environmental issues;
• uncontrolled use of hormones and contraceptive drugs;
• negative habits, unhealthy eating behavior and lifestyle.

Any of the listed reasons directly or indirectly affects the normal hormonal balance of a woman. Nodular mastopathy is a disease caused by an increased amount of estrogens, increased synthesis of prolactin, and a lack of thyroid hormones.

Artificial termination of pregnancy plays a major role in the development of mastopathy: in this condition, there is a sharp surge and an equally sudden decline in hormonal activity, which cannot but affect the condition of the female body.

The disease is typical mainly for women aged 30-50 years, which is explained by the characteristics of the female body during this period.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Symptoms nodular mastopathy

Breast diseases are a very common occurrence in women. This is a group of pathological conditions that develop regardless of pregnancy, accompanied by structural histology disorders of the mammary glands.

Nodular mastopathy is characterized by a disorder of the normal balance of epithelial and connective tissue, as well as various changes in glandular tissue. The disease is formed due to an increased amount of estrogenic hormones in the body. By the way, women who have many children, often give birth and breastfeed, are much less likely to suffer from the nodular form of mastopathy.

Nodular mastopathy most often manifests itself in the formation of nodular and cystic formations in the mammary gland, accompanied by excessive proliferation of connective tissue. This form of the disease usually occurs along with existing fibrous mastopathy. The foci of compaction can be observed on one or both sides of the mammary glands: they have a clear localization, they are easy to grasp with fingers. In the premenstrual period, there may be a transient increase and swelling of the nodules, decreasing or disappearing with the onset of critical days.

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

During PMS, a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, internal pressure appears in the mammary glands, the breasts increase significantly in volume. The discharge that appears from the milk ducts may have a yellowish or greenish tint.

Menstrual cycle disorders are usually not observed with mastopathy, although in some cases the development of polymenorrhea, absence of ovulation, and prolongation of the cycle due to the luteal phase are possible.

Patients also complain of a dense formation in the mammary gland, which has a diffuse or focal localization. Along with the compaction, nearby lymph nodes - subclavian and axillary - may increase in size.

Simultaneously with diffuse changes, single or multiple nodular foci can be palpated, having an irregular shape and clear boundaries, dense and elastic when palpated. In the lying position, the nodules can hide, in the vertical position they return to their previous place.

Forms

[ 5 ]

Fibrous nodular mastopathy

With fibrous-nodular mastopathy, there is a benign fibrous proliferation of breast tissue, accompanied by the growth of dense nodular formations. The disease is hormone-dependent - associated with a hormonal imbalance in the female body.

The disease occurs with a change in the histological structure of the mammary glands and simultaneous pain syndrome. The glands do not lose symmetry, and the aching pain can be both constant and episodic (usually before the onset of menstruation).

Milk duct discharge can vary in intensity and color, from clear to yellowish-green. The process can affect one or both mammary glands at the same time.

This disease should be carefully diagnosed, since the symptoms of fibrous-nodular mastopathy are in many ways similar to the clinical picture of a malignant process in the mammary glands. Examinations are carried out no earlier than 7 days after the onset of menstruation, when the cyclical enlargement of the mammary glands decreases.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Diffuse-nodular mastopathy

With the development of diffuse-nodular mastopathy, cystic formations with liquid contents are formed in the mammary glands. Cystic capsules can be of different sizes and shapes, from several millimeters to ten centimeters in diameter. Cysts have limited contours, often round or oblong in shape. Pain in the area of the nodules can radiate to the arm, shoulder joint, axillary region or shoulder blade.

At the beginning of the disease, mastopathy may manifest itself weakly, 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 cause painful sensations and increase sharply in size, especially on one side and asymmetrically. Swelling of the breast, 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 a woman and convince her to visit a mammologist or gynecologist.

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

Cystic nodular mastopathy

The main manifestations of cystic-nodular mastopathy are nodular formations with clear boundaries and different sizes. Sometimes, to differentiate this type of mastopathy from a cancerous tumor, a number of additional studies are carried out, up to and including diagnostic surgery.

A lump in the mammary gland or a particular area of it can gradually increase, affecting adjacent tissues: such symptoms are especially noticeable against the background of the onset of menstruation.

Cystic-nodular mastopathy is often found in young people at the final stage of puberty, as well as in pregnant women in the first trimester.

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

The discharge from the milk ducts looks like colostrum. The appearance of brownish and bloody discharge is a reason to immediately contact a doctor.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ]

Diagnostics nodular mastopathy

Today, there are quite a lot of different diagnostic methods that allow differentiating nodular mastopathy from other equally serious diseases of the mammary glands. Let's consider the main ones:

• mammography is the most popular and informative X-ray examination, it provides diagnostics of diseases even at an early stage, provides complete information about the condition of the mammary glands, their structure. You can view both the entire gland as a whole and its individual areas. It is recommended to undergo the examination every 1-2 years;
• ultrasound diagnostic method – thoroughly identifies cystic tumors, while allowing to evaluate changes in surrounding tissues. This method is somewhat inferior to mammography in terms of information content;
• pneumocystography method – helps in the diagnosis of large cystic capsules;
• aspiration biopsy method – histological examination of glandular tissue;
• methods of computer and magnetic resonance imaging - layer-by-layer examination of gland tissue, used relatively rarely.

[ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Treatment nodular mastopathy

Treatment is usually determined individually for each case, taking into account the form, the severity of the process, the presence of additional pathological factors affecting the hormonal picture and the functionality of the reproductive system.

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

A puncture of the cyst capsule can be performed, with suction of the internal fluid and subsequent sclerotherapy of the walls of the formation. In case of repeated occurrence of nodular mastopathy, sometimes I use the method of enucleation - enucleation of the cyst while preserving the tissues surrounding it.

In severe cases, they resort to the surgical method of sectoral resection, which is the removal of the nodular formation simultaneously with part of the breast tissue. In particular, multiple cysts and nodes that cannot be qualitatively enucleated can be removed using sectoral, radical resection, and partial or complete mastectomy is also likely to be used.

Surgery for nodular mastopathy

Operative therapeutic solutions for nodular mastopathy include excision or enucleation of nodular formations in cases where there is no positive dynamics in the process of conservative treatment. Surgical interventions are used only if there are sufficient indications for surgery: for example, when there is a suspicion of malignancy of the process, a sharp increase in the tumor, rapid appearance of diffuse forms of nodes and cystic formations. Increasing the size of nodes more than twice over three months is a sufficient indication for surgery.

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

Unfortunately, about 10% of diagnosed forms of nodular mastopathy can degenerate into a malignant variant of the disease. Therefore, sometimes, at the slightest suspicion of degeneration, doctors may insist on surgery in order not to miss the opportunity to save the breast by removing the pathological nodes directly.

In order to avoid serious complications, women suffering from nodular mastopathy are recommended to undergo examination by a mammologist once or twice a year.

Removal of nodular mastopathy

Focal removal of nodular mastopathy is called sectoral resection - this is an operation on the mammary gland, during which a certain sector of it is removed along with the tumor.

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

The type of anesthesia used may depend on the form and severity of the pathological process. Local anesthesia is mandatory, using novocaine or lidocaine. General anesthesia is used when the cystic node is not palpable, or the resection of nodes is more extensive.

After surgical procedures, the need for hospitalization is determined by the doctor based on the patient's well-being: usually one day is enough, followed by discharge. After the operation, analgesics and antibacterial drugs may be prescribed; after a week, with a normal healing process, postoperative sutures can be removed.

Treatment of nodular mastopathy with folk remedies

Traditional methods of treatment can be effective in the early stages of the disease. Advanced forms are recommended to be treated in a traditional way to prevent the development of malignant degeneration of the process.

Let's look at the most common treatment methods:

• red brush is a well-known female herb, used in the form of alcohol drops or herbal infusion; effective for many female diseases, including mastopathy;
• burdock root is a good anti-tumor agent, its extract can be bought at a pharmacy, or you can make an infusion yourself; for a tablespoon of burdock roots use a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour and take one tablespoon up to five times a day;
• motherwort, yarrow and succession grass - mix a tablespoon of raw materials, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water; take a glass of infusion three times a day before meals;
• mint, valerian, chamomile - mix in equal parts; brew a tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, take 100 ml three times a day before meals;
• burdock or white cabbage leaves - apply fresh leaves to the affected areas on the chest, at night;
• beetroot and honey – mix grated raw beetroot and honey in a 2/1 ratio, apply the resulting mask to the mammary gland for 20-30 minutes.

Folk treatment will definitely help in the initial stages of nodular mastopathy. However, in more advanced forms, as well as in the absence of results from treatment with folk remedies, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Prevention

Preventive measures for nodular mastopathy begin with periodic medical and self-examinations: 1-2 times a year, all women are recommended to undergo mammography followed by a specialist consultation.

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

It is also important to avoid possible trauma to the mammary glands, since mechanically damaged tissues can undergo diffuse proliferation, as well as changes in cellular structure.

Proper nutrition for women is food rich in vitamins, microelements, in particular, iodine. It is also necessary to significantly reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages, give up smoking. In addition to nutrition, it is necessary to monitor the quality and quantity of sleep, fight insomnia, protect your nervous system, and avoid stressful situations.

Properly selected underwear can also play a major role, protecting and not injuring the mammary glands.

At the slightest sign of a breast disease, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Forecast

Nodular mastopathy has a good tendency to cure, the main factor for a successful prognosis is a timely visit to a doctor, making a correct diagnosis and prescribing adequate competent treatment.

If the hormone levels in the blood were not stabilized during the treatment of the disease, then nodular mastopathy can cause relapses. Also, in some cases of tissue degeneration, gradual malignancy of the process can occur, which contributes to the formation of oncological pathology of the mammary glands.

Careful implementation of preventive measures after treatment of mastopathy will help to make the prognosis favorable and prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.

Nodular mastopathy is a hormone-dependent disease that should be treated by a doctor. Folk remedies will 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 ]