Diseases of the breast and pregnancy

The woman's mammary gland is a paired organ that secretes milk for infant feeding. It consists of 15-20 ferruginous lobes, reminiscent of a bunch of grapes. Each of them consists of 30-80 lobules. Breast milk, which is produced in lobules, enters the excretory ducts (milk ducts), terminating in the nipple of the gland with pinholes.

Mammary glands grow and develop under the influence of hormones secreted by glands of internal secretion. The maximum development is achieved by the time of delivery and during the feeding of the child. In the climacteric period, the reverse development of the lobules of the breast begins.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Mastitis and pregnancy

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, which usually occurs in nursing mothers. It is caused by bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci) that enter the mammary gland through nipple cracks or damaged skin of the breast.

Symptoms of mastitis: the mammary gland becomes dense, tight, sharply painful, hot to the touch; the body temperature rises, chills appear.

When there are signs of mastitis, it is necessary to call a doctor, since treatment requires the appointment of antibiotics to prevent the abscess of the breast (formation of abscess).

Recommended bed rest, plentiful drink. Breastfeeding can be sustained if there is no suppuration. When suppuration can not be fed and healthy breast. Milk must be decanted and poured out.

You can apply a bubble with ice to the affected chest 3-6 times a day (wrap a tissue with a bubble). An hour before feeding, it is recommended to apply a warm compress.

Alternative medicine used for mastitis: if there is a hardening in the mammary gland in a nursing woman, you need to apply grated carrots, fresh cabbage leaves, or a large burdock.

Mastopathy and pregnancy

Mastopathy is a fibro-cystic change in the mammary gland, a benign disease. It occurs quite often in women at a young age, in the postmenopausal period, about 20% of women suffer from this disease. Often disappears during menopause.

Tumor formations of different sizes are often located in both mammary glands, to the touch hard, mobile, can be painful, usually increase before menstruation. Tumor formation can appear and disappear spontaneously.

The reasons for their appearance are unknown, possibly due to a violation of the secretion of estrogen and other sex hormones.

Symptoms may be absent, sometimes disturbing diffuse pain in the mammary glands, especially before menstruation, serous discharge from the nipples.

To prevent mastopathy, try to avoid risk factors, especially if such a disease has been observed in the genus.

There are facts that testify to the beneficial effects of vitamin E in preventing mastopathy.

Each woman should conduct an independent examination of the mammary glands approximately 7-10 days after menstruation, when the mammary glands are painless and not enlarged.

First, the mammary gland is examined in the mirror with the eyes lowered, and then with the arms raised. On examination, it is possible to reveal the retraction of the skin or nipple, the areas of protrusion on the mammary gland, the discoloration of the skin, the irregularity in the displacement of the mammary glands when hands are raised upward.

Then the mammary glands are felt lying on the back. Feel all the sections of each breast and axilla. Under the scapula on the side of the mammary gland is recommended to put a pillow. Feeling can be carried out in circular motions - either up or down, or radially.

If there is a compaction in the mammary gland, the appearance of entanglements or protrusions on the skin of the breast, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Currently, it is believed that mastopathy does not require special treatment, it does not threaten health, although it is sometimes recommended that excising large knots. But you need regular supervision of a gynecologist.

In nutrition, it is recommended to limit the amount of table salt, fats, fried foods, strong tea, coffee, soft drinks containing caffeine. We recommend foods rich in vitamins A, B and E.

Breast Cancer and Pregnancy

Breast cancer is a malignant breast tumor. Most often occurs in women aged 45-55 years. Defeat often occurs in the upper-external part of the breast. The lesion of the right and left mammary gland is observed equally often. Metastasis first occurs in the axillary, sub- and supraclavicular lymph nodes, lymph nodes of the mediastinum. Remote hematogenous metastases most often occur in the lungs, pleura, liver, ovaries, bones (especially the skull and spine).

For a long time, breast cancer can not produce clinical manifestations. It is necessary to pay attention to the appearance of retraction of the nipple or skin on the mammary gland, or protrusion. When palpating the mammary glands, a seal can be found that is tightly welded to the skin, inactive. Sometimes there may be spotting from the nipple. Later, there are pains that gradually build up, and skin ulceration.

If breast cancer is detected in the early stages of the disease, the prognosis is favorable. The removal of the mammary gland (mastectomy) with subsequent radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy is shown.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]

Fibroadenoma and pregnancy

Fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor. It occurs quite often at a young age. Women are sick at the age of 20-40 years. It is a node of round shape, with clear boundaries, mobile. Rarely there is a degeneration into breast cancer.

There are no clinical manifestations. When you feel the mammary gland a mobile node with clear contours is defined, painless.

Treatment is usually surgical - sectoral resection of the mammary gland (removal of fibroadenoma along with the surrounding tissue sector).

[15], [16], [17]