Moderate fibrous mastopathy(fibroadenomatosis) is a disease of the mammary glands, characterized by structural changes in their tissues with the proliferation of fibrous and glandular components. As a result of these rearrangements, multiple small cysts, fine-grained and strand compactions can form, and the functional breast tissue is partially replaced by fatty tissue.

A moderate degree of mastopathy is characterized by a more or less uniform change in the mammary gland without the formation of large nodes and cysts. Let's consider the factors that lead to the development of this pathology, symptoms, diagnostic methods and principles of treatment of mastopathy.

Causes of moderate fibroadenomatosis

The main cause of diffuse fibroadenomatosis mammary glands are hormonal disorders. As you know, the condition of the mammary gland is regulated by many hormones, the main ones of which are sex steroids (estrogens and progesterone) and prolactin. Luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, corticosteroids, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, as well as insulin and some other bioactive substances also have an indirect effect.

Therefore, almost any factors accompanied by dysfunction of the endocrine glands can predispose to the development of fibroadenomatosis. Here is a list of diseases and conditions that most often cause moderate fibrous mastopathy :

· diseases of the genital area (ovarian cysts and tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic salpingoophoritis, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, etc.);

· unfavorable gynecological history (medical abortions, spontaneous miscarriages, early or late menarche, sexual infantilism, late labor, refusal to breastfeed or short-term lactation, lack of sexual activity, etc.);

pathologies of the pituitary gland (adenomas, hemorrhages, brain injuries, infections nervous system- encephalitis, meningitis);

diseases of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis of various etiologies, hypothyroidism, nodular, endemic, diffuse goiter, cancer);

· diseases of the adrenal glands;

diabetes mellitus (especially type 2, in which there is abdominal obesity);

liver diseases accompanied by its functional failure ( chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis);

· obesity.

Disturbances in the hormonal sphere can be caused by an unfavorable environmental situation, poor diet, bad habits such as smoking and alcohol abuse, frequent overwork, and lack of adequate sleep and rest. More often than not, all these factors act together, aggravating the existing situation.

Symptoms

Moderate fibrous mastopathy often occurs hidden and is accompanied by only minor symptoms. Therefore, many women do not pay enough attention slight discomfort in the chest or tied up unpleasant phenomena with premenstrual syndrome. However, this is wrong, because without treatment, structural changes can progress, leading to the development of a more severe stage of the disease and increasing the risk of breast cancer. Below we list the signs that may indicate the development of fibroadenomatosis:

moderate pain increased sensitivity and discomfort in the mammary glands;

· clear or brownish discharge from the nipples;

· swelling of the mammary glands;

· pain in the armpits, sometimes a slight enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes.

These phenomena are usually more pronounced a few days before menstruation; with its onset, the symptoms subside or completely cease to bother. When a woman independently examines her breasts, she may notice the appearance of small compactions, especially in the upper outer quadrants of the glands, in the form of small nodules and dense cords. The skin on the chest often stretches and loses its elasticity.

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to determine accurate diagnosis, the doctor first finds out the patient’s specific complaints and also asks her about accompanying symptoms, previous diseases. During the survey, special attention is paid to gynecological history. Important data are information about the age at which menstruation began, the number of pregnancies and births, their complications, previous gynecological diseases, etc. This allows us to suggest the cause of the appearance of diffuse changes in the breasts. Next, the mammary glands are examined and palpated, their symmetry, presence of discharge, consistency, and shape of the lumps are assessed. At the next stage of diagnosing moderate fibrous mastopathy, various instrumental and laboratory methods are used.

Instrumental diagnostics

The most informative are considered ultrasound scanning and mammography. They allow you to evaluate the structure of the mammary glands, their homogeneity, determine the presence of compactions, the ratio of fibrous, glandular and cystic components. Features of the morphology of the mammary glands determine the different information content of these methods at different age periods of a woman. Thus, ultrasound is most informative among patients under 35-40 years of age, and mammography - after 40-45 years. In some cases, it is necessary to combine both methods to establish a reliable diagnosis.

If there is discharge from the nipples, ductography can be used. This beam method diagnostics, in which contrast agent. Using ductography, you can diagnose various deformations of the milk ducts, the presence of intraductal papillomas and other proliferative formations, suspect the development of malignant tumors.

Laboratory diagnostics

For moderate breast fibroadenomatosis, laboratory tests are used as additional diagnostic methods. As a rule, the doctor prescribes the following laboratory tests:

· general clinical urine and blood tests (usually the values ​​are within normal limits);

· blood glucose test (to diagnose diabetes mellitus);

· enzyme immunoassay or immunochemical study of hormonal status (determining the concentration of estrogens, progesterone, prolactin, folliculotropin, lutropin, thyroid hormones, etc.);

· indicators functional state liver (enzymes ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total protein);

· cytological and histological analyzes of breast biopsies and fluid discharged from the nipples.

Study hormonal composition blood is necessary to determine the causes of the disease and select the optimal therapeutic tactics. A breast biopsy followed by histological and cytological analysis is performed to exclude the malignant nature of the pathology.

Methods for treating moderate mastopathy

The basis of treatment for moderate fibrous mastopathy is hormone therapy. Depending on the results laboratory research Your doctor may prescribe the following medications:

· gestagens (for systemic and local application);

· combined contraceptives;

antiestrogenic agents Mabustin ;

· medications that inhibit prolactin production;

iodine-containing thyroid hormones;

· insulin or Metformin (for diabetes).

Since relative or absolute hyperestrogenism is most often observed in breast fibroadenomatosis, progesterone preparations and its analogues are most often prescribed. This hormone limits the proliferative effect of estrogens on breast cells. The use of systemic gestagens in the form of injections or tablets is associated with some difficulties, since therapy requires regular monitoring of hormonal status. Therefore, recently they have begun to use gels and creams with gestagenic effects for external application (for example, Progestogel). This method of treatment allows you to act directly on the target organ - the mammary gland.

The next most popular group of drugs is hormonal combined contraceptives, which are taken orally at certain days menstrual cycle. They not only avoid unwanted pregnancy, but also maintain optimal concentrations of sex steroids in the blood. Hormonal contraceptives contain an ideal dose of progesterone and estrogens, due to which the production of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones is inhibited in the pituitary gland. This leads to a temporary cessation of hormone production in the ovaries.

Antiestrogenic agents are used less frequently when indicated. They bind to estradiol receptors located on the surface of breast cells, so the effect of these sex steroids is limited. If the examination reveals an increased level of prolactin, good results can be achieved with the help of drugs that slow down its production in the pituitary gland.

In cases where moderate fibrous mastopathy occurs against the background of thyroid insufficiency, use replacement therapy synthetic thyroxine. If, on the contrary, it is detected in the blood increased level thyroid hormones, medications are used that suppress the synthetic function of the thyroid gland.

Non-hormonal agents

Among drugs that do not have hormonal activity, the following groups of drugs are used to treat moderate fibroadenomatosis:

vitamins and mineral complexes;

· hepatoprotectors;

· non-steroidal analgesics;

· diuretics;

· various homeopathic and herbal preparations;

· immunomodulators;

· antidepressants and sedatives;

· general strengthening drugs.

The indicated means for correct use improve liver function, reduce mastopathy, strengthen immune protection body and normalize the functions of various organs and systems. The purpose of both hormonal and non-hormonal conservative therapy is to normalize the body’s hormonal levels and eliminate endocrine pathologies.

Disease prevention

To prevent the development of mastopathy, you should adhere to healthy image life, quit smoking, establish proper and balanced diet. More needs to be included in the menu plant food in the form of fruits, vegetables and various cereals, fermented milk products. It is also necessary to devote sufficient time to moderate physical activity. In particular, frequent walks, cycling, swimming, skiing, and morning exercises are useful. If the work involves in a sedentary manner life, you should take breaks whenever possible. Hormonal changes are often associated with stress. To increase stress resistance it is necessary good sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

At the first signs of mastopathy, you should contact a specialist for examination. All women, starting from 40 years of age, must undergo an annual mammogram or ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. When a diagnosis of mastopathy is established, you must strictly adhere to medical recommendations and regularly visit a doctor to monitor the dynamics of the disease.

Self-examination

Self-diagnosis is an integral measure for the prevention of moderate fibrous mastopathy and other pathologies of the mammary glands. Every woman who cares about her health should independently examine and palpate her breasts at least once a month. In this case, the symmetry of the mammary glands should be assessed, and attention should be paid to the appearance of any deformations or compactions in the breast structure. Each woman’s body is individual, and often only she herself can notice changes in the breasts and consult a doctor in time. You should not hope that the lumps will disappear on their own, because mastopathy can become a favorable background for the development of a malignant tumor.

Fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM)– benign disease mammary gland, which is diagnosed in 30-40% of women. With fibrous mastopathy, growth occurs connective tissue(stroma), the appearance of compactions. With cystic breasts, fluid-filled cavities form in the breast tissue. And fibrocystic is characterized by a combination of fibrous and cystic components. This type of disease is typical for women over 30 years of age.

According to the latest scientific research in the field of medicine, cystic fibrous mastopathy is a precancerous condition.

Therefore, women need to know its signs when it appears alarming symptoms consult a doctor, follow the recommendations. Along with treatment, lifestyle correction and diet are necessary. Patients are concerned about whether it is permissible to sunbathe, visit a bathhouse, sauna, or play sports during FCM, whether pregnancy and breastfeeding are possible. Find answers to these questions in our article.

The mechanism of development of fibrocystic mastopathy

Breast mastopathy develops against the background hormonal imbalance, insufficient production of progesterone, excess estrogen and prolactin. Estrogens act on receptors in the mammary gland and provoke pathologically active cell division of glandular or connective tissue. And prolactin causes an increase in the number of milk ducts, their lengthening, and the production of secretion that is released from the nipples. Gynecological, endocrine diseases, stress, unsatisfactory sex life, abortion, late (after 30 years) pregnancy and childbirth are common causes of hormonal imbalance.

The proliferation of functional (glandular) breast tissue is called adenosis, the diffuse proliferation of connective tissue, which gradually replaces the glandular tissue, is called fibroadenosis. As fibroadenosis progresses, compactions of connective tissue appear in the form of round, oval nodes with clearly defined boundaries. In this case, a diagnosis of fibroadenoma is made mammary gland. If the milk ducts enlarge, the body tries to limit their growth; in place of the expansion, secretion-filled capsules with walls made of connective tissue - cysts - are formed. If the cystic component predominates, and there is no growth or nodular compaction of the connective tissue, they speak of a cystic mammary gland.

Types of fibrocystic mastopathy

FCM combines fibrous and cystic components. Depending on whether pathological phenomena are observed in one or both glands, unilateral or bilateral fibrocystic mastopathy is diagnosed. According to the degree of development, mastopathy is divided into mild, moderate and severe. There are 4 types of the disease with different combinations of symptoms:

• diffuse - against the background of proliferation of connective tissue, cysts form;
• nodular (focal) - dense nodes of connective tissue are adjacent to cysts, which are palpable in the form of soft elastic seals;
• non-proliferative - against the background of swelling of the mammary glands, cysts are palpated, but active cell division and pronounced pathological tissue proliferation do not occur. This type is most treatable and has a favorable prognosis;
• mixed - there are signs of several forms of mastopathy: diffuse proliferation of glandular, connective tissue, cystic formations, focal compactions.

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy precedes the development of nodular mastopathy, it can be cured medications. Nodular cystic fibrous mastopathy at an early stage can also be treated conservatively, and when multiple or single, but large, nodules and cysts are formed, surgery. The diagnosis of mixed fibrocystic mastopathy is made when the pathological process is advanced; such a disease requires long-term complex treatment. Nodular and mixed FCM is dangerous because in 32% of cases it degenerates into carcinoma - malignant tumor. If you sunbathe in the sun or in a solarium, expose your breasts to high temperatures, mechanical injuries, consuming foods with carcinogens, can provoke this degeneration.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Signs of FCM can be identified by self-examination mammary glands, which is recommended monthly. Warning symptoms:

• painful sensations in the mammary glands, a feeling of heaviness, engorgement;
• changes in the size and contour of the breast, the appearance of lumpy, sunken areas, skin folds, swelling;
• discharge from the nipples, spontaneous or appearing with pressure;
• detection upon palpation of dense and elastic formations ranging in size from a grain to a chicken egg.

At the initial stage, symptoms appear during PMS and become mild after menstruation. As the disease progresses, the signs become permanent. Pain can occur spontaneously or in response to touching the gland, radiate to the shoulder, under the shoulder blade, or be felt only in the chest. In 10% of women, fibrocystic mastopathy is painless. The color of the discharge varies from transparent to brownish-greenish, purulent discharge indicate infection, and bloody ones indicate oncology.

Having discovered such phenomena, you need to contact a mammologist or gynecologist-endocrinologist, who will conduct a survey, examination, and prescribe instrumental and laboratory tests:

• mammography reveals non-palpable formations, allows you to distinguish the cystic form of mastopathy from non-cystic;
• Ultrasound is used to assess tissue density, identify fibrotic changes, cystic formations, dilated ducts;
• if layer-by-layer examination of tissue is necessary, MRI is prescribed;
• biopsy (aspiration puncture of cysts) followed by histological examination of samples is carried out for differential diagnosis with malignant neoplasms;
• It is recommended to undergo an ultrasound internal organs And endocrine glands to establish the causes of the disease;
• To select medications to correct hormonal imbalances, a blood test for hormones is performed.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. Additionally, the specialist gives the patient recommendations: what diet to follow, what exercises are indicated and which are contraindicated, whether it is possible to sunbathe or take a steam bath.

Treatment methods

For fibrocystic mastopathy, etiotropic (direction to eliminate the cause) and symptomatic (alleviating the manifestations of the disease) treatment is prescribed. If mastopathy has developed against the background of another disease (dysfunction of the thyroid gland, ovaries, liver disease, adrenal glands, obesity), its treatment is necessary. On early stages Treatment with non-hormonal drugs is sufficient:

• to improve the functioning of internal organs, endocrine and immune system homeopathic, herbal, vitamin preparations are used;
• Iodine preparations are indicated if thyroid gland produces hormones in insufficient quantities;
• sedatives help with stress and psychological problems;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and reduce swelling;
• diuretics are used to reduce swelling;
• for intense pain, analgesics are indicated.

In case of severe violations, it is necessary hormonal drugs, depending on the cause of the disease, hormonal therapy has the following goals:

• suppression of estrogen and prolactin production;
• stimulation of progesterone production;
• blocking mammary gland receptors sensitive to estrogen and/or prolactin.

Drug treatment is long-term and must be continued as long as residual effects persist.

Surgical intervention

In diffuse and non-proliferating forms, FCM is performed exclusively drug therapy. Surgery is required if there are more than 2 stromal compactions (connective tissue), the size of nodular compactions and cysts exceeds 2-2.5 cm. Indications for surgical intervention is an increase in formations twice or more in 3 months, suspicion of oncology. For fibrocystic mastopathy, the following types of operations are performed:

• nodal seals are excised;
• cysts undergo aspiration puncture - the cyst is pierced with a thin needle and its contents are drawn out. Then sclerotizing drugs are introduced into the cavity to glue the walls of the cyst;
• the cyst is enucleated and removed entirely (enucleation);
• in case of extensive, multiple changes, partial resection of the mammary gland is prescribed, its tissue is removed at a distance of 1-3 cm from the tumor border.

Removed tissue in mandatory are exposed histological examination. The operation does not eliminate the causes of mastopathy, therefore, to prevent relapses, conservative treatment of the underlying disease is carried out.

For minor interventions, the patient can be discharged on the same day, for large-scale interventions - after a few days, and the stitches are removed after a week. In the postoperative period, it is necessary to avoid stress, sunbathing, and thermal procedures.

Treatment with traditional methods

For fibrocystic mastopathy, you can take home-prepared herbal preparations orally:

• tincture of cedar shells or partitions walnuts with vodka (half a glass per half liter) improves the functioning of the immune and circulatory systems;
• elixir of aloe juice and honey (1:2) - immunostimulant;
• A decoction of burdock root (2 tablespoons per 3 glasses of water) has an anti-edematous, analgesic effect.

In addition, all these compositions prevent the formation and growth of tumors. Compresses from cabbage leaves, burdock, masks from a mixture of honey with lemon juice and castor oil can stimulate cell growth and cause cancer, so they should not be done without consulting your doctor. Treatment by means traditional medicine It is carried out only as an auxiliary, it cannot replace drug therapy.

Lifestyle with fibrocystic mastopathy

For any form of mastopathy, it is necessary to avoid trauma to the mammary gland and dose physical activity. Patients need diet correction. Products containing fiber, iodine, and vitamins are useful. Fat intake should be limited because adipose tissue participates in the production of estrogens. Spicy dishes, smoked foods and other foods with preservatives are contraindicated.

Solar radiation for precancerous conditions and benign tumors with high risk malignancy is dangerous. Therefore, with severe FCM, it is strictly forbidden to sunbathe both on the beaches and in the solarium. At diffuse mastopathy moderate degree without a cystic component and non-proliferating forms is permissible to sunbathe, observing the following restrictions:

• cover your chest from direct sunlight;
• do not go to the beach between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.;
• drink water, alternate sunbathing with water procedures;
• do not sunbathe for more than half an hour without breaks.

Bath and sauna lovers will have to agree on the possibility of visiting it with doctors and remember the restrictions. The chest should be covered with a sheet or towel, protecting it from direct contact with hot air. It is forbidden to steam with a broom. It is necessary to limit the duration of procedures and the temperature in the steam room.

Physical exercises aimed at combating overweight, are recommended as a prevention of mastopathy and as an element of complex treatment. But when performing exercises, you can injure your breasts, provoking the development of fibrocystic mastopathy or aggravating its course. Therefore, caution is required, you should not squeeze the gland, you need to protect it from bruises. Yoga classes are useful to combat stress and depression.

Mastopathy, pregnancy and lactation

If a woman is diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease, she can become pregnant and carry a child to term. Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy have a beneficial effect on the mammary glands, and it is possible to stop the development of the disease. If pregnancy occurs during a course of hormonal therapy, a transition to alternative methods treatment. It is not advisable for patients with fibrocystic mastopathy to undergo IVF, since the procedure involves hormonal stimulation, but mastopathy is not absolute contraindication for in vitro fertilization.

Moderate FCM does not interfere with the production breast milk and feeding the child, with severe forms disease, the possibility of breastfeeding is determined by the doctor. During lactation, breast cells produce antibodies that suppress the growth of tumors. Therefore, with prolonged breastfeeding, the symptoms of mastopathy become less pronounced, and the risk of complications and relapses decreases. Among the drugs for the drug treatment of mastopathy, there are those approved during lactation, so therapy can be continued. If a woman with fibro- cystic mastopathy is breastfeeding, her condition must be regularly monitored and measures taken to prevent milk stagnation (lactostasis).

Fibrocystic mastopathy is a disease in which there is an excess of hormones, leading to cystic tissue growth and the formation of growths. Usually occurs in women under 50 years of age.

Fibrocystic mastopathy can develop as a result of many predisposing factors. The occurrence of the disease can be influenced by congenital predisposition, negative environmental conditions, and poor nutrition.

Note! Hormonal imbalances negatively affect hormonal levels, causing dangerous changes in the body.

Common causes leading to fibrocystic mastopathy:

1. Lack of sexual intercourse associated with psychological disorders.
2. Inability to have children as a result of abortion or menstrual irregularities. In some cases, fibrocystic mastopathy affects women who did not breastfeed.
3. Pathologies of metabolic processes. Diabetes mellitus may influence the onset of the disease. overweight body, as well as hyperthyroidism.
4. Psychological disorders caused by severe stress.
5. Congenital predisposition. The presence of this factor can be clarified by finding out whether the closest relatives have a corresponding diagnosis.
6. Pathologies that negatively affect the organs of the reproductive system. Mastopathy occurs when treatment for cystic formations or endometritis is refused.
7. A lifestyle that negatively affects the condition of internal organs. Mastopathy can occur in women who have suffered from the syndrome for a long time chronic fatigue who do not allocate sufficient time for rest.
8. Eating too much food, not following the diet recommended by your doctor, not eating enough fiber.

Video - Fibrocystic mastopathy

Symptoms

Main manifestations of the disease:

1. Presence of places where lumps are noticeable in the chest area. Patients usually discover them on their own.
2. Pain syndrome localized in the chest area. Patients often complain of aching pain, a feeling of heaviness, and other disturbances. The pain can be either constant or occur periodically.
3. Pathological discharge that is dark or light in color, and the appearance of pus is also possible.
4. Enlarged lymph nodes. This symptom does not occur in all patients.

The listed symptoms may appear periodically; in some cases, patients do not notice all the signs. Sometimes the mammary glands increase in size, causing pain on palpation. Women suffer from edema, the severity of which varies depending on the menstrual cycle.

Note! Mastopathy can cause headaches and emotional disorders.

Features of symptoms

85% of patients complain of severe pain in the chest - the main symptom of the disease. Sometimes there is discharge from the nipples. These symptoms occur on the eve of menstruation. Seals are also diagnosed, and their elasticity is noted upon palpation. The cystic areas are separated from the surrounding tissue.

Video - Symptoms and treatment of mastopathy of the mammary glands

Treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy

To ensure that the symptoms of the disease are relieved, it is advisable to conduct a competent diagnosis and consult a doctor. Used integrated approach for treatment of this disease, including changes in diet, the use of comfortable underwear, the use of vitamins, anti-inflammatory and sedatives, in some cases the use of hormonal and homeopathic medicines.

Nutrition correction

It is advisable to completely eliminate products that can affect the formation of fibrous tissue and the appearance of fluid in the structure of the cyst. Doctors often recommend giving up coffee completely and limiting the consumption of tea, chocolate, and sweets. Many experts believe that any pathology of the mammary glands occurs as a secondary phenomenon after the formation of disorders in the intestines. It is advisable to completely eliminate constipation and normalize the bacterial flora.

If you have been diagnosed with mastopathy, it is advisable to eat food that contains maximum quantity fiber. Eat vegetables and fruits, greens daily. Drink enough water. Get rid of bad habits, in particular, drinking alcoholic beverages.

Note! Do not cook foods that are too fatty; it is advisable to completely exclude from your diet foods that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

Using the correct underwear

If you suffer from mastopathy, it is advisable to review your entire wardrobe, in particular your underwear. Measure your measurements carefully to avoid purchasing clothes that are uncomfortable. Pay attention to all elements of the underwear, make sure that the clothes do not cause discomfort.

Vitamins

Useful microelements are necessary to improve the condition of the immune system, stabilize hormonal levels, and also activate the endocrine system. Experts recommend primarily using vitamins B, A, and E for mastopathy. Use the drug Aevit(dosage: 1 capsule per day for 30 days) or Triovit(dosage: 1 capsule per day for 2 months).

Diuretics

If the disease is not treated in time, most patients suffer from edema. They may spread throughout the body. To get rid of negative effects, it is enough to use light diuretics. It is advisable to stop using medications and replace them with special teas based on medicinal herbs.

Note! You should reduce the amount of salt consumed daily.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Doctors often advise using Nise, Diclofenac that allow you to completely get rid of pain. Unpleasant sensations intensify before menstruation. It is advisable to use these drugs if you experience severe discomfort. Course of therapy non-steroidal drugs not provided for mastopathy.

Sedative drugs

Necessary for eliminating psychological stress factors, which allows for short time reduce the intensity of symptoms of the disease. Use valerian infusion or motherwort. You can use special teas. Many people use sage tea. To prepare it, place 1 tsp. chopped herbs in 1/2 tbsp. boiling water, brew, then take 2-3 times a day.

Hormone therapy

If it occurs in the body hormonal imbalance, the functioning of the mammary glands without disturbances is impossible. It is necessary to monitor the level of estrogen and progesterone. With mastopathy, the amount of hormones increases, which causes the mammary glands to grow. Medicines necessary to suppress estrogen activity should be used. Doctors often prescribe Toremifene And Tamoxifen.

To suppress the secretion of excessive amounts of hormones are used oral contraceptives, in particular, Marvelon. With their help, you can eliminate the increased production of almost all female hormones, stabilize the functioning of the endocrine system.

Non-hormonal drugs

To restore the balance of hormones and reduce the intensity of breast growth, it is often prescribed Mammolen. The drug is made on a plant basis and is used to increase the amount of female hormones.

Homeopathy

These drugs help reduce the amount of prolactin, but are not characterized by pronounced side effects. Doctors usually prescribe Remens, Mastodinon.

Iodine preparations

It is used in this case if, together with mastopathy, women suffer from disorders of the thyroid gland. Doctors prescribe them for severe hypothyroidism. If autoimmune mechanisms are activated in the body, these medications are not prescribed. Popular drugs from this group: Iodomarin, Mamoklam.

Surgical treatment

In some cases, drug therapy does not produce the expected effect. A decision is made to conduct surgery. Surgery is also mandatory if an oncological tumor develops.

Note! In order to promptly detect fibrocystic mastopathy, it is advisable to regularly undergo diagnostic examinations, consult a doctor if symptoms of the disease occur.

Fibrocystic mastopathy has a conditionally favorable prognosis. If the disease is not treated, the pathology will progress. It is worth starting therapy as early as possible, since the patient’s condition with this disease worsens upon reaching the age of 30 years. There is a hold competent treatment, you can avoid the occurrence cancerous tumor, other complications of mastopathy.

Video - Breast treatment

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy - what is it? This question threatens to become one of the most frequently asked among female audiences. This is due to the fact that this disease remains the most common pathology affecting the milk-secreting glands in women aged 30 to 50 years. Although mastopathy can occur in children of both sexes, in both men and women in the postmenopausal period.

Sometimes patients search for information about diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands. This definition is redundant. The word “mastopathy” already suggests that the pathological process will affect the glands that secrete milk. The disease itself, by definition, is called either diffuse mastopathy or fibrocystic disease.

General characteristics of the disease

DFCM (diffuse mastopathy) is diagnosed in more than 35% of women childbearing age. Every year the number of women diagnosed with mastopathy increases. This disease is associated with hormonal imbalance (progesterone deficiency, excess estrogen). With this disease, the level of prolactin also changes upward.

It is characterized by:

• abnormal growth of breast tissue;
• discomfort up to pain;
• in some cases - pathological secretion and swelling.

The pathological process may be accompanied by tissue proliferation. Changed or overgrown tissue, which is classified as benign formations, can degenerate into cancer (about 2.5-3% of cases).

According to ICD-10, this disease is coded No. 60. Fibrocystic disease clinical signs usually divided into diffuse and nodular. In the first case, the examination reveals a large number of small formations, without a clear predominance of any type. In the second case, the examination clearly identifies the node.

With diffuse mastopathy, one of three types of tissue may predominate, or the changes may be mixed; therefore, several subtypes of the disease are classified:

• glandular form (glandular or adenosis);
• mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic element (DCM or cystosis);
• disease with a predominance of fibrous elements (DFM or fibroadenomatosis);
• a mixed form may occur.

Diffuse cystic mastopathy can be unilateral (affecting only one gland), but bilateral mastopathy is much more common. Based on the principle of formation of pathologically altered tissue, proliferative and non-proliferative forms of the disease are distinguished. In the first case, the tissues involved in the process, namely connective (interstitial) and epithelium, grow through cell division. In the second, cysts form in the tissues. They can be small or quite large. At the initial stage, a so-called grape bunch is formed - a collection of small cysts that can be compared to a branch of grapes in shape and structure.

Over time, if the disease is not treated, the connective tissue becomes denser around the pathological formation, and the process of its growth begins. As a result of the described pathological process The lobules of the mammary gland are stretched due to cysts forming in them.

Both forms can become malignant, but the proliferative one is more prone to malignization. Malignancy is the ability of cells of normal tissue or benign formation to acquire the characteristics of cancer. In the non-proliferative form of the disease, this ability is minimal and does not reach even 1% of all cases of mastopathy. The disease can be bilateral or affect only one gland.

The danger of mastopathy

Do oncologists consider diffuse FCM dangerous? Despite the fact that the disease is not malignant, experts do not recommend ignoring it and classify it as potentially dangerous. Despite the low risk of magnification, such a danger still exists.

If treatment is inadequate and insufficient, mastopathy can lead to breast cancer.

If the cyst is destroyed, hypothermia, or injury occurs in the breast tissue, inflammatory process. Cysts can fester, and this is fraught with sepsis.

At pathological growth breast tissue may become deformed (its shape and size change). This is not only aesthetically unattractive, but the woman experiences not only moral, but also physical discomfort. Periodic, and over time constant pain interfere good rest, affect the functioning of the nervous system, reduce performance.

Main types

Mastopathy is classified as a hyperplastic disease that occurs with the proliferation of a particular tissue. Thanks to some morphological characteristics, it was possible to identify separate forms diseases. If the hyperplasia of glandular tissue is of a highly differentiated nature, the focus of growth is not encysted, then they speak of fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component or adenosis.

Clinically, adenosis is manifested by the appearance of dense formations in the segments of the gland or diffuse swelling of the entire breast on the affected side. Swelling increases before the onset of menstruation. This form of pathology is more common in young girls.

When multiple cysts are detected, which are formed when the ducts of the gland expand, during the atrophy of its lobules and when the connective tissue changes, they speak of fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component. With this type of pathological process, the epithelial cells that form the lining of the cyst are prone to proliferation.

With DCM, small cysts of about 0.3 cm and quite large ones up to 6 cm are formed. The contents of cysts in diffuse cystic mastopathy have different colors. This depends on the stage of the process, in the last stage the contents are brown-green and may ooze from the nipple when pressure is applied to it. The chest with this form of the pathological process is painful.

The pain syndrome intensifies at the beginning of menstruation. In a quarter of patients with diffuse cystic mastopathy, the cysts become calcified. This is considered one of the first signs of malignancy of a tumor formation, as is the admixture of blood in the contents of cysts.

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is characterized by changes in the tissue that makes up the stroma of the mammary gland lobules (connective tissue). With this pathology, the cells lining the gland ducts are prone to proliferation, which is why the lumen of the ducts narrows or closes off completely (this is called obliteration). When palpating the chest, cords and lumps form in the affected area. This form of the disease, like the other two, is accompanied by pain.

Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is typical for women in the premenopausal period.

In the form of a clearly differentiated form, any of the above-described forms of diffuse cystic fibrous changes in the mammary glands are rarely encountered in clinical practice. Usually the morphological characteristics of each form are diagnosed.

Reasons

Considering that this disease has only been studied for about a hundred years, it was not possible to unambiguously establish the cause of the development of the described changes in the breast tissue.

Hormonal imbalance plays the “first fiddle” in the set of factors that provoke the development of the pathological process.

The development of the mammary glands is stimulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary system, ovaries and adrenal glands. Violation of their content leads to changes in the glandular tissue of the breast. Diseases of the thyroid gland also stimulate the development of pathology.

Additional factors that may affect diffuse nodular changes are:

• a large number of abortions;
• spontaneous termination of pregnancy or premature birth;
• the onset of the premenopausal period;
• refusal to breastfeed after childbirth;
• hormone therapy;
• chest injuries, abscesses, etc.

It is believed that diseases of the internal organs can trigger the development of this disease. Quite often the cause of mastopathy remains a mystery. This disease is considered borderline pathology, because it can be stimulated by a large number of different factors, which are sometimes impossible to influence. Therefore, when choosing a treatment strategy, an integrated approach should be chosen.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis is made based on a physical examination of the patient and hardware research breasts Depending on the age of the patient, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound or mammography. The gold standard for diagnosing diffuse nodular benign formations In women, a combination of ultrasound and mammography is considered. Mammography is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers and is not recommended for patients under 35 years of age.

By auxiliary method is a blood draw for hormone levels. To diagnose malignant neoplasms, a biopsy is performed. The resulting material is sent for cytological examination.

Therapy for diffuse fibrous changes in the mammary gland, in contrast to the nodular form, can be carried out by one of 2 methods - conservative or surgical. The nodular form can only be treated surgically. Conservative treatment begins with normalization of hormonal levels. Herbal remedies are very successful. The therapeutic strategy depends on the results of the examination, including hormone levels.

Treatment of mastopathy requires the use different groups drugs. For this purpose, hormonal agents are used to maintain the balance of hormones in the body, adaptogens and vitamin complexes to increase the body's immune forces, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs to combat pain, diuretics help relieve swelling, and if necessary, sedatives and antidepressants can be prescribed. The drugs used can be prescribed in the form of drops or tablets and in the form of local agents (gels or ointments).

Diet therapy plays an important role in the treatment of this disease. Diet helps maintain normal weight patient and thus reduce estrogen levels. If the cystic form of the disease predominates, the patient may be recommended a puncture-aspiration method of treatment. It involves suctioning fluid from the cysts. This treatment is applicable only for cysts that have not begun to become malignant.

If cancerous degeneration of the gland tissue is suspected, or in the case of the formation of a large number of cysts or excessive growth of interstitial tissue, resection of the affected organ may be used. With a benign course of the process, treatment of this disease requires a systematic approach, the therapeutic course must be repeated. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a mammologist and oncologist.

The highest incidence of mastopathy is observed in single people, smoking women alcohol abusers. Hence the conclusion that the best prevention of this disease is warm family relationship, birth and raising a child.

Video

How to recognize mastopathy and cure it? Find out about it in the next video.

Quite a large number of women face breast problems, including moderate mastopathy of the mammary glands. This concept combines several types of diseases, so it should be considered in more detail.

Manifestations of moderate mastopathy can be individual for each patient

General characteristics of the disease

Mastopathy is characterized by changes structural structure mammary glands associated with the appearance of seals, nodules or cysts. By their nature, such changes are benign in nature, so in most cases they do not pose a threat to a woman’s health. However, the risk of developing functional disorders, as well as cancer.

The transformation of mastopathy into a malignant tumor occurs extremely rarely.

However, the likelihood of developing cancer in patients with benign lumps remains at the same level as in healthy women.

Mastopathy should not lead to cancerophobia, but periodic examinations are necessary to avoid the development of malignant neoplasms

The breast consists of adipose tissue and glandular lobules with milk ducts. A moderate form of pathology leads to an increase in individual lobules and a change in their structure. The phenomenon can be inconsistent and occur due to isolated hormonal surges, but in most cases the problem persists or returns after some time.

Types and forms

The disease has complex classification, associated with the division into separate forms depending on the degree of damage and characteristics of formation.

The following types of disease are distinguished:

• . It is characterized by extensive damage to the mammary gland, changes occur evenly throughout its entire volume, involving almost all healthy tissue.

The main difference between nodular and diffuse mastopathy is the affected area

• Nodal. The moderately expressed fibrocystic form of mastopathy is distinguished by the fact that such a change is isolated. In other words, one or more nodes form in the breast, while the rest remains healthy.

It is worth noting another type of classification:

• Moderate fibrous mastopathy. Proliferation of fibrous connective tissue, appearance of compactions.
• Cystic mastopathy. The formation of cysts - bubbles filled with fluid.
• Fibrocystic. Combines manifestations of both forms of the disease.

If you consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations, moderate mastopathy can be successfully treated

A moderate degree of development of mastopathy is a transitional form. Slightly severe disease practically does not cause discomfort, and normalizing the condition of the glands in this case is quite simple. Pronounced forms can cause complications. In addition, with them, sometimes the symptoms of the disease are so obvious that, in addition to pain, the patient feels psychological discomfort associated with an aesthetic change in the shape of the breast.

With moderate manifestations, the processes are completely reversible even with the use of gentle treatment methods.

Symptoms of the disease

The initial stage of development of the disease goes unnoticed for many women. From time to time, you may experience minor breast discomfort associated with your menstrual cycle.

In the first stage of the disease, pain and discomfort occur only during PMS

That's why special attention the problem is not given any attention, which often leads to its further development. At the second stage, suspicious symptoms are already more clearly felt, and some lumps can be felt independently.

Cystic mastopathy is characterized by the presence of nodes with clearly defined boundaries. Bubbles are not always palpable, since they are relatively soft formations. The fibrocystic form is more traceable. Fibrous lumps, especially if they are located close to the surface, feel like hard, nodular formations. In some cases, their boundaries are quite difficult to determine without additional examinations.

Signs of mastopathy in the second stage most often are:

• minor chest pain;
• swelling of the mammary glands;

Swelling of the glands causes discomfort and pain

• appearance clear discharge from the nipple;
• increased sensitivity;
• enlarged axillary lymph nodes.

Such symptoms are perceived by many women as harbingers of menstruation, since it is during this period of the cycle that they manifest themselves most intensely and then temporarily subside. However, this is a signal that there are problems, especially with pain and existing discharge outside the lactation period.

The initial stages of cancer may have similar symptoms, so it is better to undergo an examination once again and make sure that there is no threat to life.

Mammography will help prevent the development of dangerous pathologies

Reasons for development

Mastopathy belongs to the category of diseases that have a hormonal nature. That is why teenage girls, women with unstable hormonal levels, and menopausal patients are most prone to developing it.

There are two main categories of disease:

• physiological;
• pathological - most often arising as a result of hormonal imbalance, occasionally it can be infectious.

Physiological is associated with the processes of formation of the body and the formation of the menstrual cycle during puberty. At the end of these periods, this type of mastopathy often goes away on its own. Its development can also be affected by age-related changes and pregnancy.

Physiological mastopathy can also develop in adolescents

The pathological form is a disorder that is fraught negative consequences and requires immediate treatment. Most often, its occurrence is associated with disruption of hormone production due to diseases reproductive organs– uterus, ovaries or organs of the endocrine system – thyroid gland, pituitary gland.

Infectious fibrocystic mastopathy can be caused by inflammatory diseases, as well as chest injuries. However, in the overwhelming majority of cases, fibrocystic mastopathy develops due to hormonal reasons and health problems in general. Provoking factors in this case may be:

• abortions;
• diseases of the genital area;

Termination of pregnancy and often accompanying it gynecological diseases can provoke the development of mastopathy

• disruptions of the menstrual cycle;
• irregular sex life;
• stress;
• wrong lifestyle;
• excess weight or excessive thinness;
• heredity;
• endocrine pathologies;
• liver problems.

Finding out the exact cause will eliminate its effect on the mammary glands and stop the development of the disease.

Early diagnosis and timely contact with a doctor will help him choose the most effective treatment

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of fibrous mastopathy can be confirmed or refuted only after undergoing a series of studies. The patient needs to be examined by a gynecologist. Laboratory tests are needed to assess the condition of the body based on key indicators that can affect the health of the mammary glands.

Modern diagnostics include the following methods:

• mammography;
• blood and urine tests;
• blood test for hormones;

Definition hormonal levels necessary to make a decision about the need for drug correction

• ductography;
• biopsy.

Fibrocystic mastopathy is also detected through hardware diagnostics. Standard procedures are ultrasound and mammography. Most often, one of these studies is sufficient. If duct deformation is suspected, contrast ductography is performed. Suspicions about cancer are a reason for a biopsy to verify the nature of the compaction.

Modern methods of treatment

It is quite possible to cure moderate mastopathy conservative methods. In some cases, vitamin supplements are sufficient.

Vitamins and dietary supplements play important role in the treatment of mastopathy

To normalize hormonal levels and even out the menstrual cycle, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives or phytohormones. There are a number of medications intended directly for the treatment of mastopathy, available in the form of tablets, drops and ointments.

A specific list of medications and rules for their use are established by the attending physician.

Moderate fibrocystic mastopathy in rare cases requires surgery. This is mainly due to the discomfort that the lump causes, the risk of cyst rupture, infection of the formation, or high risks of degeneration into cancer (for example, with a genetic predisposition to such problems).

Prevention and treatment of the disease necessarily include stress management

In addition to active treatment measures, you need to pay attention to your lifestyle. Problems with the mammary glands and hormonal balance often have a psychosomatic origin. It is important to normalize the rhythm of life, avoid nervous overstrain. You should definitely reconsider your diet and work and rest schedule.

To prevent a disease such as mastopathy from becoming a serious problem, care should be taken in advance to prevent it. To do this, you need to eat right, get plenty of rest, be less nervous and spend more time on fresh air. Regular self-examination of the mammary glands will allow you to suspect mastopathy in the early stages and prevent its further development.

Self-examination of the breast should be performed between days 6 and 12 of the cycle.

It is important to avoid trauma to the breasts and monitor your menstrual schedule. If your cycle fails, you should find out the cause from a gynecologist. Once every 6-12 months it is worth undergoing an examination with a mammologist and gynecologist, this is especially necessary for women over 40 years of age.

A mammologist will tell you about one of the causes of mastopathy – sexual dissatisfaction: