The mammary glands are formed from different types of tissue. Throughout a woman's life, her breasts can change shape and size. When the histological structure is disturbed, cysts, indurations, or swelling may form. The most common disease in this area is FMC of the mammary glands.

FCM of the mammary glands is a disease of a benign nature, the cause of which is most often a gap in the proportions between the docking and epithelial materials. Doctors make this diagnosis if they find seals in a woman's chest.

The disease is more common after 45 years of age, but can occur in childbearing age. With complications, some forms of FCM can transform into malignant neoplasms.

Forms of mastopathy

Pathology develops regardless of age. At first, its course is not actually noticeable for a woman, and sometimes, on the contrary, the clinical picture manifests itself quite clearly: discharge from the nipples, painful manifestations, compaction throughout the breast or only in one place.

Soreness is different from its manifestations before menstruation. If mastopathy is not treated, it can have serious consequences.

Diffuse dishormonal mastopathy

The difference between diffuse mastopathy and other forms is that it affects the entire mammary gland as a whole. Usually more than half of women suffer from this form. The main patients are female bodybuilders who take various hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone.

The cysts formed during the disease change their size during menstruation. They are dense or watery, mobile during the inspection. Various discharges from the nipples, aching, bursting pains are possible. Mandatory monitoring of their growth and other changes is required.

The causes of this disease can be:

Nodular mastopathy

The disease is characterized by the existence of transformations of the mammary glands: nodes, cysts of soft tissues, coarsening of the breast during menstruation, increased sensitivity, liquid discharge, growth of gland lobules. Identification of individual atypical cells is a state of increased risk of cancer.

Therapy for mastopathy of the nodular type is successful only at the beginning of the disease. Further treatment involves the intervention of a surgeon. Unlike diagnosis, in the nodular form of the disease, fingering is prohibited.

Types of mastopathy

Mastopathy is divided into 3 main types:

• fibrous;
• cystic;
• mixed.

fibrous type

If the fibrous tissue grows atypically, then the pathology has a fibrous type. With a certain nature and non-treatment of mastopathy, cells may degenerate into malignant ones.

cystic type

This type of mastopathy is often combined with gynecological diseases that a woman has, including menstrual irregularities. A cyst can form not only in the soft tissues of the breast, but also in the ovaries. Multiple cysts and nodules cause pain and discomfort. Cases of detection of cystic mastopathy in men are rare, but they do happen.

FCM of the mammary glands has different forms.

After the end of the menopause, the risk of the disease decreases. If there is no therapy, there is a rather high probability of cell transformation into malignant ones.

mixed view

Mixed fibrocystic breast disease is usually preceded by liver and thyroid diseases, chronic female diseases, abortions, lack of breastfeeding, and stressful conditions. In the presence of enlargement of the lobules and an increase in the ducts.

Palpation reveals a smooth oval or round compaction with fuzzy contours, as well as small grain size and coarsening of the lobules. The distribution of fibrous tissue with cysts is usually present in both breasts, although tenderness may be present in only one.

Reasons for development

The reasons for the development of this disease lie in the violation of the hormonal background: a large increase in estrogen, which leads to a lack of progesterone. This imbalance gradually leads to transformations in the mammary glands.

Symptoms according to the form of pathology

Signs of mastopathy and its manifestations largely depend on the physical and psychological state of the woman. Soreness comes from stagnation of blood. Women usually refer to this as breast engorgement.

Sometimes the pain syndrome is unbearable even from touching clothes.

Soreness and swelling decrease after the end of menstruation. The longer the disease continues, the pain becomes incessant. All this leads to a failure in the emotional state of a woman, creates a state of irritation, aggressiveness, or vice versa, tearfulness.

echocardiography on ultrasound

FCM of the mammary glands is often determined by echogram. Echo-signs vary according to the duration of the disease. The age of the patient also plays an important role in the diagnosis. Ultrasound of the breast in adolescence determines the layered structure, forming an irregular shape of the mass.

mammography diagnostician

When an unknown plan of seals appears in the mammary gland, mammography studies are prescribed to determine the severity. This procedure does not carry out any intervention in the structure of breast tissues, needles or surgical instruments are not used, therefore it is considered safe.

Diagnostics

Some forms of the disease, in which small seals and cysts form in large numbers, are difficult to detect during self-examination. Usually, women start to see a specialist only when unpleasant symptoms appear, such as: chest pain, changes in the menstrual cycle, or discharge from the nipples.

FMK is diagnosed using mammography. If it is present, the picture shows pathological changes in the mammary gland, an increase in lymph nodes, and a focus of diseases. The mammologist will determine their number, nature, volume, uniformity. In the photograph, cystic and fibroadenoma formations have the shape of an oval or circle with clear edges.

If there are such complaints, a qualified doctor will prescribe an ultrasound scan. A biochemical blood test may be required to confirm the diagnosis. If a cyst or tumor is detected, a puncture is prescribed. FCM of the mammary glands on ultrasound images manifests itself in the form of thickening of the walls of the ducts, increased echogenicity of the glandular layer due to the large number of fibrous structures.

Treatment

Treatment of this disease begins with a high-quality diagnosis using mammography and ultrasound, which is more effective on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. If there is swelling, you can take diuretics, to increase metabolism - a complex of vitamins. For pain in the mammary glands, anti-inflammatory therapy is used.

If during the course of the disease, a nervous breakdown occurs, sedatives and antidepressants are prescribed. Much attention should be paid to vitamins. Their use facilitates the condition of the woman as a whole. For pain relief, you can additionally use ointments that help reduce inflammation and swelling.

With a serious running form

FCM of the mammary glands in a neglected form is treated with surgery or puncture. If the diagnosis revealed diseases associated with mastopathy in endocrinology or gynecology, treatment is prescribed along with the recommendations of doctors in these areas.

For greater effectiveness, diseases that cause FCM of the mammary glands are initially treated and hormone therapy is used.

Non-hormonal treatments

Non-hormonal treatments include diet, taking vitamins and anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics that improve blood circulation. The prescribed drug Mastodinone, which does not contain hormones, well reduces neoplasms.

It is also mandatory to take funds containing:

• phospholipids;
• zinc;
• carotene;
• selenium.

The duration of such treatment is approximately 4 months.

With FMK, vitamin therapy is carried out, which includes the intake of vitamins A, E, B, C, P, PP. The doctor prescribes iodine-containing drugs (Iodine-Active, Yodomorin). Due to the psycho-emotional instability of patients, sedatives are used (valerian, motherwort).

Required to take drugs that stimulate the immune system. They are often replaced with herbal remedies (radiola, eleutherococcus). Medicines from the NSAID group form the basis of therapy (Nise, Indomethacin), which is supplemented with diuretics (Lysix, Fitolizin).

hormone therapy

Hormonal preparations can be taken only after a blood test. Drugs are initially prescribed in the minimum dose, since side effects in the form of sleep disorders are possible. In no case should you self-medicate.

Treatment is prescribed by a highly qualified specialist, taking into account all the results of the preliminary examination:

• blood tests;
• mammography;
• palpation.

For a complete cure, hormonal drugs should be used for at least 4 months. Preferably drugs that have a plant base or for external use. Only in severe cases is it possible to use more serious hormonal drugs.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a good help for the treatment of mastopathy. According to the current theory, this treatment is used by applying small doses of the compounds that caused the disease. Means are vegetable and animal based. The components of these preparations are thoroughly diluted.

Homeopathic remedies do not have side effects and are widely used as an addition to traditional treatment. They have a mild effect on the body, are easily tolerated, and allergic reactions do not appear after taking them. It is impossible to take risks using the funds of manufacturers from Asian countries, who often did not undergo medical research in Russia.

Preparations:

• relieve swelling;
• stop pain;
• normalize the hormonal background;
• relieve inflammation;
• significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Diet

Diet is one of the main indicators of the effectiveness of treatment.

The following foods should be excluded from your diet:

• Bread and flour.
• All kinds of sweets, including honey.
• Salinity and smoked meats.
• Fried and fatty foods.

Smoking and alcohol should be excluded. The intake of alcoholic beverages negatively affects the recovery of a woman.

Folk methods of treatment

Tinctures, herbal decoctions, made products for compresses have earned the attention of our grandmothers. The test of time has been carried out, and folk remedies in fact confirm their effectiveness in the treatment of mastopathy. They have no contraindications, do not have an allergic effect on the body. Ointments are combined with most medicines.

Here are some plants that help in the treatment of mastopathy:

What is dangerous mastopathy

It is important to learn about the disease at the very beginning of its development. In order not to fall into the risk zone, every woman should be examined at least twice a year. The examination should be complete, including ultrasound and mammography. Mastopathy has a negative effect on the female genital area, greatly worsens the condition of the thyroid gland.

The nervous system during the illness is greatly depleted, the headaches that appear aggravate this condition, appetite disappears, which subsequently leads to a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. If a woman misses the beginning of the disease process and refuses treatment, there is a very high probability of cancer.

Mastopathy is associated with the genitourinary system. As a result of its development, gynecological diseases appear, libido decreases.

If diagnostic measures are carried out on time, qualified treatment is prescribed on time and the patient strictly observed it, the possibility of a complete recovery without consequences is very high.

Prevention of mastopathy

Regardless of the type and complexity of the disease, there are methods of prevention that can prevent mastopathy of the mammary glands.

They are the following:

Timely treatment helps to completely get rid of the problem. Many who find they have lumps on their chest take no further action. All this leads to an urgent operation, without which advanced cases of FCM of the mammary glands cannot be cured.

After the intervention, the breast becomes deformed, requiring an even more expensive operation. Doctors recommend visiting a mammologist twice a year to avoid complications.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about breast FCM

Features of the disease and treatment of FCM of the mammary glands:

Mastopathy is the proliferation of mammary gland tissues under the influence of many factors, the main of which is hormonal imbalance.

Breast examination methods

For the diagnosis of mastopathy is carried out:

1. Ultrasound (sonography). It is often supplemented by dopplerography - the study of blood flow velocity in altered tissues, indicating the degree of damage.

2. MRI.

3. Computed tomography.

4. Diaphanoscopy (transillumination) - transillumination of the mammary gland in a dark room using a beam of light from a point source.

5. Thermography - study of the thermal field of the mammary glands by transillumination of the thoracic region with sensitive infrared rays.

6. Radioisotope scanning.

Very effective diagnostic methods are x-ray examination methods:

mammography (radiography of the mammary glands);

large-frame fluoromammography;

ductography (galactography) - the study of the milk ducts by filling them with a radiopaque substance;

pneumomammography - injection of gas into the breast tissue before radiography to stretch them, which allows you to consider morphological disorders in them;

pneumocystography - stretching the cyst with gas before X-ray examination in order to examine in detail its structure and membrane;

· Angio- and lymphography - study of the network of blood and lymphatic vessels using X-ray contrast.

Lab tests

To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out:

1. Cytological examination of aspiration biopsy materials, secretions from the nipple of the affected gland, smears and scrapings.

2. Histological examination of altered tissues. They are obtained under anesthesia with a biopsy:

excisional - that is, excision with a scalpel of a part of the seal with adjacent tissues;

trepanobiopsy - when material is taken in the form of a tissue column from a deep-lying seal by inserting a thick needle;

light-optical microscopy;

Immunohistochemical study.

According to the accepted algorithm of laboratory research, cytological analyzes are carried out first. If there is discharge from the nipple, an imprint smear is made, which is examined under a microscope to detect abnormal cells. Such analyzes are repeated periodically to monitor the dynamics of pathological processes.

In cases of doubtful interpretation of the results of cytological analysis, a histological examination is carried out, which allows us to give a final conclusion about the nature of the compaction.

Determination of hormonal status

Since endocrine disorders are to blame for the occurrence of mastopathy, treatment of the disease is impossible without restoring the normal hormonal background.

The mammary gland is affected by the level of:

Estrogens (produced in the ovaries) are estriol and estradiol;

prolactin (synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland);

progesterone (produced by the pituitary gland).

When mastopathy is detected:

Decreased progesterone levels

an increase in prolactin levels.

Indirectly, the following are involved in the regulation of the cycle of functioning of the mammary gland:

1. Thyrotropic hormone produced in the pituitary gland (TSH);

2. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland - triiodothyronine (T3) with thyroxine (T4). Their content in the blood is inversely related to the level of TSH. It increases during pregnancy.

3. Androgens (testosterone) - in the female body they prevent the development of breast diseases.

4. Corticosteroids (synthesized in the adrenal glands) - together with prolactin, they regulate the function of the mammary glands.

5. Insulin (pancreatic secretion) - stimulates the development of the milk ducts and their work.

6. Prostaglandins (synthesized in many tissues and organs) - regulate metabolic reactions, affect the vascular walls.

Quantitative indicators of the content of these hormones in the blood depend on the physiological state of the woman, her age, and the duration of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, only a specialist endocrinologist can interpret the results of tests for the content of hormones.

Rules for donating blood to determine the concentration of hormones

For objective data tests for mastopathy a woman should give blood from a vein for hormone content on the 7-9th or 20-22nd day of the monthly cycle, observing the following rules:

1. Blood should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. The day before you can not take alcohol.

3. Several hours must pass after the last cigarette smoked, if this habit is present.

4. During the day before the analysis there should not be intensive sports training.

5. During the day before the analysis, also exclude intimate contacts and even touching erogenous zones - they can affect the concentration of the hormone prolactin in the blood.

6. If you regularly take medications, you must notify the doctor in advance.

The following circumstances may distort the results of the study:

1. Acute bacterial or viral infections.

2. Worm infestations.

3. Some diets.

4. Taking anabolic steroids.

5. Stressful situation.

6. Overwork.

If questionable results are obtained, tests for mastopathy are repeated after a period specified by the doctor.

Determination of tumor markers

Mastopathy in some cases is regarded as a precancer. It is very important for a doctor in the process of treating mastopathy to control the condition of the gland and the tumor. Early detection of malignant degeneration is the main task facing the specialist.

Prediction and detection of tumors has become possible with the use of tumor markers. Tumor markers are proteins or hormones produced by the neoplasm itself. They are found in the tumor tissue, as well as in the blood, urine, cerebrospinal, pleural, ascitic and cystic fluid.

Each stage of pathology development has its own oncomarkers of breast tumors. Taking them into account, it is possible to plan treatment tactics correctly.

Tumor markers of breast tumors

1. Cancer antigens (CA) - 15-3 and 27-29 - are detected:

in almost all patients with metastatic form;

in case of early recurrence of the primary tumor after its treatment;

In small quantities - with a benign tumor (mastopathy);

in the third trimester of a normal pregnancy (you should be careful in this case).

It is believed that the concentration of 30 U/ml is the norm of CA 15-3; 40 IU / ml - norm CA 27-29.

2. Plasminogen activator urokinase (PAK) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) - in high concentrations are found in aggressive progressive cancer with lymph node involvement. Their level in the blood is established to determine the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.

Monitoring of ongoing treatment in breast cancer is also carried out by determining the concentration of tumor markers:

1. CEA (cancer-embryonic antigen). The norm is 5 ng / ml.

2. MPA (mucin-like cancer-associated antigen).

3. CA 19-9 antigens; SA-125.

A good prognostic indicator is a decrease in the concentration of tumor markers in the blood compared to the initial values, and an increase in numbers indicates the ineffectiveness of treatment.

Cancer detection is more qualitative when two markers are determined at once: CA 15-3, as the main one in identifying a breast tumor, and CEA.

Rules for donating blood to determine markers

Indicators of oncological protein are determined in the serum of venous blood. The term for performing tests for mastopathy is 3 hours. Decoding is carried out only by a specialist, taking into account all the circumstances of the disease in each individual patient.

To obtain reliable analyzes, a number of conditions must be met:

1. Donate blood if at least two weeks have passed after the end of the medication, or before the start of the course of treatment.

2. If medication is necessary, this is indicated in the referral.

3. Donate blood in the morning, the last meal should be 12-14 hours before donating blood.

4. The day before the analysis, physical activity should be reduced to a minimum.

5. During the last days before blood sampling, you should not eat fried and fatty foods, take alcoholic beverages.

6. It is necessary to give up smoking for a day before the examination.

To take an analysis for the presence of oncomarkers for prevention is shown to all women who have reached the age of 40, especially during menopause or who have undergone treatment for breast mastopathy in women.

Manifestations of mastopathy

Pathology develops imperceptibly for a long time. Its first sign may be minor pain in the breast, appearing a few days before menstruation. When touching the chest, the pain intensifies. When palpating, there is an increased density of breast tissue. This is especially noticeable if there are focal seals under the fingers - nodes.

These "discoveries" are sufficient reason to see a doctor - a gynecologist, mammologist, endocrinologist or surgeon.

Forms of mastopathy

Mastopathy as an initial diagnosis is established quickly on the basis of the patient's complaints and examination. But in order to choose the right treatment method, it is necessary to determine the form of mastopathy. She happens:

1. Nodal

2. Diffuse.

But in addition to these basic forms, specialists distinguish by the nature of the mastopathy tissues involved in the process:

3. Cystic.

4. Fibrocystic.

5. Adenoma (pathological growth of glandular tissue).

6. Fibroadenoma.

It is possible to understand the features of the resulting compaction with such meager symptoms with the help of additional research methods.

Every third or fourth woman of childbearing age from 30 to 45 years old is faced with a common pathology affecting the mammary glands, with a long and incomprehensible name. Therefore, you should find out in time what fibrocystic mastopathy is from a medical point of view.

Fibrocystic disease or fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands (FCM) is a focal formation with a non-malignant condition of breast tissues, which is formed against the background of an imbalance of hormones produced by the body, in which cystic formations and nodes of various shapes, structures and sizes appear. In this case, an abnormal relationship is observed between the epithelium and connective tissue in the gland, both due to proliferation (growth) and due to atrophy (decrease).

To understand what fibrous mastopathy and cystic mastopathy of the mammary glands are, you need to imagine the structure of the gland.

The mammary gland is formed by three types of tissue, the ratio of which is directly affected by age, hormonal fluctuations, and the state of the reproductive organs. What are these fabrics?

1. The parenchyma is directly the glandular tissue itself, divided into lobes.
2. Stroma is a connective frame tissue that is located between the lobes and lobules.
3. The stroma and parenchyma are enveloped and protected by adipose tissue.

Most often, cystic and fibrotic changes in the mammary glands are observed in the parenchyma, less often under the influence of hormones, stromal fibrosis occurs.

The diffuse process is defined in medicine as extensive, affecting a large array of breast tissue.

Fibrous - means an abnormal growth of the connective tissue of the mammary gland. Such fibrosis of the stroma can disrupt the structure of the lobes and ducts, leading to the appearance of abnormal structures in them.

The term cystic denotes the appearance characteristic of mastopathy.

Causes

The main causes of fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands are due to the imbalance of hormones - lack of progesterone, abnormally high production of estradiol, prolactin, somatotropin and prostaglandins. Deviations from the normal ratio between the amounts of these hormones lead to fibrocystic changes in the mammary gland.

Glandular mastopathy appears after a fairly long period of time, since a combination of factors provocateurs of hormonal disorders and their long-term influence is required.

Such factors provocateurs of fibrocystic changes include:

• premature puberty in girls, because early (up to 11-12 years old) menarche (the first menstrual cycle) gives too high a hormonal load on the body, which also affects the condition of the mammary glands;
• menopause later than 55 years due to prolonged exposure to hormones on fibrous adipose tissue;
• frequent abortions and miscarriages (due to abrupt hormonal changes);
• lack of childbirth and pregnancy in general;
• gynecological diseases depending on hormonal disorders (endometriosis, menstrual dysfunction);
• a short period of feeding the baby with breast milk, refusal of breastfeeding in general;
• hereditary factor (on the mother's side);
• age over 35 - 38 years;
• frequent or prolonged stressful situations, often provoking endocrine disorders;
• obesity (hormonal activity of adipose tissue leads to hyperproduction of estrogen);
• neoplasms in the hypothalamus, (these tumors can disrupt the proper production of estrogen, FSH and LH);
• diseases of the liver, genitourinary organs, thyroid gland (hypo- and hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis), diabetes mellitus;
• trauma, compression, inflammation of the mammary glands;
• uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs, birth control pills;
• iodine deficiency;
• sluggish intimate life, lack of orgasms (blood stagnation occurs in the vessels of the reproductive organs, causing ovarian dysfunction and subsequent changes in hormonal levels).

General symptoms

The severity of symptoms of fibrous mastopathy is determined by the form of pathology and concomitant internal diseases.

The following main features dominate in diagnosing mastopathy of the mammary glands:

1. Mastodynia (soreness of the mammary glands).

At the first stage of the disease, every tenth woman has pain in the mammary glands before menstruation, and this manifestation is falsely considered as a sign of premenstrual syndrome.

The pain is moderate, intense, has a different character (stabbing, aching, jerking), which is associated with the depth and activity of the process. With severe pain, it is sometimes impossible to touch the chest. After menstruation, the pains subside, but as the mastopathy deepens, they become permanent, and their degree depends on the phase of the monthly cycle.

1. Swelling of the mammary glands (engorgement) associated with stagnation of blood in the veins.
2. Discharge from the breast.

This characteristic symptom of the disease manifests itself only in half of the patients, indicating the defeat of the fibrocystic process of the milk ducts.

Most often, the amount of discharge from the mammary gland is insignificant, and the fluid appears spontaneously or when the nipple is squeezed. The contents resemble watery colostrum. Greenish, yellow color indicates the development of infection. A menacing symptom is the appearance of a brownish bloody fluid from the nipple, which raises the suspicion of possible damage, capillary lesions, tumor development and requires immediate examination.

1. Enlargement, soreness and tension of the lymph nodes closest to the chest. This symptom is usually mild.
2. Depression, tearfulness, emotional instability, irritability (especially often manifested in pain).
3. The appearance of mobile and fixed seals, nodes in the thickness of the mammary gland, on palpation of which the diagnosis of fibrocystic mastopathy is made during a routine examination by a mammologist.

Do you use folk remedies?

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Forms and types of mastopathy

The classification of glandular mastopathy of the mammary gland provides for the allocation of the main forms of pathology: and nodular.

Initial stage for both forms

The primary stage of the disease is characterized by the development of limited processes in the chest.

When painful changes are limited to a certain area, focal breast fibrosis is diagnosed. In this case, seals with dimensions of 20-30 mm (more often single ones) of a round, oval shape are usually formed in the upper outer and inner quadrant (zone) of the gland.

It is in this area that the thickness of the fibrous-adipose tissue is especially pronounced, a large number of lymph nodes and large vessels are located, around which inflammatory and tumor processes occur. Such local fibrosis of the mammary gland is considered as the initial stage of deep multiplication of fibrocytes (stromal cells).

The leading causes of such a pathology are considered to be an excessive release of estrogen and a lack of progesterone, as well as a violation of neurohumoral regulation (the relationship between metabolic processes and neurogenic activity).

Fibrous form and its types

Adenosis, in which hyperplasia (growth) of the glandular epithelium of the lobes and milk ducts is pronounced. At the same time, the tissue of the organ retains its structure, and the excessive growth of the parenchyma is characterized by a significant increase in the size of the breast.

Manifestations of adenosis of the mammary glands can be moderately tolerable (in girls) and pronounced, which manifest themselves in the development of a sclerosing variety of adenosis. It is characterized by damage to the breast by accumulations of microcalcifications (salt deposits), with a certain degree of probability of the appearance of potential foci of cancerous degeneration of cells.

Fibroadenomatosis is a fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands, in which the fibrous component dominates. It is characterized by growths of the stroma, and in a later stage - multiple appearance. This is a benign cystic formation of the mammary gland - round, mobile, with a fairly clear contour and density, the appearance of which means that the disease has passed into a nodular form.

Fibrous pathology includes periductal fibrosis (plasmocytic), more common in women during menopause. With it, growths in the form of infiltrates (clusters) of plasma cells form around the milk ducts. Perivascular fibrosis is a type of periductal fibrosis in which there is an abnormal growth of stroma around the milk ducts, blood and lymphatic vessels in the form of seals of collagen fibers.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight the state of fibro-fatty involution (reverse development). This is a physiological (not pathological) process in the mammary glands when a woman reaches the age menopause in normal terms. The essence of the ongoing structural changes is the replacement of parenchyma cells with connective and adipose tissue cells.

Leading signs of fibrous mastopathy:

• change in color and sensitivity of the skin over the affected area;
• heaviness, bursting;
• colostrum-like discharge from the nipple (colorless to colored);
• moderate pulling pains, aggravated before "menstruation" with a possible return to the armpit and shoulder;
• determination by palpation of enlarged, tense mammary glands with a noticeable allocation of lobes and fine granularity.

cystic form

With cystic mastopathy, small cavity structures form in the mammary gland.

The main signs of fibrocystic mastopathy in this form are:

• single and multiple small neoplasms in the form of dense blisters, well defined when probing in a vertical position;
• tension of the mammary glands;
• sometimes - significant soreness of the seals when probing;
• a slight increase in formations with this type of mastopathy and axillary lymph nodes before menstruation;
• the formation of dense strands (linear stranded fibrosis).

According to the intensity of changes, fibro-fatty and glandular-cystic mastopathy is divided into degrees: minor, moderate and severe, and its types depend on the nature of structural changes in the tissues.

The cystic form often includes fibroadenomatosis with a dominant cystic rather than fibrous component, as well as linear (interlobular) fibrosis, in which nodes and strand structures are formed against the background of stroma growth between the lobes and inside the ducts. At the same time, clear echo signs of fibrocystic mastopathy are revealed on ultrasound.

Mixed form of fibrocystic mastopathy

This type of mastopathy often occurs in a mixed form, differing in a combination of fibro-fatty and cystic forms of the disease and their characteristic features. Fibrous disease of the mammary gland is well defined independently and can be seen on the pictures during mammography.

Nodular mastopathy

Nodular mastopathy or localized adenomatosis in most cases is a further development of the disease. of this type is a focal form of the disease, which in oncology is considered as a precancerous process. Knots in the tissues are easily palpable.

The types of nodular mastopathy include:

• cystic formations;
• fibroadenoma with a dominant cystic component;
• papillomas inside the milk ducts;
• leaf-shaped tumors;
• hamartoma, lipogranuloma, lipoma, angioma.

Features of nodular formations

1. If the nodes are of cystic origin, then they have a dense elastic structure, clear contours and a shape delimited from adjacent tissues.
2. Nodes in the form of foci of seals are probed as formations with pronounced lobes without obvious boundaries.
3. The dimensions of the foci of seals reach 60 - 70 mm.
4. The pain syndrome is either insignificant or absent.
5. They can be single, multiple, detected on one or both sides (two-sided FCM).
6. Before the menstrual cycle, seals may increase, swell, and become painful.
7. It is difficult to palpate if the patient is in a horizontal position during examination.
8. Peripheral lymph nodes are not enlarged.

Bilateral mastopathy

The defeat of the fibro-fatty and glandular tissue of both glands means that bilateral fibro-cystic mastopathy develops, indicating a persistent and serious hormonal disorder. Therefore, treatment involves the mandatory normalization of the level and ratio of hormones, as well as identifying the cause of such an imbalance, including dysfunction of the ovaries, the pituitary-hypothalamus system, the thyroid gland, and the adrenal glands.

The bilateral process almost doubles the risk of cancerous degeneration of diseased cells.

What is dangerous fibrous mastopathy

Initially, glandular mastopathy was not considered as a condition with a high risk of oncology.

But medical practice and research have revealed that breast fibrosis should be considered and treated as an intermediate precancerous condition that can, with varying degrees of probability, lead to malignancy (acquiring the properties of a malignant tumor by cells).

At an early stage, the disease responds well to therapy, so it is recommended that all diagnostic procedures be performed by a mammologist as soon as possible and begin treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy without waiting for complications.

Nodular pathology can be proliferating (progressive) and non-proliferating.

The proliferative form is more often unfavorable, when the tissue actively grows with the formation of neoplasms in the milk ducts and on the inner walls of the cavity structures, with the further development of cystadenopapillomas. Such changes carry the threat of malignant degeneration.

Diagnostics

Before prescribing diagnostic measures, the doctor will examine, palpate the chest and take an anamnesis. Already during the initial examination, the patient can be diagnosed with asymmetry of the mammary glands, edema, venous pattern, changes in the position and shape of the nipples.

Palpation of the chest should be carried out in the first phase of the monthly cycle. Probing is carried out in two positions - standing and lying down. This is due to the fact that some neoplasms can be detected only in one of the positions of the body. Also, during the examination, the doctor may squeeze the nipples to determine the presence or absence of discharge.

To confirm the diagnosis, the following studies may be prescribed:

• mammography;
• Ultrasound of the mammary gland and pelvic organs;
• puncture. Puncture biopsy is necessary in order to differentiate FCM from, cancerous tumors and other formations. During this procedure, the specialist will take a fragment of the neoplasm, which will later be sent for histological examination;
• determining the level of hormones;
• blood chemistry;
• ductography;
• pneumocystography;
• thermography;
• MRI or CT.

Medical treatment of FCM

In order for the treatment of mastopathy to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis, based on the results of which the doctor will prescribe complex therapy. Conservative treatment can be carried out with the help of non-hormonal or hormonal drugs.

Non-hormonal drugs that are used to treat FCM:

1. Vitamins. Vitamin A has an antiestrogenic effect, vitamin E enhances the effect of progesterone, vitamin B6 reduces the concentration of prolactin, vitamin P and ascorbic acid strengthen the walls of blood vessels, relieve swelling of the gland, and improve blood circulation in it. All of these vitamins have a positive effect on the functioning of the liver, namely, estrogens are inactivated in it.
2. Iodine preparations normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland, and also participate in the synthesis of its hormones. In this connection, doctors prescribe Iodine active, Iodomarin.
3. Sedatives and adaptogens. Sedatives - valerian, motherwort, peony tincture improve the psycho-emotional state of a woman, minimize the effect of stress on the body. Adaptogens (Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus) increase immunity, have a positive effect on metabolism and normalize liver function.
4. Phytopreparations (Mastodinon, Remens, Cyclodinon) stabilize the hormonal background, reduce the production of prolactin, stop pathological processes in the mammary gland.
5. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nise, Indomethacin, Diclofenac) relieve swelling and reduce pain by reducing the concentration of prostaglandins.
6. Diuretics (kidney tea, lingonberry leaf or Lasix) relieve pain by removing excess fluid from the body, which leads to a decrease in swelling.

Hormonal Therapy:

1. Gestagens (Pregnil, Utrozhestan, Norkolut, Dufaston). Preparations of this group reduce the production of estrogens in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Experts recommend taking these drugs for at least 4-6 months. Also, gestagens are prescribed for local use (Progestogel gel). This gel must be applied to the mammary glands for several months. This use provides 90% absorption of progesterone and eliminates the possible side effects observed with oral administration.
2. Prolactin production inhibitors (Parlodel). It is prescribed for overt hyperprolactinemia.
3. Androgens (Danazol, Methyltestosterone, Testobromlecit). They are prescribed for older women.
4. Antiestrogens (Tamoxifen).
5. Combined oral contraceptives (Rigevidon, Marvelon). These medications are recommended for women under 35 who have irregularities in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

Methods for removing neoplasms in the breast

An operation to remove fibrocystic mastopathy is rarely prescribed. Surgical intervention is advisable in the absence of a positive effect from conservative treatment or in the case when there is a suspicion of a malignant process in the mammary gland.

Also, the removal operation is indispensable in the following cases:

• a woman or girl is diagnosed with nodular fibrocystic mastopathy in the late stage;
• the presence of painful sensations that interfere with the patient;
• inflammatory process;
• suppuration of neoplasms in the chest or their rupture.

Operations to remove fibrocystic mastopathy are carried out in the following ways:

1. Enucleation. In this case, surgeons remove the neoplasm itself, while healthy breast tissue is not affected.
2. sectoral resection. Together with the formation, part of the affected tissue is removed.
3. Radical resection (the mammary gland is completely removed).

With fibrocystic mastopathy, enucleation is often used. This intervention lasts no more than an hour, after which the woman is left in the hospital for several hours for medical supervision. If no complications have arisen during this period, then she is discharged home. Postoperative sutures are removed after 10-12 days.

Consequences and recovery after surgery

In the recovery period after surgery, it is recommended to strictly follow all the recommendations of the attending physician:

1. Regularly change the dressing and treat postoperative sutures to speed up the healing process of wounds and prevent infection.
2. Take all medications prescribed by your doctor. These can be antibiotics, hormonal agents, agents for accelerating tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. Keep calm. Bed rest must be observed for at least 4-5 days to prevent the sutures from coming apart.
4. Eat properly and fully, follow a diet prescribed by a specialist.

At the time appointed by the doctor, the patient must undergo a medical examination, during which the stitches will be removed and a further course of therapy will be prescribed.

As a rule, the recovery period after removal of fibrocystic mastopathy passes without complications. The trace after the operation remains hardly noticeable, it can be quickly eliminated with the help of modern medical cosmetology.

But even after the operation, it is necessary to regularly undergo examinations by a mammologist, since the risk of cell degeneration into a malignant tumor still exists.

Since the removal of fibrocystic neoplasms in the chest is still an operation, it can provoke the following complications:

• bleeding;
• the appearance of a hematoma in the chest cavity;
• inflammation and suppuration of the wound;
• asymmetry of the mammary glands;
• atrophy of the pectoral muscle;
• nerve or vascular injury.

A recurrence of the disease can be observed in the presence of foci of pathologically altered tissue, which can occur with an incorrectly defined border of surgical intervention.

If the disease is not treated in a timely manner, the consequences of FKM can be very serious. The most dangerous complication of the disease may be breast cancer. The initial stages of the malignant process are usually non-invasive, and important organs are not affected, so the early stages are treated quite successfully. But in medicine, there are cases when cancer is invasive, and then the following forms of oncology may occur:

1. Ductal cancer, which is localized in the wall of the duct. Characterized by rapid growth. The tumor in a short time can spread outside the lactiferous duct.
2. Lobular cancer initially affects the breast tissue, but gradually extends beyond it.
3. Inflammatory cancer is rare. It has a similar clinical picture with mastitis, which is why differential diagnosis is so important.
4. Ulcerative form of cancer (Paget's cancer).

Prevention and contraindications

First of all, the prevention of fibrocystic mastopathy is to eliminate the underlying diseases that give impetus to its development. It is also necessary to exclude external provoking factors.

Every woman must regularly conduct an independent examination of the mammary glands and, if the shape of the breast changes, soreness, discharge from the nipples and other alarming signs appear, immediately seek advice from a mammologist.

It is important for girls to choose the right bra - it is desirable that it be made of natural fabrics, and also that it does not deform or strongly compress the mammary glands.

Good prevention of fibrocystic mastopathy is childbirth and a long period of breastfeeding. It is necessary to avoid abortions, live a full sexual life, try not to react to stressful situations, eat right and lead an active lifestyle. Patients are advised to give up coffee, strong tea, flour and sweets. Many doctors associate the occurrence of fibrous structures in the chest with abnormalities in the work of the intestines, so girls should eliminate constipation, normalize the bacterial flora.

In the presence of fibrocystic mastopathy, it is not recommended to drink alcohol, smoke and heat the mammary glands (visit saunas and baths).

Fibrocystic mastopathy is a pathology that requires immediate treatment. Delay and uncontrolled medication can only worsen a woman's condition and lead to the transformation of a benign neoplasm into a malignant one.

What are the causes of fibrocystic mastopathy, what is it? This disease is characterized by a benign course. Fibrocystic mastopathy is accompanied by the appearance of seals and cysts in the chest, which can have a different shape and size. Most often, this form of the disease is diagnosed in women of reproductive age (30-45 years).

The risk group includes those who suffer from various gynecological problems. Fibrocystic mastopathy is very easy to cure in the early stages. Therefore, a timely visit to a doctor will prevent many life-threatening consequences for a woman.

The mechanism of development of pathology

The mechanism of development of fibrocystic mastopathy is the presence of hormonal imbalance in the body of a woman. Most often, this pathology occurs with insufficient production of progesterone.

Also, fibrocystic mastopathy appears in the presence of concomitant problems with the ovaries, which leads to hyperfunction of estrogen. This hormone causes increased cell division in the mammary glands, which should be inhibited in the second phase of the menstrual cycle when sufficient progesterone is produced.

Also, a negative effect on the condition of the mammary glands produces excessive production of prolactin. This hormone is responsible for lactation and normally begins to be released during pregnancy. If the level of prolactin has increased for other reasons, then the development of fibrocystic mastopathy is quite possible.

Causes of the disease

Changes in the hormonal background, which lead to fibrocystic mastopathy, occur in the presence of certain negative factors. To provoke this disease, it is necessary that they act on the body of a woman for a long period of time.

Also, fibrocystic mastopathy often appears with the simultaneous negative influence of several factors. These include:

• earlier puberty, which leads to rapid hormonal changes and subsequently to mastopathy;
• late menopause. Prolonged hormonal effects on the mammary glands can provoke fibrocystic mastopathy;
• absence of pregnancy and childbirth up to 30 years;
• refusal or its premature termination;
• hereditary predisposition to mastopathy;
• long stay in a stressful or depressive state;

• the presence of addictions - smoking, alcohol abuse;
• injury to the mammary glands;
• the presence of hormone-dependent diseases of a gynecological nature - fibroids, endometriosis, and others;
• pathology of the liver, thyroid gland, adrenal glands;
• obesity. Subcutaneous fatty tissue is involved in the process of estrogen synthesis, which leads to an increase in its level;
• the presence of tumors in the hypothalamic-pituitary region;
• lack of regular sexual life, sexual dissatisfaction.

Symptoms of mastopathy

Fibrocystic mastopathy - what is it and how is it manifested? This pathology can be determined on the basis of the main symptoms that accompany it. With mastopathy (fibrocystic mastopathy), the following negative manifestations are observed:

• pain sensations. At first, fibrocystic mastopathy is manifested by slight discomfort, which intensifies on the eve of the next menstruation. In the future, the woman observes severe pain. It can be dull, aching, or even sharp. so big that it is almost impossible to touch the chest;
• the appearance of discharge from the nipple. The presence of this symptom in mastopathy is optional. If discharges are present, they may be clear, white, greenish (indicating a secondary infection). The appearance of blood in their composition indicates a malignant course of the disease. Allocations may appear when you press the nipple or flow out on their own;
• during palpation, many formations are found, which can have a different size and character. Usually these seals are quite painful.

With symptoms, treatment, prevention of this pathology is determined on the basis of its course characteristics. There are two main forms of the disease - diffuse and nodular. In the latter case, the formations characteristic of fibrocystic mastopathy are localized in one area of ​​the mammary gland. They appear as dense nodes without obvious boundaries, the size of which can reach 6-7 cm. When forming cysts, a rounded formation is found. It is elastic, has clear boundaries and is not connected to the surrounding tissues.

With the development of a diffuse form of the disease, painful seals are placed throughout the volume of the chest. In this case, fibrocystic mastopathy is divided into several types:

• adenosis. It is characterized by a predominant predominance of glandular tissue. In this case, there is an increase in the density of the mammary glands in combination with pain;
• fibrous form. It is characterized by the appearance of seals, which lead to a significant narrowing of the ducts;
• cystic form. Characterized by the predominance of cysts;
• mixed form. It is characterized by the appearance of various pathological formations in almost equal proportions.

Diagnosis of mastopathy - primary examination

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands is diagnosed using an integrated approach. First of all, the mammologist examines the patient's medical history, conducts an examination. It consists in palpation of the mammary glands, which allows you to determine the presence of nodes, dense inclusions, which can be found in a single or multiple quantity.

The palpation of the chest is performed in two positions - standing and lying down. This examination is used to diagnose mastopathy only in the first phase of the cycle. At other times, palpation is not advisable, since the result will be distorted.

Also, the doctor carefully examines the chest. It determines their symmetry, the presence or absence of edema, the position of the nipples. The composition of the primary examination of a woman without fail includes probing the regional lymph nodes. Of diagnostic value are those that are placed under the armpits, near the collarbones. It is taken into account the presence of any seals. Also, when examining a woman, the doctor squeezes the nipples. This allows you to determine the presence of secretions, their nature and volume.

Instrumental and laboratory methods for diagnosing mastopathy

If FCM is suspected, the doctor prescribes additional tests and diagnostic procedures, which allows you to more accurately determine the nature of negative changes in the mammary glands. These include:

• mammography. It consists in conducting an x-ray examination of the mammary glands. This diagnostic procedure is performed for women who are over 35 years old. At an earlier age, mammography is indicated if there is a high risk of breast cancer. Using this research method, it is possible to identify the smallest formations in the mammary glands with mastopathy, which are not detected during palpation;
• Breast ultrasound. With fibrocystic mastopathy, treatment can be prescribed only after passing this diagnostic procedure. This is an effective research method that is most often used for young women during pregnancy or lactation. Sometimes an ultrasound scan for mastopathy can be uninformative, especially if this procedure is performed by a doctor with low qualifications;
• biopsy puncture. If, as a result of an examination or other diagnostic procedure, a suspicious area was identified, a histological examination of its tissues is performed. To do this, make a puncture;
• blood test for hormones. First of all, the level of estrogen, progesterone, and, if necessary, prolactin, is determined. In some cases, a study is made on the hormones of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. This diagnostic procedure allows you to identify gynecological problems that often precede fibrocystic mastopathy;
• biochemical and general blood test. This study is necessary to identify other pathologies.

Conservative treatment with non-hormonal drugs for mastopathy

How to treat fibrocystic mastopathy to get rid of this problem forever? In the early stages of the disease, doctors recommend resorting to non-hormonal therapy, which is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the whole organism.

Also, this technique is used in more severe cases of mastopathy in combination with other methods of treatment. Non-hormonal therapy is based on the use of the following medications:

• vitamin and mineral complexes. Preparations from this group have a positive effect on the functioning of the whole organism, which directly affects the condition of the mammary glands and relieves mastopathy. Most often, vitamins A, E, P, PP, C, B6 are prescribed;
• iodine preparations. They have a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland, which plays a major role in the production of many hormones that directly affect the state of the mammary glands;
• sedatives. They are used if a sick woman is prone to excessive emotional experiences, excitement, or has more serious problems of a psycho-emotional nature;
• phytopreparations. Assign to eliminate hormonal imbalance in the body of a woman. Phytopreparations are milder than their synthetic counterparts, but to achieve a positive result, it is necessary to undergo a long course of treatment;
• anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal). They are used to eliminate pain syndrome, edema, which cause a lot of suffering in fibrocystic mastopathy;
• diuretics. They are used only in some cases to eliminate large swelling in the mammary glands.

Hormonal therapy of mastopathy

How to cure fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands in the presence of serious pathological changes? In many cases, hormonal therapy will be effective, which eliminates the imbalance of hormones that leads to this disease. Women with mastopathy are most often prescribed:

• gestagens. Assign to the second phase of the cycle to normalize the level of estrogen and progesterone. Treatment with gestagens should occur for at least 4 months. Also, drugs from this group can be applied in the form of gels topically, which minimizes the possibility of any side effects;
• inhibitors of prolactin production. They are prescribed to reduce the level of this hormone, which is determined on the basis of a blood test;
• androgens. Data treatment is indicated for women at a more mature age (after 45 years). Androgens are prescribed for a long period - 4-6 months;
• antiestrogen. These drugs inhibit the production of estrogen, which leads to an improvement in the condition of a woman in the presence of mastopathy;
• . Appointed for women whose age is less than 35 years. They help to normalize the cycle, which has a positive effect on the condition of the mammary glands.

Surgical treatment for mastopathy

Surgical treatment of mastopathy occurs if, as a result of examination, large formations (fibroadenomas, cysts) in the breast are detected, the size of which exceeds 1.5 cm. The operation is necessary if there is a high risk of developing malignant processes. Also, surgical intervention is indicated for recurrence of the disease or when the size of the formations is rapidly increasing. The operation to remove them is performed in several ways:

• enucleation. It is used when a small formation needs to be removed. To do this, a small incision is made on the chest, and the tumor is removed by exfoliation;
• sectoral resection. It is carried out with the development of malignant processes or in other severe cases. In this case, not only the formation is removed, but also a small part of the surrounding tissues;
• laser ablation. When it is carried out, the modified tissues are burned out, while healthy cells are minimally injured.

How to treat mastopathy? They help in many cases. The following recipes are considered the most popular and effective:

• cabbage with honey A fresh leaf is washed under running water, wiped. It is smeared with honey and applied to the breast. Cabbage is fixed with a cloth or bandage and left for 6-12 hours. The procedure is repeated every day;
• herbal collection. To normalize the hormonal background, it is necessary to take nettle, sage, wormwood and plantain (1: 1: 2: 2). A small amount of this mixture should be poured with 220 ml of boiling water and insisted for an hour. The resulting liquid is recommended to drink during the day, divided into several doses;
• burdock ointment. This tool must be daily lubricated chest. To prepare the ointment, take 150 ml of sunflower oil, where add 50 g of crushed burdock leaves (dried).

The mammary glands are an element of the female reproductive system that perform several important functions. Diseases of this organ can seriously affect health, and provoke dangerous complications. Fibrocystic mastopathy is one of the most common diseases of the mammary glands, as a lot of women face it. In view of this, you need to know the disease, its symptoms, causes.

Fibrocystic mastopathy is a disease in which it is formed in one of the lobes of the mammary glands. The neoplasm is benign in nature, however, despite this, it negatively affects the functioning of the mammary glands and can disrupt their basic functions. In addition, the risk of transition to a malignant form is not excluded.

It should be noted that there are several varieties of mastopathy, which differ depending on the nature of the lesion. The mammary glands consist of epithelium, connective and adipose tissues, penetrated by blood and lymph nodes. Also inside the body are the ducts through which breast milk enters during lactation.

With FCM, there is a violation of the ratio of different types of tissues in the mammary glands. As a result, a number of regressive processes occur that affect not only the reproductive system, but the body as a whole.

The main types of FCM are diffuse and nodular. The first form is divided into three varieties, depending on which type of tissue prevails (glandular, fibrous or cystic component). There is also a mixed form.

With FCM with a predominance of the fibrous component, a strong proliferation of the connective tissues of the mammary gland occurs. In the case of the disease, the predominant place is occupied by a cystic neoplasm.

Nodular mastopathy is accompanied by the formation of separate seals. Growth of glandular and fibrous tissue does not occur throughout the gland, but only in some departments.

In addition to the nature of the damage to the tissues of the mammary glands, FCM differs in the severity of the course. There are proliferating and non-proliferating forms of mastopathy. In the first case, the disease provokes strong pressure on the epithelial tissue. Proliferating mastopathy is considered more dangerous, since the likelihood of transformation into a malignant form is much higher.

In general, mastopathy is a disease associated with a violation of the ratio of mammary gland tissues, and a benign neoplasm that appears against this background.

Causes of the disease

Fibrocystic mastopathy is most common in women of reproductive age. According to statistics, the disease occurs in about 70% of patients. One of the reasons for the high prevalence of FCM is that the process of disease development is influenced by a large number of factors, the influence of many of which cannot be eliminated.

Possible reasons for the development of mastopathy:

• . FCM in almost all cases is associated with failures of the menstrual cycle. Such disorders can occur for a variety of reasons. It should be remembered that the menstrual cycle is a process that covers the entire body, and not just the genitals. Hormonal failure can act as a cause and as a consequence of such disorders.
• Endocrine diseases. The development of fibrocystic mastopathy can be caused by a number of diseases of the endocrine glands. Against the background of pathological processes, in which the production of certain hormones becomes less active, a hormonal imbalance occurs, which in turn is the root cause of the development of mastopathy.
• Absence of childbirth. With a long absence of pregnancy, childbirth, and, accordingly, lactation, the mammary glands do not perform their main function. Because of this, the process of restructuring the structure of the glands begins, which leads to various forms of mastopathy. Lack of pregnancy and lactation can lead to many other reproductive disorders, including early menopause.

  

• cases of abortion. With artificial termination of pregnancy, an acute hormonal imbalance occurs. This is due to the fact that during the period of gestation, the woman's body is completely rebuilt to perform this function. A sudden interruption of the process has a negative impact on the reproductive system, especially if the abortion was not performed early.
• Irregular sexual intercourse. The lack of a full sexual life also has a negative impact on the reproductive system. During sexual contact, a number of processes are activated in the body of women, since the body perceives even protected sexual intercourse as a way of self-reproduction. Lack of sexual intercourse also leads to a decrease in immunity, vascular diseases, and other diseases.
• . Due to the increased stress load on the body, the consumption of certain hormones is accelerated, which, as a result, leads to an already known imbalance. In addition, with frequent stress, the production of cortisol, which is called the stress hormone, is activated. This substance activates the growth process of the neoplasm of the mammary gland.
• Irradiation. The reason for the development of mastopathy in its various forms can be a long stay in the sun. Ultraviolet in large quantities has an extremely negative effect on the sensitive tissues of the mammary glands, and can become a provoking factor of FCM. Similarly, irradiation in solariums has a negative effect.

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There are various causes of fibrocystic mastopathy that can provoke a disease even in an absolutely healthy person. However, it should be noted that in most cases FCM develops in the presence of other diseases of the reproductive system.

FCM against the background of diseases

Since all elements of the reproductive system are interconnected, the development of fibrocystic mastopathy is often a consequence of other diseases. That is why before treatment, specialists carry out a wide range of procedures aimed at diagnosing the body.

What diseases cause FCM:

Nuts, honey, lemon, dried apricots - a firework of vitamins in honor of immunity

In general, the main and most common cause of FCM are diseases of the reproductive system.

Symptoms of pathology

Almost all diseases of the mammary glands are accompanied by noticeable symptoms, thanks to which it is possible to determine the presence of any violation. However, many diseases of this organ have similar symptoms, and therefore it is very difficult to determine what kind of pathology a woman has encountered based solely on the study of symptoms.

Main features:

It should be noted that the symptoms of FCM may not appear immediately. Quite often, women have small, poorly palpable nodules in the chest. They do not cause any discomfort, and often patients are not even aware of their presence until the neoplasm grows to a noticeable size.

It is also important to note that chest pain is not always a symptom of pathology. This phenomenon is often found in premenstrual syndrome, as well as directly during menstruation.

The presence of FCM in women can be indicated by a number of signs, when they appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Parts of the brain and their functions, structural features and purpose of the lobes of the organ of the nervous system

Establishing diagnosis

The diagnosis of FCM is aimed not only at confirming the presence of a tumor in the mammary gland. This task can be performed by a specialist through examination, questioning for symptoms, and other non-hardware methods. In the future, for successful treatment, it is necessary to find out the shape of the FCM, the size of the neoplasm, and the exact location.

To obtain extensive information about the pathology, the method of ultrasound examination is used. It allows you to determine the type of tumor and its size. Mammography can also be used for this purpose. It consists in examining the mammary glands under the influence of x-ray radiation.

The complex of diagnostic procedures usually includes a biopsy of the mammary glands. This type of examination is necessary to confirm or refute the diagnosis in case of suspected cancer. The material taken as a sample is subjected to a cytological analysis, with the help of which cancer cells are detected. This diagnostic method is usually prescribed for the nodular form of FCM.

Methods of treatment

The method of treating mastopathy is prescribed by a specialist individually for each patient. Only a specialist can determine the feasibility of existing therapeutic methods in each specific case, which is why it is strictly forbidden to engage in self-treatment with FCM.

Treatment options:

• hormone therapy. It is aimed at eliminating the imbalance of the main sex hormones, which in most cases is the main cause of the development of the disease. In most cases, properly prescribed therapy allows you to normalize the hormonal background, due to which the growth of the tumor stops, and it is gradually absorbed by the body.
• symptomatic treatment. It is necessary to eliminate the signs of the disease. Anti-inflammatory, diuretics may be prescribed. Sedative drugs are also used to reduce the stress load on the body.
• Taking vitamins. During the treatment period, experts advise taking vitamin complexes, as they contribute to the resorption of pathological neoplasms. In addition, vitamins strengthen the immune system, due to which the body's natural mechanisms are activated to fight the disease.
• . It is actively used in the treatment of a diffuse variety of FCM, since certain food products negatively affect the processes of tissue regeneration and repair. It is recommended to add fresh vegetables and fruits to the diet, as well as seafood, cereals, legumes. Foods containing a large amount of fast carbohydrates should be excluded: sweet, starchy foods, alcoholic beverages.
• Proper selection of underwear. It is usually prescribed for cyclic or chronic form of FCM. Using a suitable bra improves blood circulation in the mammary glands, reduces soreness, and prevents deformation of the breast.

In some cases, FCM is treated by surgical removal of the tumor. This method is used in case of ineffective drug therapy. Also, the operation is prescribed with a high probability of transition to a malignant form.

Undoubtedly, fibrocystic mastopathy is a disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment.

FCM with a predominance of the fibrous component is one of the most common forms of mastopathy, which is often found in modern women. Despite the fact that the neoplasm in such a disease is benign in nature, there is a high probability that in the future it can affect the whole body.

Mar 30, 2017 Violetta Doctor