Signs of diffuse fibrous mastopathy. Fibrous mastopathy: signs, diagnosis, treatment

Plunges many women into horror, however, such a pathology, especially when detected on early stages, is quite amenable to therapy.

There are several varieties of this disease, one of which is the mixed diffuse cystic fibrous form.

In general, the course of the mastopathy process is determined by individual characteristics female body, according to which the necessary therapy is prescribed.

What is diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy?

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands involves pathological tissue proliferation with the formation of not only fibrous tissue, but also cystic compactions, the elimination of which may require surgical assistance.

This type of mastopathy refers to benign oncological processes, occurring in 35-68% of women of reproductive age.

This form of the disease often acts as a background against which pathological processes of a malignant nature develop. The likelihood of malignancy in diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is determined by the severity of tissue proliferation processes.

If the growth is pronounced, then the probability of breast cancer formation is almost 32%. With minor tissue growths, the risk of malignant oncology does not exceed 1%.

Causes

However, it is known for sure that such a disease is inextricably linked with hormonal imbalance, because breast development depends on the level of ovarian, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamic hormones.

For breast pathology of this form, the presence of estrogen deficiency, as well as insufficiency of the progesterone hormone, is typical. But prolactin in fibrocystic diffuse mastopathy, on the contrary, increases.

Hormonal levels are influenced by many factors:

1. Abortion;
2. Too early onset of puberty;
3. No history of pregnancy with natural birth;
4. Age after 35;
5. Late onset of menopause (over 55 years of age);
6. Short lactation or a woman has completely given up breastfeeding;
7. Presence of bad habits;
8. The presence of blood relatives with pathologies of mammary glandular tissue, in other words, a hereditary predisposition;
9. Endocrine pathologies against the background of deep stress;
10. Inflammation in breast tissue;
11. Iodine deficiency state;
12. Breast injuries, uncomfortable or tight underwear, squeezing and causing discomfort;
13. Gynecological pathologies of a hormonal-dependent nature such as infertility, endometriosis, cycle disruptions or fibroids, anovulation, etc.;
14. Thyroid and liver pathologies;
15. Pituitary or hypothalamic tumor-like formations;
16. Obesity;
17. Abuse hormonal contraceptives and other steroid drugs;
18. Lack of regularity in sex life, lack of orgasms, dissatisfaction with sex life - all this provokes pelvic congestion, which leads to malfunction of the ovaries and hormonal imbalance.

Kinds

In terms of prognosis, fibrocystic diffuse mastopathy is classified into non-proliferative and proliferative.

The first type of diffuse mastopathy is characterized by a favorable prognosis, because malignancy of the pathology in this case occurs no more often than in 1% of cases. In the proliferative form, pronounced tissue proliferation is observed, so the prognosis is less favorable and a third of patients have mastopathy.

In addition, diffuse mastopathy is divided into types according to the morphology of the formations:

• The interstitial component predominates;
• Predominantly glandular tissues;
• With a predominance of cystic components.

Signs

Until recently, mastopathy fibrocystic diffuse form was considered an absolutely benign pathological process that does not cause malignancy, however, research in recent years has proven that such a mastopathy form should be considered as a precancerous lesion of mammary glandular tissue.

In other words, diffuse cystic fibrosis, under the influence of certain circumstances, can transform into a malignant tumor.

If a woman, along with fibrocystic mastopathy, has adenosis, multiple cystic formations, hyperplastic changes, as well as extensive growths of mammary glandular tissue, then the likelihood of malignancy of the mastopathy increases fourfold.

In general, this mastopathy form refers to pathological conditions of a benign nature, and it acts as a provocateur of cancer only in certain clinical cases. That is why even after treatment of such a pathology with for preventive purposes a woman needs to be regularly observed by a mammologist.

The main signs of fibrocystic diffuse mastopathy are:

• Painful symptoms. They may appear unexpectedly or upon palpation. Pain can manifest itself in the form of minor discomfort or severe pain. Often, painful symptoms are accompanied by a feeling of tightness, puffiness or heaviness in the chest and can radiate to the armpit or shoulder area;
• Against the background of the mastopathy process, a secretion may begin to be released from the nipple, similar to colostrum or having a greenish-yellowish tint. Sometimes the secretion takes on a brown tint, similar to blood - this is dangerous manifestation requiring immediate intervention;
• A palpable examination of the mammary glands reveals distinct lumps.

Diagnosis of mammary glands

The presence of such a disease can be detected through self-examination by palpating the mammary gland.

In addition, it applies ultrasound diagnostics, which usually confirms the presence of pathology.

It is also highly informative, which is based on radiographic examination.

To clarify the form of mastopathy, an MRI may be additionally prescribed from the extracted biomaterial. Also carried out laboratory test blood for hormonal composition.

Principles of treatment

The basis is the elimination of hormonal imbalance. The choice of prescribed drugs depends on the characteristics of the hormonal background. In accordance with the test results on the level of estradiol, progesterone, estrogen, prolactin, the doctor makes a conclusion about the choice of specific drugs that correct hormonal levels.

Cystic formations in mammary glandular tissues are often treated by puncture. First, the contents are pumped out of them, then sclerosing solutions are injected into them, however, such therapy is appropriate only for mastopathy that does not have signs of malignancy.

In especially severe cases it is necessary surgery for sectoral removal of formations. In the future, the removed tissues must be sent for histology. A cystectomy (husking) can also be performed.

Drug treatment involves taking several groups of medications:

• Hormonal drugs;
• Estrogen inhibitors;
• Contraceptives for oral administration.

If a woman is bothered by intense pain, then additional medications are prescribed to relieve pain symptoms.

Forecast

A timely visit to specialists at the slightest suspicion of the development of mastopathy significantly increases the favorable prognosis.

When neglected pathological process there is a high probability of malignancy of fibrocystic formations in the breast. In the initial stages of mastopathy, treatment may be limited to minor adjustments in life, diet and the prescription of certain medications.

Therefore, it is better to regularly conduct preventive self-examination and, if suspicious lumps are detected, to visit a specialist, rather than to start mastopathy and lead it to breast cancer.

Prevention

As a preventative technique, experts recommend regularly performing a self-examination procedure. It is better to do this in the days after the end of menstruation.

Considering that the absence of pregnancy and childbirth provokes pathology, the conclusion suggests itself - such conditions will help avoid the development of mastopathy. And after childbirth, it is recommended to breastfeed the baby until one and a half years.

It is extremely important to give up evil bad habits, abortions, unhealthy food and sedentary life. Don't limit sexual relations, sex life should be regular.

Only when a woman is satisfied with her life, relationships and social aspects, then she will be able to avoid many health problems, including mastopathy.

Video about breast self-examination:

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 considered benign, can develop 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, examination reveals a large number of small formations, without a clear predominance of any species. 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. On initial stage a so-called grape bunch is formed - a collection of small cysts that can be compared to a sprig 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, an inflammatory process may begin in the breast tissue. Cysts can fester, and this is fraught with sepsis.

With pathological tissue growth, the breast 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 individual forms of the disease. 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 mammary glands ah is rare in clinical practice. Usually the morphological characteristics of each form are diagnosed.

Causes

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 internal organs may provoke the development of this disease. Quite often the cause of mastopathy remains a mystery. This disease is considered a 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 examination of the breast. 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 is considered to be a combination of ultrasound methods and mammography. Mammography is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers and is not recommended for patients under 35 years of age.

An auxiliary method is blood sampling for hormone levels. To diagnose malignant neoplasms, a biopsy is performed. The resulting material is sent to 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 the 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 of different groups of 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 local funds(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. From this it follows that the most the best prevention this disease are warm family relationship, birth and raising a child.

Video

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

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is a disease that occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance. Excess estrogen and insufficient amount of progesterone in a woman’s body lead to pathological division of connective tissue and proliferation of the chest frame. Changes affect the inner epithelial layer of the thoracic ducts - active cell division leads to the fact that the lumen narrows and later completely closes off. Fibrosis of superficial tissues forms. With further growth and dysplasia of the thoracic lobes, compactions (scars) are formed - connective fibrosis develops. Along with this, single or numerous cystic neoplasms appear - cavities filled with liquid contents.

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy can develop in one breast or in both glands at once. IN the latter case we're talking about about bilateral localization of fibrous mastopathy.

Despite the fact that the concept of diffuse fibrous mastopathy means benign formations, breast diseases should be identified and investigated as early as possible. Observation by a mammologist and adequate treatment will help prevent the degeneration of pathologically altered tissues into malignant ones.

Reasons for the development of fibrous mastopathy

According to experts, the cause of loss of hormonal balance in female body there may be at least one of the following factors:

• Pathological processes of reproductive function. The first place belongs to inflammation of the genital organs, which are of infectious origin, etc.

• Abortion. The body of a pregnant woman, in particular mammary glands, gradually restructures itself in preparation for feeding the baby. An artificially terminated pregnancy disrupts the natural course of events and often causes the development of fibrous or cystic mastopathy.
• Pathologies of the endocrine system. Among the most common are overweight, thyroid diseases, diabetes, etc.
• Irregular menstrual cycle. In this case it is observed hormonal imbalance V different periods cycle.
• Incorrect use of hormone-containing drugs, such as contraceptives.
• Dissatisfaction with intimate life.
• Abrupt cessation or complete abandonment breastfeeding.
• Repetitive stressful situations.
• Bad habits – smoking, alcohol abuse. This may include excessive doses. ultraviolet radiation on the beach under the scorching sun or in the solarium. Sunbathing topless is especially dangerous.
• Injury to the mammary gland.
• An inherited tendency. The risk of developing mastopathy is many times higher if close relatives have had similar problems.

Forms of diffuse mastopathy

Taking into account the characteristics of the prevailing morphological changes in the structure of breast tissue, which are confirmed by mammograms, five forms of diffuse mastopathy are distinguished:

1. Adenosis, or adenoma (diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component). This is a process of cell division that occurs abnormally. It occurs in young women 20-30 years old, but most often remains undetected until 40. During this period, glandular tissue is gradually replaced by fatty and fibrous tissue.
2. Sclerosing adenosis. This form of the disease is characterized by the proliferation of lobules, but the external and inner fabrics at the same time remain intact. Mostly the pathology develops in women 30-40 years old, but it can occur both after 50 and in very young women. Sclerosing benign formations are small compactions that are sensitive and painful on palpation.
3. Diffuse mastopathy (with a predominance of the cystic component). Palpation reveals tissue compaction, small nodules and small cysts of oval and round shapes. Palpation causes pain. After the end of menstruation, the changes decrease or disappear.
4. Fibroadenomatosis (diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component). The neoplasm has clear boundaries, elastic consistency, and no capsule. Benign tumors can reach a diameter of 50 mm. Fibroadenomas measuring 10 mm or more attract increased attention. Fibroadenomatosis – more characteristic disease older women.
5. Fibrocystic form. It occurs as a result of excessive tissue growth; compactions with clear boundaries are formed, limited by the glandular lobule. This form of the disease is most common in middle-aged women. Often occurs with disruption of reproductive function and cycle - ovulation, menstruation. Formations can be detected by palpation; they do not disappear with the end of menstruation. Seals with a diameter of 0.2-2 cm are located separately from one another, are not soldered, and retain slight mobility.

Diffuse mastopathy of each form can be differentiated by the degree of development. It is customary to distinguish between minor, moderate and pronounced mastopathy changes in the breast tissue.

Symptoms in the presence of diffuse fibrous formations

Fibrous mastopathy is diagnosed in almost 50% of the female population. The earlier the pathology is detected and treatment started, the more effective it will be. At the onset of the disease, signs of diffuse mastopathy are not pronounced and may go unnoticed. Therefore, it is important to be attentive to your health and highlight the symptoms characteristic of pathological changes. Among the very first:

• Manifestation of breast tenderness during the luteal phase. That is, immediately after ovulation before bleeding begins. The duration of the period is 13-14 days.
• Increased breast volume, heaviness.
• Pressure, discomfort of the mammary glands.
• Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) indicates hormonal problems.

If the pathological process is not identified, it progresses. The severity of all signs gradually worsens, and new ones are added:

• The soreness of the mammary glands increases if there are neoplasms in both. In this case, the pain continues after the end of menstruation.
• Painful, tight spots form in the chest. When palpated, the unpleasant sensations increase. The larger the formations reach, the more discomfort they cause.
• Liquid serous discharge appears from the nipple.

If you discover even one of the listed symptoms, you should immediately contact a mammologist or gynecologist.

The disease may progress slowly or become more noticeable due to hormonal imbalances. Then the symptoms will include disturbances in ovulation and menstruation.

Diagnosis of diffuse mastopathy

Proper, complete and timely examination is the key to success in the fight against any disease. Such a diagnosis of diffuse mastopathy with a predominant fibrous component may include a number of actions, the presence and sequence of which is almost always recommended by a mammologist.

Self-examination

Starting at the age of 20, every woman should self-examine her breasts monthly. The inspection must be carried out on the same day. For example, 2 or 3 after the end of menstruation. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should treat your health with no less attention.

Slowly, while lying down, feel both breasts in turn with your thumb, index and middle fingers. Then, standing in front of the mirror, check whether the symmetry of the glands, the shape of the nipple, skin tone have changed, and whether there is any discharge when pressing on the breast and on the inside of the bra cup. If you notice a deviation from the norm, consult a doctor.

Consult a specialist

Plan a visit to the mammologist for the period from the 7th to the 10th day of the menstrual cycle. This will avoid diagnostic errors. First, the doctor will interview the patient about any complaints. Then he will conduct a detailed examination of the mammary glands. He will evaluate the symmetry of their contours, the condition of the skin, and palpate the glands and lymph nodes that are located nearby. If palpation reveals signs of tissue compaction or homogeneous neoplasms, additional tests and studies are prescribed.

Mammograms are x-rays of the breast. Research should be carried out from the 5th to the 12th day of the cycle. They make it possible in almost 95% of cases to determine whether there are morphological changes in the breast tissue, their location and the size of the formations. This is the most informative type of diagnosis, which detects even small pathological areas. Thick fabrics look x-ray How irregular shape shadows with fuzzy edges.

Mammographic examinations are performed during compression of the mammary gland. Pictures are taken in two projections - frontal/oblique or direct/lateral. It is recommended to have a mammogram every two years. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this procedure.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is completely safe research, which is indicated for women of any age category, pregnant and breastfeeding. It allows you to analyze the structure lymph nodes, breast tissue, establish the nature of the formations, their size (more than 1 cm) and location.

Biopsy, cytological studies

To exclude the presence of cancer, a biopsy (puncture) of compacted tissue is used. It involves inserting a needle into the area to be examined, which is used to remove a small amount of tissue. While the sample is being taken, the doctor monitors the procedure on an ultrasound monitor. The usual procedure is considered painless, so anesthetic drugs are not used. If the material to be studied is located deep, a thicker needle and local anesthesia are used. The resulting sample is sent to the laboratory for cytological examination under a microscope.

If discharge from the nipple is noticed during the examination, it is collected for testing. The greatest concern is caused by liquid streaked with blood. A cytological examination of the selected material is carried out in the laboratory.

It is important to make sure that the pathological changes are not malignant. If oncology is present, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

Other studies

In the presence of pathological changes and nipple discharge, ductography is recommended. The study helps to study the condition of the gland ducts.

A blood test is taken to determine the general condition of the body and establish the patient’s hormonal levels. If the doctor deems it necessary, he will refer you for consultations to a gynecologist, endocrinologist, or psychotherapist. After the conclusion of specialists and receipt of test results, the mammologist will develop and offer the patient an individual plan for therapeutic measures and treatment.

Treatment of diffuse mastopathy is a complex of conservative measures, which include medications, elimination of provoking factors, adherence to the principles of a healthy diet. When choosing specific methods, the hormonal background of the woman’s body, her age, concomitant health problems, and the degree of development of the disease must be taken into account. The recommended complex is aimed at:

1. Normalization of hormonal levels. The specific drug, dosage and method of its use must be determined by the doctor. Self-treatment hormones can lead to even bigger problems. To stabilize the hormone ratio, progesterone analogues (Urozhestan, Duphaston) are prescribed. The anti-estrogen drug Tamoxifen will help fight fibrotic pathologies. Hormone replacement Levial ​​is intended for menopausal patients.
2. Strengthening the protective resources of the female body with the help of immunostimulant drugs.
3. Normalization of the nervous system. Since one of the main reasons for the development and progression of the disease is stress, sedatives will help you remove nervous tension. It is useful to use natural recipes - tinctures, teas with valerian, motherwort, hops, etc.
4. Stabilization of liver functions. An important role in hormonal metabolism belongs to normal operation this organ. You can support it by using hepatoprotector drugs. For example, Essentiale, Hofitol, Legalon, Heptral, etc.
5. Reducing or eliminating pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as prescribed by a doctor.
6. Replenishment of missing vitamins and microelements. A balanced amount of vitamins A, C, E, group B in the female body promotes stable metabolism in the liver and mammary glands. Complex drug Triovit, in addition to the listed elements, contains selenium.
7. Restoring hormonal balance with the help of herbal remedies. Klamin, Mastodinon, Fitolon combine bioactive components and microelements (iodine, potassium, silver, calcium, etc.) and can normalize the menstrual cycle.
8. Relieving swelling of the mammary glands. To remove excess fluid from the body, medications with a diuretic (diuretic) effect are prescribed.

Facilities traditional medicine are auxiliary but effective methods of combating diffuse mastopathy. Teas, infusions, and decoctions can be used as diuretics, immunomodulatory, tonic, and anti-inflammatory. With the help of cold and warm (not hot!) applications and compresses, you can reduce pain, relieve inflammation, and activate internal metabolic processes.

The use of physiotherapeutic procedures helps to treat pathologically altered glands more effectively. Among the most commonly used are: magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, laser therapy, balneotherapy and others.

Women diagnosed with diffuse fibrous mastopathy should follow a special diet. It is necessary to give up coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, and cola. Data scientific research they say that the listed products contain methylxanthines, which provoke the growth of fibrous tissue. It is worth limiting fatty foods of animal origin, fried, smoked foods, margarine, and alcohol. The diet should be dominated by fiber-rich and dairy products, a sufficient amount of liquid (herbal teas, pure or non-carbonated mineral water, etc.).

Treatment should be regular and carried out under the supervision of a mammologist, combined with a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, visiting a psychotherapist. Otherwise, the neglected process may degenerate into a malignant disease.

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is a benign oncological process that affects breast tissue. With the development of mastopathy, the relationship between the epithelial and interstitial components is disrupted, as the phenomena of proliferation and regression take place.

The relevance of this disease is due to the fact that it should be considered as a background against which malignant processes can develop. Frequency of degeneration in malignant form depends on the severity of the proliferative process in mastopathy. Thus, with pronounced proliferation, the risk of developing breast cancer is 32%, and with mild proliferation – only 1%

What it is?

Fibrocystic mastopathy is a violation of the ratio of the connective and epithelial components of breast tissue, accompanied by changes of a proliferative and regressive nature.

It is customary to distinguish two forms of the disease:

1. Non-proliferative form. In this form of the disease, cysts form inside the breast. different sizes: from a few millimeters to several centimeters. At the initial stage of development of the disease, the formation of structures resembling bunches of grapes occurs. As the pathology progresses, the process of increased collagen production begins, which leads to the compaction of connective tissue, its proliferation and the formation of scars. As a result, the lobules that represent the mammary gland stretch and cysts form inside them. The nonproliferative form of the disease does not give high risk malignancy of the pathological process. It is no more than 0.86%.
2. The proliferative form is characterized by the launch of the proliferation process, that is, the growth of epithelial and connective tissue through cell division. With proliferation of moderate severity, the risk of degeneration of the pathological process into malignant is 2.34%. With a pronounced degree of proliferation, these values ​​increase to 31.4%.

If we look at the statistics of the disease in general, there is a tendency towards an increase in pathology among women all over the world. During reproductive age, the disease affects on average up to 40% of women. If you have a history of multiple gynecological diseases, then the risk of encountering mastopathy ranges from 70 to 98%.

The high-risk group includes women who suffer from hyperplastic pathologies of the genital organs. During menopause, diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is less common. Up to 20% of women suffer from it. After menopause occurs, new cystic formations most often they do not appear. This statistical fact is also further evidence of the direct involvement of hormones in the development of the disease.

Causes of mastopathy

The main cause of mastopathy is considered to be a hormonal imbalance, consisting in increased production of the hormone estrogen.

Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by the following factors:

1. Multiple abortions, the consequence of which is always severe hormonal disruption of the entire endocrine system of the body;
2. Gynecological diseases, both inflammatory (endometritis, adnexitis) and tumors (uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis);
3. No pregnancies before age 30;
4. The likelihood of mastopathy increases if you have endocrine diseases(thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus), as well as diseases of the liver and biliary tract (hepatitis, cholecystitis, etc.)
5. Refusal to breastfeed or its duration is too short (less than 6 months). If a woman breastfeeds her child for more than 6 months, this reduces the risk of developing mastopathy by 2 times.

Other contributing factors:

1. Injuries to the mammary glands (impacts, severe compression);
2. Psycho-emotional factors (depression, neuroses, stress, chronic fatigue syndrome);
3. Hereditary predisposition;
4. Bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, tanning fashion).

Clinically, there are two main forms of mastopathy: diffuse and nodular.

Symptoms

According to experts, the diffuse form of the disease is its initial stage. That is why the symptoms of the disease in some patients are quite blurred, as a result of which women may not pay due attention to their condition for a long time. However, without treatment, the disease progresses.

There are certain signs that allow one to suspect diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy in a patient:

1. Swelling of the mammary glands and an increase in their volume.
2. Chest pain. It has a dull, aching character and disappears after the onset of menstruation. Over time, the pain becomes more intense and lasting; it can be localized not only in the chest, but also radiate to the arm, shoulder or armpit. In some patients, even a light touch to the affected gland can cause pain. At further development pain diseases become less significant.
3. Enlarged lymph nodes located in the armpits.
4. Loss of sleep, feelings of fear and anxiety.
5. The appearance of discharge from the nipples. They can be very different: abundant or scanty, bloody or colorless.
6. Changes in the skin of the nipples: cracks, retraction of the nipple or skin.
7. The appearance of formations in tissues. They can be either multiple (resembling a bunch of grapes) or single. Such formations do not have clear boundaries and can be found in different places of the mammary glands.

The degree of manifestation of symptoms of diffuse mastopathy depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle: they make themselves felt most strongly in the second half of the cycle, and after the onset critical days symptoms are smoothed out. Many women have more late stages development of the disease, pain and lumps remain regardless of the phase of the cycle.

Why is mastopathy dangerous?

Diffuse fibrocystic pathology (FCM) is a benign process that is characterized by abnormal development of mammary gland tissue. Some types of cells actively multiply (that is, proliferation occurs), others regress - as a result, the ratio of the connective tissue component and the actual active secretory tissue changes.

Despite the declared benignity of fibrocystic changes, mastopathy is a favorable background for the development of malignant oncological diseases, and therefore is classified as a precancerous condition. With active proliferation of cells of the affected gland, the risk cancers reaches 32%. With less activity of the pathological process, the risk is reduced to 1%, but this indicator cannot be neglected.

The vast majority of cases of diagnosis of fibrocystic pathology occur in women of childbearing age whose mammary glands are active. During perimenopause, significantly fewer such pathologies are observed. Women pay almost no attention to the primary signs of the disease, since they are not expressed by serious pain and are perceived as temporary discomfort. However, with age, the disease progresses and can lead to dangerous consequences.

Diagnostics

Considering the technical capabilities of diagnostic medicine, identifying diffuse cystic mastopathy is not difficult. Screening or preventive examination in mandatory All middle-aged women should take it. From the age of 35, breast ultrasound is performed once a year; from the age of 40, X-ray mammography is prescribed once a year.

If a woman has signs of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy, then methods diagnostic studies prescribed by the doctor. Possible options:

1. Consultation with an endocrinologist and oncologist.
2. Anamnesis collection ─ general data, complaints, family history.
3. Breast examination, palpation.
4. Examination for gynecological diseases, taking smears.
5. Ductography ─ X-ray examination milk ducts by introducing a contrast agent.
6. Ultrasound examination, which evaluates benign and malignant formations with high accuracy.
7. Biopsy of a lump or cyst ─ histological examination tissue formation.
8. X-ray mammography is a study with a low radiation dose and minimal stress on the body.
9. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) with contrast.
10. Blood tests for hormones: TSH, fT4, LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone.
11. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.
12. Microscopic examination of nipple discharge

There is no degeneration of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy into cancer. The danger is that the disease prevents timely recognition of the presence of a malignant process in the breast.

Treatment

The chosen treatment method for fibrocystic mastopathy depends on the stage of the disease. Basically, it is complex, that is, it is accompanied by taking medications, eliminating diseases that became the precursors of this disease, as well as following a diet and using folk remedies.

Treatment of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands is carried out using non-hormonal medications.

These include the following:

• Treatment for FCM does not take place without taking vitamin-containing medications. In this case, you will need to take vitamins for a fairly long period of time. Special attention is given to vitamins of groups A, B, E and C.
• Preparations that contain a lot of iodine. These are “Iodine-active”, “Iodomarin”, “Klamin”. They help restore normal functioning of the thyroid gland. However, prescribing them to yourself is strictly prohibited.
• With strong pain syndrome For breast disease, treatment is carried out using painkillers. For example, Diclofenac.
• Homeopathic remedies will help reduce the production of prolactin. Positive reviews have "Mastodinon", "Remens", "Cyclodinone". For the desired effect, it is necessary to take medications for at least six months.
• To reduce nervous tension, the patient may need sedatives and sedatives. Tinctures based on motherwort, valerian and other medicinal plants help very well.

Diffuse fibrotic disease of the mammary glands should include treatment that will be aimed at restoring the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary gland-ovaries. Most often, it is recommended to use hormonal drugs for this. These include the following:

• Oral contraceptives "Marvelon" and "Janine". The peculiarity of their reception is strict adherence to the instructions.
• Medicines based on gestagens. These include Utrozhestan, Duphaston, Norethisterone. It is best to take them during the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Otherwise the effect will not be as strong.
• Women over 45 years of age should take androgens. Such drugs include Methyltestosterone, Fareston and Tamoxifen. The duration of treatment is determined individually depending on each case of the disease.
• In advanced cases of the disease, it is advisable to use inhibitors that stimulate the production of prolactin for treatment. This is the drug "Parlodel".

It is advisable to carry out therapy for fibrocystic mastopathy only after a thorough medical examination, which will establish the variety of forms of breast disease. When diagnosing the cystic variety of the disease, it will be necessary to perform puncture and cytological examination of breast tissue. If the presence of a benign tumor is established, surgical intervention may be quite sufficient.

Treatment with folk remedies

Mastopathy is a disease known since ancient times, so there are many folk recipes. But it is important to remember that this method can only cure the disease in the early stages of its development and taking into account the doctor’s recommendations.

Tinctures. Prepared using herbs that are infused with alcohol. You can prepare them yourself or buy them ready-made at the pharmacy:

• alcohol tincture of boron uterus;
• tincture of pine nut shells;
• propolis tincture.

Decoctions. They help normalize hormonal levels, cope with tumors and get rid of associated inflammatory diseases occurring in the body. The herbs are infused in boiling water and taken orally. For the treatment of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy, it is recommended to drink herbal decoctions:

• burdock root;
• boron uterus;
• red brush to regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• yarrow;
• chagi.

Lotions and compresses. Herbal compresses should be applied to the chest overnight for several weeks to achieve the following results:

• burdock leaf compress;
• cabbage compress with honey;
• flatbread made from rye flour;
• pumpkin compress;
• compress of grated beets and honey.

The use of traditional methods for the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy should also be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician. Herbal medicine implies the ability to prepare decoctions from several herbs at once or use ready-made mixtures that can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Diet

The therapeutic diet should contain products to stabilize hormonal levels. Food should be rich in fiber (greens, grains).

It is important to take natural estrogen (legumes, cabbage of all varieties). Vitamin therapy strengthens the immune system and gives the body strength (citrus fruits, raw vegetables and fruits). Natural iodine is a cure for mastopathy. Eating fish, seafood, liver and sour milk will replenish the body with phospholipids. It is necessary to drink 2 liters of plain water, this will help to quickly restore metabolic processes.

Most often, giving up your usual unhealthy lifestyle helps cure any illness. Fibrocystic mastopathy, it is easier to prevent, and this requires a timely visit to the doctor. On initial stage illness, it is easier to defeat the disease.

Prevention and possible complications

Compliance preventive measures reduces the risk of disease and promotes a speedy recovery if it is present. These include: giving up bad habits, avoiding stressful situations, proper selection of underwear, maintaining an active lifestyle, reducing salt intake, timely treatment diseases of the pelvic organs.

It is important to competently select hormonal contraceptives and regularly visit an oncologist and mammologist (at least once a year). Breastfeeding a child for more than 6 months reduces the risk of developing cancer by 2 times.

All women, including healthy ones, need to learn how to check their mammary glands on their own. This advice is especially relevant in the periclimacteric period (after 45 years of age). This is done by visually examining the breasts in the mirror and feeling them while lying down and standing. If any abnormal lump is detected, you should consult a doctor.

Despite the benign course, fibrocystic changes are a favorable background for the development of malignant diseases. With active proliferation (growth) of affected cells, the risk of cancer is 32%. With less activity of the pathological process, the risk decreases to 1%.

Mastopathy is associated with abnormal growth of mammary gland tissue. The development processes of these organs are regulated by female sex hormones. An unfavorable state of the endocrine system, in which the body's hormonal levels are disrupted, is called one of the main causes of breast diseases. Such pathologies are not uncommon, and no woman is immune from their occurrence. It is necessary for everyone to understand how important it is to independently monitor the condition of the glands, if mastopathy occurs, to notice its first symptoms in time.

Content:

Diffuse fibrous changes in breast tissue

Diffuse mastopathy is a disease in which many small foci of modified tissue are scattered throughout the gland. Sometimes they form separate groups (for example, they are located in the upper outer part of the gland). Such neoplasms are benign in nature, but in some cases they occur malignant degeneration.

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy is a condition that is associated with the proliferation of fibrous tissue (fibers that make up the frame of the mammary gland and the epithelium covering the ducts and lobules). Improper formation of cell layers leads to the formation of scars in the connective (fibrous) fibers. So-called tissue fibrosis occurs.

The increased proliferation of connective tissue cells leads to the fact that they displace glandular tissue cells. At the same time, the number of ducts and lobules decreases. Fibrous mastopathy is characterized by the fact that the cells of the outer epithelium grow inside the ducts, can completely block them, and damage the lobules.

As a result, foci of tissue scarring form in the mammary gland, which are felt in the form of compactions of various sizes. In some of them small cysts appear. If there are so many such cysts that they occupy the largest part of the volume of the gland, then they speak of the occurrence of diffuse fibrocystic disease. Diffuse fibrous mastopathy (fibroadenomatosis) can be found in one breast or in both.

Mastopathy occurs in women at the age when they are most often exposed to adverse factors on the body that can affect hormonal levels (25-45 years). During the postmenopausal period, the level of sex hormones drops to a minimum, so this pathology does not occur in older women.

Video: Causes and diagnosis of mastopathy

Causes of mastopathy

The main cause of improper tissue development and fibrosis is a decrease in progesterone levels and an excessive increase in estrogen levels. The causes of hormonal disorders can be:

1. Improper production of sex hormones in the ovaries due to the occurrence of inflammatory processes, tumor formation.
2. Inflammatory diseases of other organs of the reproductive system that occur when they are damaged during operations, childbirth, or as a result of improper hygiene care. Such processes can quickly spread from the vagina to the uterus and ovaries. The same goes for infectious diseases that occur when the vaginal microflora is disrupted or pathogens penetrate the organs during sexual intercourse.
3. Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the brain. The functioning of the ovaries depends entirely on the content of pituitary hormones (follicle-stimulating and luteinizing) in the body. Failure of this organ leads to diffuse fibrous mastopathy and other diseases of the mammary glands.
4. Prolactinemia is an increased level of prolactin (also a pituitary hormone). Prolactin is the main hormone responsible for the development of the mammary glands and their functioning.
5. Termination of pregnancy, refusal to breastfeed or its early cessation, lack of regular sexual activity, pregnancy and childbirth.
6. Metabolism and dysfunction of the thyroid and pancreas. Improper lipid metabolism leads to an increase in fat mass in the body. It is capable of producing estrogens, although not in such quantities as the ovary. Obesity leads to hyperestrogenism. Women with diabetes mellitus often suffer from mastopathy.
7. Use of hormonal medicines With high content estrogens (in the treatment of infertility, amenorrhea, various menstrual abnormalities).

Factors provoking the occurrence of diffuse fibrous mastopathy are nervous fatigue, depression. Harmful effects provides ultraviolet irradiation in a solarium or during long stay under sun rays. The disease occurs more often in women who smoke.

At risk are women who have a hereditary predisposition to diseases of this kind, as well as women with chest injuries, malignant tumors genitals.

Symptoms of mastopathy

The first signs of diffuse mastopathy may be changes in the condition of the mammary glands a few days before menstruation. Even if a woman is healthy, swelling and mild pain in the breasts is normal for her. You need to pay attention to this sign if the breast enlargement is larger than usual (possibly asymmetrical enlargement of the glands), the pain is felt more strongly. A painful premenstrual symptom in many cases turns out to be a manifestation of diffuse mastopathy. Lumps during menstruation can decrease and even dissolve, and subsequently appear again, since the cause of the pathology remains.

During self-examination of the breast, a woman discovers small scattered lumps, changes in the shape of the breast, if a large number of nodules are grouped together. Sometimes there is a discharge of white or clear liquid from the nipple, which indicates the development of pathology in the lobules and milk ducts.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, the following forms of diffuse fibrous mastopathy are distinguished:

1. Expressed implicitly. The mammary gland contains a lot of fatty tissue, due to which fibrous compactions are difficult to palpate and are not very painful.
2. State medium degree severity of symptoms. There is less adipose tissue, but still enough to mitigate the manifestations of the disease.
3. Severe fibrosis. Connective tissue predominates in the breast. Touching your breasts is very painful. The sensation of pain is constant and does not depend on the period of the menstrual cycle.

One of the symptoms of mastopathy may be enlarged lymph nodes under the arms, in the area of ​​the collarbones. An advanced disease leads to the appearance of atypical cells in the breast tissue and the appearance of a cancerous tumor.

Diagnostics

A universal diagnostic method that can be used when examining women of any age, including pregnant women, is breast ultrasound. The method is safe and quite informative; it allows you to study the structure of tissues and notice the slightest compaction.

Mammography (breast x-ray) is also an important diagnostic method. It provides more detailed information about the condition of tissues and blood vessels. But there are contraindications to its use. The use of radioactive radiation does not allow its use for examining women under 35 years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women. It is also not suitable for women with small breasts.

Diagnosis using these methods is carried out immediately after the end of menstruation, when the chest is least tense. If suspicions arise about the nature of the lumps, a breast biopsy is performed. Tests of blood and fluid released from the nipple can determine the presence of inflammatory processes.

Video: Treatment of diffuse fibrous mastopathy

Treatment of fibrous mastopathy

Surgical treatment is performed only in extremely advanced cases, when the size of the lumps is more than 2 cm, and a biopsy shows that malignant degeneration has occurred. Mainly used to remove seals conservative method treatment. Hormonal levels are restored and the functioning of the ovaries and pituitary gland is regulated with medications.

Drug treatment

Reducing estrogen levels is achieved by taking gestagens (progesterone-based drugs). These include duphaston and utrozhestan. For rubbing into the chest, progestogel is used - a gel with the same effect. They are taken in the second half of the cycle.

Drugs that suppress the production of prolactin (parlodel) are prescribed, which are taken in the middle and second half of the cycle, as well as antiestrogens (tamoxifen). Women under 35 years old are given an appointment oral contraceptives(Marvelon, Janine), suppressing ovulation. Women over 45 years of age are prescribed medications based on male sex hormones (methyltestosterone). Before prescribing such drugs, it is necessary to conduct a study of hormonal levels, and also study general state health (presence of liver, kidney, blood diseases).

Iodine preparations (iodomarin) and drugs that replenish the lack of thyroid hormones (euthyrox) are prescribed. In the treatment of diffuse fibrous mastopathy, homeopathic herbal medicines, such as mastodinone and clamine, are also used.

To eliminate the causes of the disease, sedative drugs are prescribed nervous system, as well as vitamins and immunomodulators. Painkillers and diuretics are used to remove fluid from body tissues and eliminate swelling.

Physiotherapeutic treatment is used (laser therapy, electrophoresis and others).

Warning: If you have diffuse mastopathy, you should not drink coffee, cola, eat chocolate, or eat hot spices. They contain substances that promote the development of fibrosis.

Any treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor. Hormonal drugs are accepted according to a certain scheme. Attempts to independently remove seals and painful sensations, including folk remedies, can cause great harm and lead to a worsening of the condition.

Home Remedies

A temporary analgesic effect can be achieved by lubricating the mammary gland with burdock oil, applying a cabbage leaf, a compress of grated raw beets, or burdock leaves, which have a resolving effect. An infusion prepared from dill seeds, chamomile flowers, valerian root, and mint leaves is used as an auxiliary home remedy for mastopathy. Take 10 g of all components and brew with a glass of boiling water. It is necessary to drink 1 glass of warm infusion every day in 3 doses. After a few days, swelling and inflammation in the chest disappear.