Vascular disease of the breast. Diseases of the mammary glands

Any woman is frightened, finding a seal in her chest and believing that it is cancer. Not everyone knows that there may be other neoplasms in the mammary glands. Therefore, when they are detected, it is necessary to immediately go for an examination in order to establish the nature of the tumor. If it's small benign education are managed with medication. You may need surgery, but the operation will be performed in the most gentle way. Upon detection malignant tumor The chance of a cure is greater the earlier it is detected.

Content:

Causes of diseases

In women, one of the main causes of breast disease is a violation of the ratio of sex hormones. These important components determine the development of women's reproductive organs from birth to old age. In the process of growth, puberty, the onset of reproductive age, menopause, the ratio of sex hormones produced by the ovaries, pituitary gland and adrenal glands changes. This is a natural process on which the growth and normal functioning of the mammary gland depends.

Causes hormonal disorders are usually processes associated with interference with the natural order of the body's life: artificial termination of pregnancy, refusal of pregnancy at reproductive age, refusal of breastfeeding, contraception using hormonal drugs.

Breast diseases can also occur as a result of disorders in the work of the reproductive, endocrine systems, in which the hormonal balance in the body changes. Pathologies can be hereditary.

It should be noted: The appearance of breast tumors is promoted by excessive exposure to the sun or in a solarium, alcohol abuse, smoking, strong feelings.

Types of diseases of the female breast

All diseases of the female breast are divided into two main types: inflammatory (mastitis) and tumor (benign and malignant).

Mastitis: causes and symptoms

The cause of mastitis is the entry of bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci and others) into the mammary glands through cracks in the nipples. There are 2 types of mastitis: lactational and non-lactational:

1. Lactational mastitis usually occurs in women while breastfeeding. The delicate skin on the nipples is easily damaged when a baby suckles. The occurrence of mastitis is facilitated by a weakening of the immune system in a woman after childbirth, as well as hypothermia. If the baby does not completely suck out the milk, then it stagnates. At the same time, the woman has lumps in the mammary gland, fever, swelling lymph nodes in the armpits, purulent discharge from the nipples. The mammary gland turns red, during the touch it is felt strong pain.
2. Non-lactational mastitis is not associated with milk production. The signs of the disease are the same as in the lactation form, but the cause of it is most often a breast cyst. If symptoms of mastitis appear in women outside the lactation period, it is imperative to do an ultrasound scan to establish an accurate diagnosis.

At the initial stage, mastitis can sometimes be cured with home remedies: expressing milk, using honey cakes and other means that help reduce heat, resorption of seals. Physiotherapy helps quickly. If a child is transferred to artificial feeding antibiotics are used to treat mastitis. In exceptional cases, surgical intervention is performed: an incision is made on the chest, through which pus is removed. The inflamed area is washed with antibacterial agents.

Video: How to prevent mastitis during breastfeeding

Benign neoplasms

A characteristic feature of these diseases in women is the appearance in the mammary gland of seals of various sizes and shapes, drawing pains, change in breast size. Benign diseases of the female breast do not spread to the tissues of neighboring organs, unlike malignant tumors.

They are neoplasms with a smooth shell, not associated with the skin. As a rule, tumor growth occurs slowly. neoplasm small size may disappear after application hormone therapy. During surgical removal, only a portion of the affected breast tissue is cut off. Benign tumors include fibroadenoma, mastopathy, cyst, lipoma, intraductal papilloma.

Fibroadenoma

Formed from connective tissue located between the milk ducts. This tumor appears in young women (up to 30 years). The appearance of the tumor is promoted by an abnormal increase in the production of tarragon (ovarian hormone). Seals in women can occur in one or both mammary glands. They have the shape of an oval or a ball, they are easy to move. Their surface is smooth. Most often found in the outer upper chest area. Sometimes you can find a whole bunch of such seals.

Dangerous is leaf-shaped fibroadenoma, which can degenerate into a cancerous tumor. In the tumor tissue there are leaf-shaped cracks filled with a jelly-like mass.

breast cyst

It is a void formed in the connective tissue of the gland. Inside is a liquid that can fester. Usually the disease is amenable to conservative treatment.

Mastopathy

There are several forms of such a tumor, depending on which tissue it is formed from:

• glandular (proliferation of ducts and lobules of the gland);
• fibrous (proliferation of connective tissue);
• cystic (proliferation of tissues with a predominance of voids);
• mixed (fibrocystic).

In the presence of separate neoplasms in the chest, nodular mastopathy is formed. In the case of extensive multiple lesions, diffuse mastopathy occurs (more dangerous disease, can go to malignant form).

Mastopathy is usually formed with an abnormal increase in prolactin production in the pituitary gland of the brain. Such a disease occurs in the mammary gland at the age of 30-50 years, when the reproductive function of the body begins to gradually fade away, the production of hormones in the ovaries weakens. This type of tumor is usually associated with diabetes, diseases of the liver, stomach. Women who are overweight are at risk for mastopathy.

Video: Diagnosis of mastopathy and breast cancer

Breast lipoma

Neoplasm occurs due to the growth of connective and adipose tissues. Adipose tissue acts as a shock absorber external influence on the iron. In case of metabolic disorders (insufficient breakdown of fats and proteins by enzymes), compactions of a pasty consistency appear. Sometimes they include a tangle of overgrown vessels.

Intraductal papilloma

Growths appear on the milk ducts. They can also appear on the outside, in the area around the nipples. A disease occurs when the body is affected by papillomavirus in women at any age.

In case of occurrence benign tumors small, affecting a small area, treatment possible hormonal drugs, antibiotics, vitamins. Large tumors are usually removed surgically, the so-called sectoral resection affected area of ​​the breast. Operations are performed to prevent the degeneration of a neoplasm into a cancerous form (for example, in the case of diffuse mastopathy, leaf-shaped fibroadenoma, papillomas).

Malignant tumors of the breast

These diseases of the female mammary gland are distinguished by the rapid multiplication of tumor cells. The body is unable to control it. The lesion through the blood and lymphatic vessels spreads to other organs. The only way treatment is surgical removal breast on early stage diseases. Most often, cancerous tumors appear at the site of benign neoplasms if they were not removed on time. Cancer seals do not have a definite shape, their edges are fuzzy. Tumors are single (nodular form), can spread to most of the breast (diffuse form). Tumors are located in the region of the milk ducts, on the surface of the mammary gland (adenocarcinoma), in the region of the nipple.

Characteristic symptoms are external changes in the skin of the breast (irregularities, ulcers), flattening, enlargement of the axillary lymph glands.

Diagnosis of diseases

Mammography, ultrasound and biopsy are the main methods by which diseases can be detected. The mammary gland is examined, as a rule, after palpation and finding seals.

Using these methods, it is not always possible to establish the nature of the tumor. Before the operation, more accurate examinations are often prescribed to determine the boundaries and form of the neoplasm, the presence of metastases. These methods include computer infrared diagnostics (based on measuring the temperature difference between healthy and diseased tissue), magnetic resonance imaging (changes in healthy and diseased tissue that occur in a magnetic field are studied). To diagnose cancer, the study of oncological markers (characteristics that reflect the growth of cancer cells) is usually used.

Reminder: Of great importance is regular (at least once a month) self-examination of the mammary gland, which allows to detect a tumor at a stage when it can be eliminated.

Video: Diagnosis and features of surgical treatment of diseases

Hello dear readers. Women's breasts- this is a delicate organ that can be injured, "cold", or suffer from hormonal disturbances. Knowledge possible pathologies mammary glands and their symptoms is important for every girl and woman. Having found the first signs of the disease in yourself, you will be able to contact a specialist in a timely manner and quickly heal the disease at the very beginning of the development of the pathological process.

Symptoms of breast diseases in women depend on the specific ailment. The international classifier distinguishes several categories of breast pathology:

• a group of benign dysplasias (adenosis, and its sclerosing form, fibrous and cystic, a mixed variant of the disease);
• hypertrophy of glandular tissue;
• malignant neoplasms;
• unrefined neoplasms and other pathologies;
• anomalies (absence chest muscle or glands/accessory gland, missing nipple/accessory nipple, unrefined and other abnormalities).

This classification is convenient in that it allows you to highlight the leading symptoms for each of the groups. But it is not informative for patients. Because the diagnosis written by the doctor in the card will be more specific. For example:

• adenoma;
• atrophy;
• papillary tumor;
• (outside childbirth);
• nodular/diffuse;
• fat necrosis;
• invasive ductal;
• mammalgia;
• mycoses (actino-, candidomycosis);
• hereditary cancer;
• anomalies;
• cancer tumor;
• disease ;
• fistula;
• syphilis of the mammary glands;
• cracked nipples;
• trauma;
• tuberculosis of the mammary glands;
• fibroma, including

These are the main diseases that affect the female bust. The reasons for the development of many pathologies are not fully defined. Exceptions are infectious and inflammatory pathologies for which the pathogen is known (for example, actinomycosis, candidiasis, tuberculosis, or herpesvirus), mammary gland injuries, fistulas and nipple cracks.

The causes of other pathologies can be genetic predisposition stimulated by unfavorable factors:

• hormonal disorders associated with diseases women's sphere(including STDs) or pituitary disorders;
• bad habits;
• inactive/hyperactive sex life;
• frequent interruption of pregnancies or lack thereof;
• neglect of breastfeeding;
• late pregnancies and childbirth;
• ecological problems at the place of residence;
• industrial hazards;
• poor diet;
• consumption of milk from cattle affected by viral leukemia.

And there are many more known and unknown factors that can cause the transformation of normal bust cells into pathological ones.

Signs of benign dysplasia

It's a whole group pathological processes in the glandular tissue of the breast, which is characterized by:

• proliferation;
• regression of the glands;
• tissue ratio disorders: epithelial / connective.

The main symptom for this group of pathologies is pain, which increases before or during menstruation and decreases, up to complete disappearance at the end of bleeding. Pain syndrome can be:

• intense;
• medium intensive;
• intolerable.

The pain is localized more often in both less often in one gland, sometimes radiating to armpit, shoulder, under the shoulder blade, simulating signs of a heart attack. When probing in the tissues of the gland, seals can be felt.

Changes in the size of the mammary glands or their shape occurs only in the advanced stage of the disease. At the same time, during the period of menstruation, the nipples become rough, the breast increases in volume (poured). Light, translucent may appear.

On the initial stage The treatment of the disease is conservative; in the later stages, surgery may be offered.

Signs of hypertrophy

Hypertrophy or excessive growth of glandular tissue, in some cases, together with the growth of fat cells, can be congenital and acquired. There are three stages of hypertrophy from a slight increase in the bust to a change in volume by 8-10 sizes with the development of pronounced mastoptosis. The main symptoms of pathology:

• a noticeable change in the size of the bust;
• back pain, the development of osteochondrosis, in the case of unilateral hypertrophy - scoliosis;
• discomfort during active load;
• increased fatigue;
• breathing difficulties;
• discomfort during sleep.

Treatment is mainly surgical:

• restoration of the position of the nipple and areola.

When diagnosing a disease in adolescent girls, mammologists try to resolve the issue conservative methods. And only after reaching the age of 18 such patients can be offered a surgical solution.

Signs of malignant neoplasms

The symptom that usually drives us to the hospital is pain. With these diseases, pain will be tied only to late stages disease sometimes at the time of the collapse of the tumor. That is, when any treatment gives a minimum result and causes maximum harm to the body. Therefore, it is important to conduct regular self-examinations and palpation of the chest, paying attention to the following symptoms:

• appearance;
• immobility of the node / adhesion to the surrounding tissues;
• change in the shape / size of the areola;
• violations in the nipple area (its retraction, the formation of cracks, ulcers, wounds, scabs);
• changes in the skin over the seal (hyperemia, peeling, ulceration, the formation of lemon peel and other disorders);
• enlargement of the gland, deformation;
• discharge from the nipple (clear to bloody);
• fast growth formations without clear boundaries.

Even with the appearance of painless seals that are not prone to growth, you need to visit a mammologist. As you age, your chance of developing cancer increases. After 60 years, malignant oncology in the breast area in women is more common as much as 400 times, compared with the number of sick girls at the age of 20 years.

With this pathology, the surgeon's scalpel comes to the aid of patients in this case, and a mastectomy is also performed.

Mastitis: main signs

Inflammation in the area of ​​the mammary glands is more often associated with postpartum lactostasis, less often it can develop after trauma, hypothermia of the gland, penetration infectious agent. The typical symptoms for this disease are:

• local temperature;
• tissue hyperemia;
• fever;
• pain;
• the breast becomes dense, may increase in size.

With a timely visit to the doctor, the treatment will be conservative, including antibiotic therapy, physiotherapy, etc. methods. With abscess formation conservative therapy ineffective, surgery is required.

Other diseases

This is an extensive group of ailments, including mastodynia (pain in the gland). Galactorrhea, the main symptom of which is the excretion of milk or a liquid similar to it outside lactation. and fistulas differ: soreness, the appearance of ichor (and in the case of a fistula - purulent discharge) and fever.

Fat necrosis also belongs to this group. This disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• regional lymphadenitis;
• change in the shape of the nipple;
• cyanosis of the skin of the affected breast;
• the appearance of a specific formation of a rounded shape.

Atrophy or a sharp decrease in the volume of glandular tissue, accompanied by mastoptosis. Pathology is congenital in nature, malnutrition can be acquired. Corrective therapy is possible for this disease ().

anomalies

Of the main indicated anomalies, psychological discomfort is caused by the absence of the pectoral muscle, the glands are extra nipples located along the milk lines. Physical discomfort is caused by:

• excess mammary glands appearing along the milk lines;
• inverted nipples or their absence, making feeding impossible.

Accessory glands are usually bilateral. The pathology is called polymastia. In addition to aesthetic problems, problems can arise during lactation, when additional lobules in the armpit or glands along the milk lines cut, hurt, and sometimes secrete.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of diseases of the mammary glands begins with an examination of the patient and the collection of anamnesis (general, family, gynecological), it is specified whether hormones were taken by the woman, sexual function is assessed.

The mammary glands consist of 15-20 lobes, each of which is divided into several small ones. The lobes are connected to the nipple through the lactiferous ducts, which pass into the milky pores located at the most convex point of the nipple. The rest of the space is filled with glandular tissue, and on back wall gland contains adipose tissue.

The process of lactation depends largely on the hormonal background: hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, gonadotropins and some others stimulate the formation and secretion of milk. With an insufficient amount of them, the lactation process is disrupted, which can lead to the development of a disease of the mammary glands.

Fact! Insufficient milk production breastfeeding can often cause stress chronic fatigue and postpartum depression.

Mastopathy

Mastopathy is one of the most common diseases of the mammary glands in women. It has many types, each of which, to varying degrees, can lead to the development of a malignant tumor.

Causes

Hypothyroidism - insufficient production of hormones thyroid gland due to lack of iodine - provokes breast pathologies

The main reasons for the development of this disease of the mammary glands in women:

• hormonal imbalance, which may be accompanied by liver disease or diabetes;
• genetic predisposition;
• bad habits - alcohol, smoking;
• lack of daily routine;
• problems with the health of the genital organs;
• malfunction of the digestive tract, resulting in useful material are absorbed in insufficient quantities;
• hormone therapy;
• age-related diseases;
• surgical intervention in the area of ​​the mammary glands, including plastic surgery;
• irregular sex life, frequent change of partners;
• poor environmental conditions;
• frequent exposure to direct sunlight.

Fact: both women and young girls are susceptible to breast diseases. Most often, nulliparous or non-breastfeeding women get sick.

Kinds

Depending on the type of mastopathy are prescribed various methods diagnosis and treatment. Based on the list below, it is clear what types are this disease mammary gland:

1. diffuse. Is an initial stage mastopathy, its foci are located in the upper lateral part of the glands. It is characterized by girdle pain in the upper body. It has several types:

• diffuse fibrous - glandular tissue is replaced by connective tissue, discharge from the nipples appears, nodes are formed that are noticeable on palpation, but not causing pain when pressed;
• diffuse cystic - cyst formation different forms and size, the general pain is less than with the fibrous form;
• fibrocystic - tissue growth that can develop into cysts;
• glandular cystic - the formation of cysts with calcium deposition in the glands, often leads to the development of malignant tumors;
• glandular-fibrous - partial proliferation of glandular tissues.

1. Nodal. Occurs after diffuse. This form manifests itself in the form of the formation of nodes of compacted tissue in the gland. Pain sensation while stronger, discharge from the nipples may be mixed with blood. The pain does not depend on the phase of the cycle.
2. Nodular fibrous. Develops after diffuse fibrous form; appear unbearable pain when touched on the chest. It is characterized by a well-marked asymmetry of the mammary glands, spotting from the nipples.
3. Nodular cystic. Occurs with the progression of the diffuse cystic form as a result of the growth of cysts and an increase in their number.

Fact: mastopathy is a benign disease of the mammary gland, but is most susceptible to degeneration into a malignant formation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The very beginning of the development of mastopathy can be asymptomatic. The first symptom of this disease of the mammary glands in women is a slight soreness of the glands that occurs before menstruation. At long course mastopathy, pain is constantly present, swelling appears, seals are found on palpation, discharge from the nipples appears. The nipple itself is covered with cracks, becomes less convex.

You can diagnose mastopathy yourself with the help of self-examination. doctor other than medical examination, conducts an ultrasound scan to identify the nature of the seals, and then determines what kind of breast disease it may be.

Treatment

The treatment of this breast disease is prescribed according to the symptoms described by the patient, the causes that caused it, and the results of the diagnosis.

Drug treatment includes the use of hormonal or non-hormonal agents. The first group of drugs is aimed at normalizing the level of hormones in the presence of their failure, and the second may consist of vitamin-mineral complexes, diuretics that reduce swelling, anti-inflammatory drugs and improve blood circulation.

Important! Self-medication is strictly prohibited, since the selection of the wrong drugs can accelerate the development of the disease and lead to cancer.

Surgical treatments for this breast disease in women are most often used for extensive cystic or fibrous lesions, as well as for possible rupture of cysts.

Tumors of the mammary glands

Tumors that can occur in the mammary glands are divided into benign and oncological. Benign neoplasms do no harm, but require constant monitoring by a mammologist to control the possible degeneration of the tumor.

Risk groups for developing oncology

The exact reasons for the appearance oncological disease mammary glands in women have not been established, but groups of people most susceptible to this disease have been identified. They are characterized by:

• overweight;
• inflammatory processes in the genitals;
• hypertension;
• insufficiency of liver functions;
• thyroid disease;
• mastopathy;
• smoking and alcoholism;
• atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of cancer of the gland

Symptoms of breast cancer are noticeable even with an external examination: the nipples become more inverted, the color and shape of the areola changes, rashes appear and the structure of the skin of the breast changes (wrinkling appears). Often the symptoms are similar to initial symptoms mastopathy.

Important! If the color of the areola changes, it is necessary to consult a specialist and diagnose for the presence of diseases of the nipples of the breast.

Symptoms depending on the stage of cancer:

• Stage I - a formation no more than two centimeters in diameter is probed;
• Stage IIa - the formation can increase to 5 centimeters, does not grow into the tissue, but can be attached to the skin. Breast wrinkling appears, its elasticity is lost in a certain place;
• IIb stage - the size of the tumor does not change, the first metastases appear (no more than two);
• Stage III - an increase in the tumor, retraction of the skin near its location, the appearance of retraction of the nipple is possible;
• Stage IV - the maximum growth of the tumor, the spread of metastases.

Important! Initially, metastases are located only on the chest, but later they can form anywhere in the body by spreading through the blood vessels.

Diagnostics

One of the most accurate methods for detecting breast cancer is a mammogram. Additionally, ductography is carried out (introduction contrast medium into the ducts of the glands) and ultrasound. With a possible course of cancer, it is carried out full examination organism.

Treatment

Treatment of breast cancer in women is carried out individually. In the first stages of the disease, surgical intervention can be performed with the preservation of the gland in combination with radiation therapy. At more advanced stages, chemotherapy is prescribed, various kinds of operations are performed. Patients with impaired hormonal background prescribe treatment with hormonal drugs.

The idea of ​​the main symptoms that accompany the emergence and development of this malignant neoplasm, it is advisable to have every woman.

After all, not only the success of the upcoming therapy, but also the life of a person depends on how timely the signs of the disease are detected and measures are taken for its treatment.

The localization of oncological processes in women in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands is most common. After the transition from a benign to a malignant form, neoplasms in the mammary gland fundamentally change the nature of their behavior and the dynamics of development.

The disease acquires a pronounced aggressive direction and, in the absence of timely surgical intervention gives a clear negative prognosis. Information about cases of recovery in the absence of the necessary medical care is isolated and extremely unreliable.

Symptoms

In the process of its development and progression, oncological diseases of the breast go through certain stages. They are distinguished depending on changes in the following main parameters:

• tumor size;
• degree of damage to the lymph nodes;
• appearance of distant metastases.

The accepted classification by stages is very conditional, being largely dependent on the form of the disease. In addition, since information about the causes of oncological processes is still at the level of hypotheses and assumptions, the forecast of the dynamics of the transition from one stage of the disease to another is still very approximate.

precancerous stage

It is also called zero. Its characteristic feature in terms of signs of the disease is complete absence symptoms. That is, the active pathological degeneration of tissues has not yet begun, but general equilibrium organism has already shifted towards the disease.

In cases where it is possible to diagnose oncological processes at this stage and take appropriate adequate measures, the treatment prognosis is the most favorable.

Conventionally, the zero stage can be classified into the following two categories:

The initial stage of the non-invasive oncological process, in which cancer cells do not yet interact with tissues located in their immediate vicinity. For example, it may be a type of adenocarcinoma of the mammary gland, in which the lesion affects only its individual lobes.

This category also includes a variant of atypical hyperplasia localized in individual ducts (or small groups of ducts) of the gland. However, in this case, the mutated cells, however, do not spread beyond the walls of the ducts and still do not have a detrimental effect on healthy tissues.

This category includes such stage of development of any neoplasm of unknown etiology, on which the process of onco-rebirth is not yet diagnosed, but elevated level oncomarkers in the blood already gives the doctor grounds for oncological alertness and the appointment of an additional examination.

The risk group includes patients suffering from diseases such as mastitis, various forms mastopathy, adenomas and fibroadenomas, calves, hyperthelium and other pathologies of the nipple, lipogranuloma and others.

In this category, all the sensations that can be felt and the manifestations that can be seen are not yet associated with the onset of the development of an oncological disease, but are only symptoms of pathologies that can create favorable conditions for the development of cancer.

Observed in some cases weak pain syndromes unexpressed localization, as a rule, are cyclic in nature and are caused by fluctuations in the general hormonal background.

Significant impact on character and dynamics further development disease has a level of resistance endocrine system and the degree of hormonal imbalance in a woman's body.

1 stage

Starting from her cancer cells becomes characteristic of an invasive nature - that is, they acquire the ability to influence nearby healthy tissues.

Symptoms of the disease at this stage are often mild, however, having shown attentiveness, it is quite possible to notice some of them. These may include the following:

• An increase in the size of tumors (up to 2 cm in diameter). This value already allows you to easily detect them even with self-examination. In the case of the appearance of multiple seals or nodules, they may be of small size, however, as a rule, they are clearly contoured on palpation. Them hallmark is painless and limited mobility.

A slight increase in regional lymph nodes of the axillary zone on the side of the neoplasms associated with increased activity in their work. After all, atypical cells that make up a cancerous tumor are characterized by accelerated processes metabolism, increased reproductive capacity and shortened lifespan.

The influence of these factors creates work overload lymphatic system which may also cause some swelling in the arm, shoulder, or chest.

• Partial retraction of the nipple with possible slight deformation- characteristic of Paget's disease, when the lesion is localized in the nipple.
• Reducing the diameter of the area of ​​pigmentation of the peripapillary region (areola) associated with changes in tissue trophism.
• Discharge from the nipple(usually light, with a yellowish tinge; may have bloody impurities) - typical in forms of cancer, when tumors form in the milk ducts.
• Minor irregularities in the shape of the breast- associated with the start pathological changes in the structure of its tissues.
• Slight increase in body temperature to subfebrile- caused inflammatory processes in affected tissues low level intensity.
• Sharp unreasonable fluctuations in body weight(more often - weight loss), loss of appetite, depressed emotional condition. The main reason for these symptoms is a violation of the hormonal balance in the body.
• General weakness, decreased ability to concentrate, increased fatigue- all these are manifestations of a symptom of intoxication.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease at this stage of its development makes it possible not only to restore the woman's health, but also to save the mammary gland, thereby preserving the ability to breastfeed.

2 stage

It can manifest all the symptoms inherent in stage 1, only of a more pronounced nature. Features include the following:

• The size of individual tumors can already reach up to 5 cm in diameter. In the case of multiple seals or nodules, their number and size may increase.

Tissue retraction in the affected area observed visually, and is especially noticeable when slowly raising and lowering the hand. Changes in the skin (redness, roughness and roughness, loss of elasticity, wrinkling and remaining folds after palpation).

These symptoms are due to the activation of the process of cell degeneration, which caused atypical hyperplasia and an irreversible metabolic disorder in tissues.

A significant increase in the size of the regional lymph nodes of the axillary zone on the side of the neoplasms is possible. As a rule, they are already easily palpable. The pattern of subcutaneous venous vessels appears (or increases in clarity). There are no severe pains yet, but painful sensations may appear aching character in mammary gland and axillary region.

The cause of these symptoms are significant overloads in the work of the lymphatic and venous systems, which served as the beginning of the development of irreversible pathologies in them.

3 stage

Starting from this stage, it is usually impossible to cure the patient, therefore, medical treatment provides only symptomatic therapy. In this case, the efforts of doctors have two main goals:

1. to slow down the rate of development of the disease as much as possible;
2. alleviate, as far as possible, the suffering of the patient.

At this stage of the disease, the severity of the symptoms of the previous stages increases. Features are as follows:

• Pains appear. They can be caused by severe swelling in the affected area and tissue compression, as well as the appearance of ulcers on the skin. The pains are monotonous and constant, as a rule, slowly and steadily intensifying. Temporary relief brings only the use of analgesics.
• The tumor is enlarged (more than 5 cm), showing pronounced invasive properties - the capture of adjacent tissues. In the case of multiple seals, they can be further enlarged and (or) further merged into a single whole.
• There are crusts on the nipple, and when they fall off, an ulcerated surface remains in their place - it is characteristic of an erysipelas-like form of cancer.
• The number of enlarged lymph nodes becomes even greater (up to 10), they become inflamed and painful.
• The deformity of the mammary gland is clearly expressed.
• Body temperature can rise significantly due to increased intoxication of the body and activation of inflammatory processes.

At this stage, the processes of metastasis are launched.

4 stage

This is the terminal stage. It is characterized by severe pain and metastases of both nearby and distant organs, bones, brain, etc.

Peculiarities:

• Tumors grow and capture the entire breast.
• The skin is covered with multiple ulcers, erosions, etc. - characteristic of the erysipelatous form.
• Inflammation covers the entire lymphatic system.

Treatment at this stage is exclusively symptomatic. The efforts of doctors are focused on alleviating the suffering of the patient.

Features of symptoms of various forms

• nodal- the most common form. The above consideration of symptoms by stages of the disease is especially characteristic of her.
• erysipelatous- it's extremely aggressive form with the rapid pace of development and transition to the spread of metastases. She is characterized heat, severe pain, pronounced breast swelling and redness skin. Symptoms are atypical for oncological processes, which makes it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.
• Mastitis-like- according to signs it is similar to erysipelatous, but hyperemic skin has a bluish tint, and the gland itself is significantly limited in mobility. Diagnosis is difficult due to the significant similarity with mastopathy.
• Edema-infiltrative form accompanied by swelling of the breast (especially in the areola) and the effect of "lemon peel" on the skin. Characterized by the absence of clear boundaries of the tumor. Most commonly seen in women young age. Has a poor prognosis.
• Paget's disease. It starts with a nipple injury. In the areola there is itching and burning. Outwardly, the first symptoms resemble eczema or psoriasis. The difference is in pronounced redness of the skin, followed by the appearance of crusts on it and further ulceration of the epithelium after they fall off. Having destroyed the nipple, the disease spreads to the entire breast.
• armored- a rare form, characterized by long and sluggish development. Accompanied by the growth of a colony of cancerous nodules, outwardly resembling a shell. The skin is pigmented, thickened, loses elasticity. Progressing, the disease captures the second breast and passes to the entire chest.