Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component of dfkm-fk. What is fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component? Diffuse FCM with a predominance of the fibrous component

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Causes of the disease

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

Possible reasons for the development of mastopathy:

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

  

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

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

FCM against the background of diseases

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

What diseases cause FCM:

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

Symptoms of pathology

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

Main features:

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

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

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

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

Establishing diagnosis

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

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

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

Methods of treatment

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

Treatment options:

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

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

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

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

Mar 30, 2017 Violetta Doctor

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

It is customary to distinguish two forms of the disease:

proliferative form characterized by the launch of the proliferation process, that is, the growth of epithelial and connective tissue by dividing their cells. With moderate proliferation, the risk of degeneration of the pathological process into a malignant one is 2.34%. With a pronounced degree of proliferation, these values ​​increase to 31.4%.

Non-proliferative form. With this form of the disease, cysts of different sizes form inside the chest: from a few millimeters to several centimeters. At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the formation of structures resembling bunches of grapes occurs. As the pathology progresses, the process of increased collagen production starts, which leads to compaction of the connective tissue, its growth and scar formation. As a result, the lobules that represent the mammary gland are stretched and cysts are formed inside them. The non-proliferative form of the disease does not give a high risk of malignancy of the pathological process. It is no more than 0.86%.

If we turn to the statistics of the disease in general, then among women around the world there is a tendency for an increase in pathology. In reproductive age, the disease affects up to 40% of women on average. If there are multiple gynecological diseases in the anamnesis, then the risk of encountering mastopathy is 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. It affects up to 20% of women. After menopause occurs, new cystic formations most often do not appear. This statistical fact is also another proof of the direct involvement of hormones in the development of the disease.

Symptoms of fibrocystic mastopathy

It is known that in Russia 90% of women independently detect breast pathology and only 10% of all cases are diagnosed by doctors.

Symptoms of the disease rarely occur hidden and it is quite difficult not to notice them:

Pain, with localization in the mammary glands. This pain is called mastalgia. She most often begins to disturb a woman in the second half of the cycle, or in its middle. The nature of mastalgia can vary from aching to stabbing and bursting. Possible irradiation of pain in the neck, hypochondrium, shoulder and back. When menstruation begins, the pain either significantly decreases or subsides altogether. After the end of menstruation, they disappear and the woman is not disturbed until the next middle of the cycle. However, as the disease progresses, the pain becomes more intense and does not go away after the end of the cycle, causing the woman discomfort throughout the entire time. Sometimes even a slight touch to the chest causes pain.

Breast tissue evenly compacted and swell.

During palpation, you can feel the granular structures of the gland.

If you press on the nipple, a discharge appears from it. They may be clear or resemble colostrum. During the premenstrual period, the discharge from the nipples increases. A woman can detect stains on the inside of her bra. If the discharge acquires a greenish or slightly yellow tint, then this indicates the addition of a secondary infection or the onset of an inflammatory process. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes located in the immediate vicinity of the mammary gland.

Carcinophobia is another common symptom of women with mastopathy. This is a pathological fear associated with the fear of getting cancer. It develops against the background of discomfort in the chest. Often, precisely because of cancerophobia, women postpone a visit to the doctor, fearing that their own fears will be confirmed. Often cancerophobia is accompanied by panic attacks, anxiety disorders, hypochondria.

Sleep disturbance due to pain. Insufficient night rest entails increased irritability, anxiety, nervousness, decreased performance.

Elevated estrogen levels and insufficient progesterone leads to the corresponding symptoms of hormonal failure. Menstrual irregularities, pronounced premenstrual syndrome, heavy bleeding, the occurrence of spotting between periods - all these signs often accompany mastopathy.

Often, during a comprehensive gynecological examination of women with diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy, ovarian cysts and uterine fibromas are found in them. Endometriosis and endometrial hyperplasia are also diseases adjacent to the pathology of the mammary glands.

Dryness of the skin, brittle nails and hair - all these are indirect signs indicating the pathology of the mammary gland of a fibrocystic nature.

It is also worth distinguishing the symptoms of various forms of cystic-fibrous mastopathy:

Mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component. With this form, fibrous changes occur in the connective tissue located between the lobules of the mammary gland. Often there is a proliferation of the intraductal epithelium, this causes either narrowing or complete fusion of the milk ducts. Women experience severe pain, seals are well palpable. Fibrous severity can have varying degrees of severity, depending on the stage of the disease.

Mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component. This form of the disease is accompanied by the formation of small cysts. Women, as a rule, rarely pay attention to soreness and swelling of the breast, since the symptoms of the disease are mild. Most often, mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component is diagnosed in patients aged 30 to 40 years.

Mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component. This form is characterized by the formation of single cysts, rather large in size (they can reach 7 cm in diameter). This type of mastopathy is most often diagnosed in women aged 35 and older. Multiple small cysts may also be diagnosed. Pain intensifies at the time of the onset of menstruation. Large cystic formations have an elastic consistency. They are well palpated, as they are delimited from the surrounding tissues of the mammary gland. The higher the degree of proliferation of the ductal epithelium, the higher the risk of cyst formation.

Causes of fibrocystic mastopathy

In the occurrence of pathology, the main role of all scientists is given to dishormonal disorders occurring in the body of a woman. At the same time, not one, but a whole complex of hormones takes part, among which are: gonadotropin releasing hormone of the hypothalamus, prolactin, gonadotropins, estrogens, progesterone, chorionic gonadotropin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, androgens and some others. Violations of their balance leads to the fact that dysplastic changes are triggered in the tissues of the mammary gland. Against the background of an absolute increase in the level of estrogen and a fall in the level of progesterone, the process of pathological changes is gaining full strength. Estrogens stimulate the proliferation of the epithelium and stroma, and the critically low level of progesterone is unable to counteract this mechanism. As a result, the woman develops mastopathy.

The study of the hormonal status of a woman with fibrocystic disease most often shows: gestagenic insufficiency (absolute or relative), hyperestrogenism (absolute or relative), a violation of the ratio of FSH to LH and abnormal levels of gonadotropins.

Gynecological diseases. Diseases of the female genital area also negatively affect the condition of the breast tissue. Among such pathologies: oophritis (inflammation of the ovaries), adnexitis (inflammation of both the ovaries and appendages), ovarian dysfunction (violation of their hormonal function), etc.

The period of bearing a child. During pregnancy, it affects the hyperplasia of the mammary glands, hormones that are produced by the placenta.

Thyroid dysfunction. Currently, the relationship between mastopathy and thyroid pathologies is scientifically proven. This is primarily due to a drop in the level of corpus luteum hormones. In addition, the thyroid gland affects the thyrotropic and luteinizing function of the pituitary gland. This disrupts the ovarian cycle and leads to dyshormonal processes in the mammary gland.

Liver diseases. It has been established that a violation of its functioning causes multiple changes in the hormonal balance.

Adverse factors associated with the function of reproduction. Such factors include abortions suffered by a woman, as well as unsuccessfully completed pregnancies (miscarriages, premature births). Late onset of pregnancy, or its absence, also negatively affects the tissues of the mammary gland. In addition, infertility therapy, refusal to breastfeed, or a short lactation period may have an effect. It is a known fact that women who interrupted the natural course of pregnancy more than three times are more prone to developing mastopathy. Their risk of pathology increases by 7.2 times.

Features of sexual development, the period of menopause. In this case, the greatest danger is the too early onset of puberty with menarche before the age of 12 years. If a woman's menstruation ends too late - over the age of 55, then this is also a risk factor that can lead to mastopathy.

Diseases. Some diseases can have an impact on the development of pathology, including: diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, adrenal diseases. With hypothyroidism, the risk of developing pathology increases by almost 4 times.

Overweight. The greater the weight of a woman, the more she has stocks of adipose tissue. It is known to be a depot for estrogens, and therefore there is always a risk of developing hyperestrogenism and mastopathy against its background.

exogenous reasons. Breast injuries, ionizing radiation, exposure to ultraviolet rays (obtained both from sunlight and in a solarium) on unprotected chest skin, and unfavorable environmental conditions in the area of ​​​​residence can negatively affect.

Features of sexual life. It is known that irregular sex life or its absence leads to stagnation in the pelvic area. This provokes diseases of the female genital area, disruption of hormone production and, as a result, mastopathy.

factor of heredity. Particularly attentive to the state of their own mammary glands should be those women whose closest maternal relatives have suffered breast diseases of benign or malignant origin.

stressful situations. The greatest danger is presented by severe and long-term continuing psycho-traumatic situations.

Is fibrocystic mastopathy dangerous?

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is a dangerous disease. Doctors consider it precancerous, although it is benign. If the pathology is left untreated, then the next stage of mastopathy will come - nodular, with it the risk of malignancy increases several times.

So, the dangers of fibrocystic mastopathy are as follows:

The risk of malignancy of the process;

The development of an inflammatory reaction in the mammary gland, infection and suppuration of the existing formation;

Growth of cystic formation, deformation of the shape of the breast;

Violation of the integrity of the cystic formation.

In addition, the disease significantly reduces the quality of life of a woman. She constantly or periodically experiences discomfort and pain in the chest, which causes neurosis, psychosis, becomes the reason for the impossibility of proper rest, decreased performance, etc.

If mastopathy is suspected, a woman should seek advice from a gynecologist or mammologist. Timely treatment will allow you to get by with conservative methods and not resort to surgical intervention.

Treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy

The leading place in the treatment of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy belongs to drugs of the hormonal group. Most often, oral gestagens are used for this purpose. Progestins are prescribed in the case when the patient's mastopathy is combined with hyperplastic processes in the endometrium, or progesterone deficiency is detected.

Widely used drugs such as:

Duphaston. It is an analogue of progesterone of natural origin. Therefore, it can be used without fear for the risk of developing side effects that occur when taking androgens. Even long-term treatment with Duphaston is safe and does not cause anabolic effects. Therapy allows you to achieve a progestogenic effect.

Utrozhestan. This drug is represented by natural micronized progesterone. It can be used both vaginally and orally. Micronized progesterone is absolutely identical to its natural counterpart and practically does not give side effects from taking the drug. This is one of the important differences between the natural progesterone contained in Utrozhestan and the synthetic hormone. As a rule, the full course of treatment takes up to six months.

Synthetic gestagen contains the drug Pregnin.

Regarding combined oral contraceptives, then the main purpose of their appointment is to block the ovulation process and eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the level of sex hormones. Most often, drugs belonging to this group are prescribed to women of reproductive age. Among such funds: Silest, Femoden, Marvelon, Mercilon.

Antiestrogens can lower the level of estrogen in the body. However, when taking drugs from this group, it is worth remembering the side effects that they cause. First of all, these are violations caused by low levels of estrogen. Among these: excessive sweating, hot flashes, a feeling of heat, itching of the genitals, increased work of the sebaceous glands, dry skin, etc. In addition, their long-term use can provoke endometrial cancer, polyposis, cataracts, thrombophlebitis. Antiestrogen drugs are Fariston, Tamoxifen, Clomiphene, Torimifen, etc.

It is known that estrogen antagonists are androgens. Therefore, it is also advisable to use them for the treatment of mastopathy. Most often, doctors prescribe the drug Danazol. Treatment should last at least three months. This group includes drugs - Parlodel, Mercazolil.

GnRH agonists are such drugs as: Zoladex, Buserelin and Diferelin. They can cause temporary menopause, which is reversible. This will save the woman's body from hormonal fluctuations due to inhibition of ovarian function in combination with the caused hypogonadotropic amenorrhea, the symptoms of mastopathy will become reversible. The course of continuous treatment should last at least a month.

Homeopathic remedy Mastodinon deserves special attention. It is made on the basis of extracts of medicinal herbs - chilibuha iris, tiger lily and cyclamen. Its intake helps to reduce the level of prolactin, narrow the ducts of the mammary gland, and reduce the severity of proliferative processes. In addition, the blood supply and swelling of the chest decreases, and a reverse change in tissues occurs. The pain symptom is reduced.

Klamin is a herbal adaptogen. It allows you to increase the immune forces of the body, protect the liver from negative effects, acts as an antioxidant. Klamina also contains iodine, which, in the event of a deficiency of this microelement, completely covers the body's need for it.

From phytopreparations, Fitolon can be distinguished- a remedy of plant origin, which is based on the lipid fraction of brown algae dissolved in alcohol. The drug has a resolving effect, stimulates the body's immune forces and acts as an antioxidant.

Analgesic drugs used to relieve pain, which are quite pronounced. Such drugs can serve as drugs belonging to the group of NSAIDs.

Vitamin preparations also prescribed for the treatment of mastopathy. It can be Aevit, vitamin E, Decamevit, etc.

Sedatives, and, if necessary, antidepressants are selected depending on the severity of mental disorders. It can be: Azafen, Sibazon, Amizil, Amitriptyline, etc.

Diuretics help relieve swelling- Triampur, Aneroshpiron, Lasix.

With iodine deficiency, iodine-containing preparations are indicated, such as Iodomarin, Klamin, Potassium iodide, etc.

Women with mastopathy should pay special attention to their own diet. Compliance with the dietary scheme of nutrition is not only a preventive, but also a therapeutic measure for mastopathy. It is known that an increased content in the daily menu of fats, as well as meat products, leads to an increase in the level of estrogen in the blood. At the same time, the amount of androgens decreases. In addition, a woman's diet should be enriched with vitamins and fiber as a source of coarse fiber. Fiber is a powerful anticarcinogen, which has been proven by many studies, which means it can have a beneficial effect on the course of the disease.

Proper nutrition will help achieve weight loss in overweight women. This will make it possible to get rid of body fat, and hence from the supply of excess estrogens.

Increasing physical activity, exercise therapy, the use of physiotherapy techniques - all these procedures are applicable only with the permission of the attending physician. It is possible to undergo mud therapy, laser therapy, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis and other auxiliary methods of treatment. Any applications that are applied to the chest area with mastopathy should be cold or slightly warmed up.

The passage of preventive examinations by a gynecologist and a mammologist, the implementation of instrumental methods of examination will prevent the development of the disease and preserve women's health. In addition, the self-examination procedure is a significant measure for the prevention of mastopathy.

Education: completed residency at the Russian Scientific Cancer Center named after N.N. N. N. Blokhin” and received a diploma in the specialty “Oncologist”

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is a benign oncological process that affects the breast tissue. With the development of mastopathy, the ratio between the epithelial and interstitial components is disturbed, since there are phenomena of proliferation and regression.

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

What it is?

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

It is customary to distinguish two forms of the disease:

1. nonproliferative form. With this form of the disease, cysts of different sizes form inside the chest: from a few millimeters to several centimeters. At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the formation of structures resembling bunches of grapes occurs. As the pathology progresses, the process of increased collagen production starts, which leads to compaction of the connective tissue, its growth and scar formation. As a result, the lobules that represent the mammary gland are stretched and cysts are formed inside them. The non-proliferative form of the disease does not give a high risk of malignancy of the pathological process. It is no more than 0.86%.
2. The proliferative form is characterized by the start of the proliferation process, that is, the growth of epithelial and connective tissue by dividing their cells. With moderate proliferation, the risk of degeneration of the pathological process into a malignant one is 2.34%. With a pronounced degree of proliferation, these values ​​increase to 31.4%.

If we turn to the statistics of the disease in general, then among women around the world there is a tendency for an increase in pathology. In reproductive age, the disease affects up to 40% of women on average. If there are multiple gynecological diseases in the anamnesis, then the risk of encountering mastopathy is 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. It affects up to 20% of women. After menopause occurs, new cystic formations most often do not appear. This statistical fact is also another proof of the direct involvement of hormones in the development of the disease.

Causes of mastopathy

The main cause of mastopathy is hormonal imbalance, which consists in increased production of the hormone estrogen.

Also, hormonal disorders can be triggered by the following factors:

1. Multiple abortions, the consequence of which is always a 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. Absence of pregnancies before 30 years;
4. The likelihood of mastopathy increases in the presence of endocrine diseases (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus), as well as diseases of the liver and biliary tract (hepatitis, cholecystitis, etc.)
5. Not breastfeeding or breastfeeding too short (less than 6 months). If a woman breastfeeds a child for more than 6 months, this reduces the risk of developing mastopathy by 2 times.

Other related factors:

1. Injuries of the mammary glands (blows, strong squeezing);
2. Psycho-emotional factors (depression, neurosis, 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 sufficiently lubricated, 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 make it possible 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 aching dull character and disappears after the onset of menstruation. Over time, pain sensations become more intense and prolonged, they can be localized not only in the chest, but also give to the arm, shoulder or armpit. In some patients, even a light touch on the affected gland can cause pain. With the further development of the disease, the pain becomes less significant.
3. Enlarged lymph nodes located in the armpits.
4. Loss of sleep, the appearance of a feeling of fear and anxiety.
5. The appearance of discharge from the nipples. They are very different: abundant or scarce, bloody or colorless.
6. Changes in the skin on the nipples: the occurrence of cracks, retraction of the nipple or skin.
7. The appearance in the tissues of formations. 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 of critical days, the symptoms smooth out. In many women in the later stages of the development of the disease, pain and induration remain regardless of the phase of the cycle.

Why is mastopathy dangerous?

Diffuse fibrocystic pathology (FCM) is a benign process characterized by abnormal development of breast 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 good quality of fibrocystic changes, mastopathy is a beneficial background for the development of malignant oncological diseases, therefore it refers to precancerous conditions. With active proliferation of cells of the affected gland, the risk of cancer reaches 32%. With less activity of the pathological process, the risk decreases to 1%, but this indicator cannot be neglected.

The vast majority of cases of diagnosis of fibrocystic pathology falls on women of childbearing age, whose mammary glands are active. In the period of perimenopause, there are significantly fewer such pathologies. Women almost do not pay attention to the primary signs of the disease, since they are not expressed by serious pain sensations and are perceived as temporary discomfort. However, with age, the disease progresses and can lead to dangerous consequences.

Diagnostics

Given the technical capabilities of diagnostic medicine, it is not difficult to identify diffuse cystic mastopathy. Screening or preventive examinations must be mandatory for all middle-aged women. From the age of 35, an ultrasound of the breast is done once a year, from the age of 40, an X-ray mammography is prescribed once a year.

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

1. Endocrinologist and oncologist consultation.
2. Collection of anamnesis ─ general data, complaints, family history.
3. Examination of the chest, palpation.
4. Examination for gynecological diseases, taking smears.
5. Ductography is an x-ray examination of the milk ducts using the introduction of a contrast agent.
6. Ultrasound examination, in which benign and malignant formations are evaluated with high accuracy.
7. A biopsy of a seal or cyst is a histological examination of the tissues of the formation.
8. X-ray mammography is a study with a low radiation dose and minimal burden 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 the detachable nipple

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

Treatment

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

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

Among them are the following:

• FCM treatment does not work without taking vitamin-containing drugs. In this case, you will need to take vitamins for a fairly long period of time. Particular attention is paid to vitamins of groups A, B, E and C.
• Preparations that contain a lot of iodine in their composition. Such are "Iodine-active", "Jodomarin", "Klamin". They help to restore the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. However, it is strictly forbidden to assign them to yourself.
• With a strong pain syndrome in case of 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", "Cyclodinon". For the desired effect, it is necessary to take medicines 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 fibrous disease of the mammary glands should include treatment that will be aimed at restoring the work of the hypothalamus-pituitary gland-ovaries. Most often, it is recommended to use hormonal agents for this. These include the following:

• Oral contraceptives Marvelon and Janine. The peculiarity of their reception lies in the strict observance of the instructions.
• Medications based on gestagens. These include Utrozhestan, Dufaston, Norethisteron. It is best to take them at the time of the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Otherwise, the effect will not be as strong.
• Women over the age of 45 should take androgens. These drugs include "Methyltestosterone", "Fareston" and "Tamoxifen". The duration of the course of treatment is set individually depending on each case of the disease.
• In advanced cases of the disease, it is advisable to use inhibitors for treatment that stimulate the production of prolactin. This is Parlodel.

It is advisable to carry out therapy for fibrocystic mastopathy only after a thorough medical examination, which will establish a variety of forms of breast disease. When diagnosing a cystic variety of the disease, it will be necessary to puncture and cytological examination of breast tissues. In the case of establishing the presence of a tumor of a benign nature, it may be quite enough to carry out surgical intervention.

Treatment with folk remedies

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

Tinctures. Prepared using herbs that are infused with alcohol. You can cook them yourself or buy ready-made in a pharmacy:

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

Decoctions. They help to normalize the hormonal background, cope with tumors and get rid of associated inflammatory diseases that occur in the body. Herbs insist in boiling water and take 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;
• chaga.

Lotions and compresses. Herbal compresses should be applied all night to the chest for several weeks to achieve the result:

• a compress of burdock leaves;
• cabbage compress with honey;
• rye flour cake;
• pumpkin compress;
• a compress of grated beets with honey.

The use of folk methods for the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy should also take place under the supervision of the attending physician. Phytotherapy implies the possibility of preparing decoctions from several herbs at once or using ready-made preparations that can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Diet

The therapeutic diet should contain products to stabilize the hormonal background. Food should be rich in fiber (greens, cereals).

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. The use of fish, seafood, liver and sour milk will replenish the body with phospholipids. It is necessary to consume 2 liters of plain water, this will help the fastest recovery of metabolic processes.

Most often, to cure any ailment, it helps to abandon the usual wrong lifestyle. Fibrocystic mastopathy is easier to prevent, and this requires a timely visit to the doctor. At the initial stage of the disease, it is easier to defeat the disease.

Prevention and possible complications

Compliance with preventive measures reduces the risk of the disease and contributes to a speedy recovery if it is present. These include: giving up bad habits, avoiding stressful situations, choosing the right underwear, maintaining a mobile lifestyle, reducing salt intake, timely treatment of diseases of the pelvic organs.

Competent selection of hormonal contraceptives and regular visits to the oncologist and mammologist (at least 1 time per year) are important. 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 independently check the mammary glands. This advice is especially relevant in the periclimacteral period (after the age of 45). This is done by visually examining the chest in the mirror and feeling it in the prone and standing position. If any abnormal compaction is detected, a doctor should be consulted.

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%.

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy - what is it? This question threatens to become one of the most frequently asked among the female audience. This is due to the fact that this disease remains the most common pathology that affects the glands that secrete milk in women aged 30 to 50 years. Although mastopathy can be in children of both sexes, both in men and in 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 of childbearing age. Every year the number of women diagnosed with mastopathy increases. This disease is associated with hormonal imbalance (deficiency of progesterone, excess of 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 edema.

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

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

With diffuse mastopathy, one of the three types of tissue may predominate, or the changes may be mixed, in connection with this, several subspecies of the disease are classified:

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

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

Over time, if the disease is not treated, the connective tissue thickens 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 the cysts forming in them.

Both forms can become malignant, but the proliferative form is more prone to magnification. Malignancy is the ability of cells of normal tissue or a benign formation to acquire the characteristics of cancer. With a non-proliferative form of the disease, this ability is minimal and does not even reach 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 magnlinization, such a danger still exists.

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

With the destruction of the cyst, hypothermia, injuries in the tissues of the mammary gland, an inflammatory process can begin. Cysts can fester, and this is fraught with sepsis.

With pathological tissue growth, the breast can be deformed (its shape and size change). This is not only aesthetically unattractive, while the woman experiences not only moral, but also physical discomfort. Periodic, and over time, constant pain interferes with proper rest, affects the functioning of the nervous system, and reduces performance.

Main types

Mastopathy is classified as a hyperplastic disease that occurs with the growth of a particular tissue. Thanks to some morphological features, it was possible to isolate individual forms of the disease. If the hyperplasia of the 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 from the side of the lesion. 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 during the expansion of the ducts of the gland, in the process of atrophy of its lobules and when the connective tissue changes, they speak of fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component. In this type of pathological process, the epithelial cells that form the lining of the cyst tend to proliferate.

With DKM, small cysts of the order of 0.3 cm and rather large ones up to 6 cm are formed. The contents of cysts with diffuse cystic mastopathy have a different color. It depends on the stage of the process, in the last stage the contents are brown-green, it can ooze from the nipple when pressed on it. The chest with this form of the pathological process is painful.

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

Diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is characterized by a change in the tissue that makes up the stroma of the lobules of the mammary gland (connective tissue). With this pathology, the cells lining the ducts of the gland are prone to proliferation, due to which the lumen of the ducts is narrowed or completely blocked (this is called obliteration). When probing the chest in the affected area, strands and seals are formed. 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 forms of diffuse-cystic-fibrous changes in the mammary glands is rare in the practice of clinicians. Morphological features of each of the forms are usually diagnosed.

Causes

Considering that this disease has been studied for only some hundred years, it was not possible to unequivocally establish the cause of the development of the described changes in the tissues of the mammary gland.

Hormonal imbalance plays the "first violin" in a set of factors that provoked 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. Thyroid diseases also stimulate the development of pathology.

Additional factors that may affect diffuse-nodular changes are:

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

It is believed that diseases of the internal organs can 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 various factors, which are sometimes impossible to influence. Therefore, when choosing a therapy strategy, an integrated approach should be chosen.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a physical examination of the patient and a chest examination. Depending on the age of the subject, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound or mammography. The combination of ultrasound and mammography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing diffuse nodular benign lesions in women. Mammography is contraindicated in pregnant women, nursing mothers and is not recommended for patients under 35 years of age.

An auxiliary method is blood sampling for hormone levels. A biopsy is performed to diagnose malignant neoplasms. The resulting material is sent for cytological examination.

Therapy of diffuse fibrous changes in the mammary gland, in contrast to the nodular form, can be carried out by one of 2 methods - conservative or operative. The nodular form is treated only promptly. Conservative treatment begins with the normalization of hormonal levels. Phytochemicals are a great success. The therapeutic strategy depends on the results of the examination, including the level of hormones.

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, if necessary, sedatives, antidepressants can be prescribed. The drugs used can be prescribed in the form of drops or tablets and in the form of topical agents (gels or ointments).

Diet therapy is not the last place in the treatment of this disease. The diet helps to maintain the patient's normal weight and thus reduce the level of estrogen. If the cystic form of the disease prevails, the patient may be recommended a puncture-aspiration method of treatment. It consists in the suction of fluid from the cysts. This treatment is applicable only for cysts that have not begun to become malignant.

If a cancerous degeneration of the gland tissue is suspected, or if a large number of cysts are formed or the interstitial tissue grows excessively, resection of the affected organ may be used. With a benign course of the process, the 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 an oncologist.

The highest frequency of mastopathy is observed in single, smoking women who abuse alcohol. From this it follows that the best prevention of this disease is warm family relationships, the birth and upbringing of a child.

Video

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

Any pathology of the mammary gland is always an extremely unpleasant condition for any woman. Knowing about such a terrible disease as cancer, a woman experiences strong emotions with any change in her breast. Today we will tell you what diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is, is it scary or not.

What is mastopathy

If the change in the gland does not progress and does not bother the woman, she often makes a big mistake by postponing the visit to the doctor indefinitely.

Mastopathy is a benign, hormone-dependent pathological change in the mammary glands. There are many variants of the course of such a disease. Therefore, sometimes it is difficult for an experienced general practitioner, surgeon, and even mammologist to establish the type of ongoing process and the reason for its development without special examinations. The treatment of such a disease is simple, but requires attention from the woman.

Fibrocystic mastopathy (terms such as “Reclus disease”, “fibroadenomatosis”, etc.) can also be used by doctors is a pathological process of a benign nature that leads to a violation of the correct structure of the breast tissue. What happens in the glandular tissue (proliferation processes) leads to its growth along with the stroma (the connective tissue component of the gland) and blood vessels.

There are such forms of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy:

• with a predominance of the fibrous component;
• mastopathy with a cystic component;
• mixed form with both fibrous and cystic components;
• bilateral form with a predominance of any component.

The term "diffuse" indicates that the process of changing the gland occurs throughout the organ, and not in a local area. The form of the disease is determined by the predominance of the pathological component.

Causes of mastopathy

The main pathological process that leads to the development of such a disease as diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands is a persistent violation of the hormonal background of a woman.

It is worth noting that the glandular tissue of the breast is the target for all female sex hormones:

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy is a consequence of an imbalance in female sex hormones, which has been observed for a long time (usually more than 1 year). In turn, the causes of such disorders in the body can be provoked by such pathological processes:

The main impetus for the development of pathology is the long-term predominance of estrogen over progesterone. This condition can be observed with pathology of the ovaries and ovulation, frequent abortions.

With menopause, the opposite situation is observed: a sharp predominance of progesterone over other hormones. An increase in prolactin during a period not related to pregnancy and lactation is also often associated with the development of a disease such as diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy.

Symptoms of the disease

Almost a quarter of all women with this disease do not feel any symptoms from the chest. Fibroadenomatosis of the breast is then detected by palpation of the breast by a doctor or during a planned mammography or ultrasound of the mammary glands.

Otherwise, the patient may notice the appearance of one or more formations that become painful in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Such formations may resemble bunches of grapes and be concentrated in the upper chest.

Also, in parallel, some symptoms of the disease can be observed, which are of a general nature and cannot confidently indicate mastopathy:

Treatment of mastopathy

Any form of such a disease requires treatment without fail. The fibrous form, like the cystic one, often requires only conservative therapy by taking hormonal drugs. The main task of such treatment is the normalization of hormonal levels.

When mastopathy is not combined with another endocrine pathology, a gynecologist treats a woman after a preliminary analysis of the hormonal background using laboratory tests.

If the presence of diseases of the endocrine system is detected during the diagnostic process, the treatment, along with the gynecologist, is also carried out by the endocrinologist. Drugs that are used for a disease such as diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy are hormonal agents. Therefore, the exact dosage and frequency of administration should be established only by a doctor.

Since mastopathy can mimic the symptoms of breast cancer, a detailed diagnosis of this disease is carried out. Hormonal treatment can be started only after any oncological disease has been excluded.

The cystic form of mastopathy requires surgical intervention if part of the altered mammary glands undergoes an infectious process (mastitis) or has an unaesthetic appearance due to illness. In this case, the pathological area of ​​the breast is excised, or a total resection of the mammary glands is performed (depending on the prevalence of the process). Next is hormonal treatment.

Summary

Diagnosis of a disease such as diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy in modern medical institutions is not very difficult.

The patient herself can often notice a change in the density and consistency of breast tissues during periodic self-examination. Conducting preventive mammography and ultrasound of the mammary glands allows you to identify the process at an early stage, as well as to conduct a differential diagnosis with a disease such as cancer.

Conservative treatment in the early stages allows you to achieve positive dynamics in any form of the disease. Normalization of the hormonal background of a woman allows her to eliminate negative symptoms before menstruation, normalize libido, and eliminate the unpleasant phenomena of the menopause period.

Unlike breast cancer, mastopathy in most cases has a favorable outcome, often does not cause significant discomfort to a woman and is successfully treated.

How to treat fibrocystic mastopathy - video