Types of fibrocystic mastopathy. What is diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy and how to treat it. Removal of fibrocystic mastopathy

Update: December 2018

It is known that most women suffer from this pathology, and the peak incidence is observed during childbearing age (about 30–45 years). Fibrocystic mastopathy is considered one of the most common diseases in women, and its incidence is 30–40%; in the case of concomitant gynecological diseases in the fairer sex, this pathology reaches 58%.

Definition of the term

Fibrocystic mastopathy or fibrocystic disease is a benign dyshormonal pathology of the mammary glands, in which both proliferative and regressive changes are noted in their tissues, resulting in the formation of a pathological relationship between the epithelial and connective tissue components.

Structure and regulation of mammary glands

The mammary gland is a paired organ and is represented by three types of tissue. The main one is parenchyma or glandular tissue, in which ducts of various diameters pass; the glandular tissue is divided into lobules and lobes (there are about 15 - 20 of them). The lobules and lobes are separated by stroma or connective tissue, which makes up the framework of the mammary gland. And the third type of tissue is adipose tissue, it is in it that the lobules, lobes and stroma of the mammary gland are immersed. The percentage of parenchyma, stroma and adipose tissue is directly related to the physiological state (age) of the reproductive system.

During gestation, the mammary glands reach morphological maturity. Their size and weight increase, the number of lobules and ducts increases, and milk secretion begins in the alveoli (the morphomolecular unit of the mammary gland). After childbirth, due to the production of milk, the mammary glands increase even more (lacteal sinuses are formed in the ducts of the lobes, in which milk accumulates). And after cessation of lactation in mammary glands ah, involution occurs, and the stroma is replaced by adipose tissue. With age (after 40), the parenchyma is also replaced by adipose tissue.

Both the growth and development of the mammary glands are regulated by numerous hormones. The main ones are, and. A role in regulating the development of mammary glands and somatotropic hormone has also been proven. The main changes in the mammary glands under the influence of hormones are the parenchyma, and to a lesser extent the stroma is subject to hormonal influence. The condition of the mammary glands depends on the ratio of the content of these hormones. When the hormonal balance is disturbed, mammary gland mastopathy develops.

Forms of mastopathy

In modern medicine there is a large number of classifications of this disease. The following is considered the most convenient in clinical work:

Diffuse mastopathy

Nodular mastopathy

• lipoma;
• fibroadenoma;
• breast cyst;
• lipogranuloma;
• intraductal papilloma (roughly speaking, a wart in the milk duct);
• breast hematroma;
• angioma.

If both mammary glands are affected, they speak of bilateral fibrocystic mastopathy, and when the process develops in one gland, it is unilateral (for example, a cyst of the left mammary gland).

Depending on the severity of clinical manifestations, the disease can be mild, moderate or severe.

In addition, both diffuse and nodular mastopathy can be of proliferating and non-proliferating forms. Fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM) of the first form is prognostically unfavorable. In this case, proliferation of the epithelium of the milk ducts occurs, which leads to the formation of intraductal papillomas or proliferative changes in the epithelium of the internal walls of the cysts, which leads to the development of cystadenopapilloma.

All the described changes are fraught malignant degeneration and are dangerous due to their occurrence.

A special form of the mammary gland also appears at the end of the second phase of the cycle, which is called mastodynia or mastalgia. Mastodynia is caused by cyclic engorgement of the gland due to venous stagnation and stromal edema, which leads to a sharp increase and soreness of the mammary gland (more than 15%).

Causes

The etiological factors and the mechanism of development of the disease are caused by hormonal imbalance. The leading role in the formation of mastopathy is given to conditions in which there is progesterone deficiency, impaired ovarian function and/or absolute or relative hyperestrogenism. This is due to the fact that estrogens promote the proliferation of epithelium in the alveoli, milk ducts, and enhance the activity of fibroblasts, which causes proliferation of the stroma. Also in the mechanism of formation of the disease, hyperprolactinemia and excess prostaglandins are also important (causing mastodynia, and then mastopathy). For the development of hormonal imbalance, the action of provoking factors is necessary. But even with their existence, mastopathy does not develop immediately, since it requires their long-term influence (several years) and “layering” of one factor on top of another. Such provoking factors include:

• early menarche (early puberty, up to 12 years, leads to rapid hormonal changes, which also affects the condition of the mammary glands);
• late menopause (cessation of menstruation after 55 years is also unfavorable for the mammary glands due to prolonged hormonal effects on their tissue);
• termination of pregnancy (a sharp hormonal decline after an abortion or miscarriage leads to hormonal disorders and the development of mastopathy);
• there were no pregnancies or childbirths at all;
• short period of lactation or categorical refusal to breastfeed;
• heredity (benign and malignant breast diseases in women on the maternal side);
• age (over 35);
• stress as a cause of endocrine pathology;
• bad habits;
• injuries to the mammary glands, compression of the chest by a tight and uncomfortable bra;
• inflammatory processes of the mammary glands;
• hormonal-dependent gynecological diseases (cycle disorders, anovulation and fibroids, endometriosis);
• iodine deficiency;
• pathology of the liver, thyroid gland;
• obesity (adipose tissue acts as an estrogen depot, and their excess leads to hormonal disorders);
• tumors of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland (failures in the production of FSH and LH lead to hyperestrogenism);
• irregular sex life or dissatisfaction with sex, which contributes to stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs and, as a result, causes dysfunction of the ovaries and hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms

With mastopathy, the symptoms and their severity depend not only on the form of the disease, but also on emotional state and the woman’s character and existing concomitant pathologies. In the mastopathy clinic, the following symptoms predominate:

• Mastodynia or breast tenderness

Pain syndrome can be of varying nature and intensity. IN initial stage chest pain diseases appear on the eve of menstruation, which many women regard as premenstrual syndrome. The pain can be dull, aching, or so sharp that it is impossible to touch the chest. The pain syndrome is caused by stagnation of blood in the veins and tissue swelling and is described by patients as breast engorgement. Women also note an increase in the volume of the mammary glands (edema). After menstruation, the pain disappears, but as the pathology progresses, the pain becomes constant, only its intensity changes depending on the phase of the cycle. Severe pain also negatively affects the psycho-emotional state of a woman. In addition to sleep disturbances, mental lability is noted, irritability, aggressiveness and tearfulness appear.

• Nipple discharge and breast lumps/lumps

Discharge from the nipples is a characteristic, but not obligatory symptom of mastopathy. The severity and color of the discharge also varies. The discharge may be insignificant and appear only when the nipple is compressed, or it may occur independently, as evidenced by spots on underwear. The color of the discharge may be whitish or transparent, or greenish, which indicates a secondary infection. The appearance of discharge from the breast indicates involvement of the milk ducts in the process. An unfavorable prognostic sign is the appearance of brown or bloody discharge, which is inherent in malignant tumors.

Diffuse mastopathy

It is more often diagnosed in young women, and palpation reveals enlarged and painful mammary glands with rough heaviness and pronounced lobulation, as well as fine granularity.

Nodular mastopathy

Nodular is the next stage in the development of the disease, which occurs in the absence of treatment for the diffuse form of the pathology. Palpation of the mammary glands allows you to feel with your fingers individual or individual areas of the lump or cyst. Foci of compaction are palpated as dense nodes without obvious boundaries with pronounced lobulation. The nodes can reach impressive sizes (up to 6–7 cm). In the case of the formation of a mammary gland cyst, round or oval elastic formations with obvious boundaries that are not connected with the surrounding tissues are palpated.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease begins with collecting anamnesis and complaints. After the survey, the patient’s doctor examines and palpates the mammary glands. During the examination, the contours of the breast, the presence/absence of asymmetry of the mammary glands, skin tone and venous pattern, the position of the nipples and whether there is any deformation are clarified.

Next, the mammary glands are palpated (necessarily in the first phase of the cycle) in two positions: standing and lying, since some formations may not be palpable in one position. In addition, the doctor squeezes the nipples and determines the presence/absence of discharge from them, and also palpates the regional lymph nodes (axillary, sub- and supraclavicular).

Instrumental methods for diagnosing mastopathy include:

• Mammography

The essence of this method is an X-ray examination of the chest. Mammography is indicated for women at significant risk for breast cancer, as well as all women 35 years of age and older during medical examination. inspection. X-rays of the mammary glands are performed in the first half of the cycle (days 7–10) and always in 2 projections (frontal and lateral). The advantages of mammography include high information content (up to 97%) and the ability to detect non-palpable formations.

• Ultrasound of the mammary glands

Shown this examination women under 35 years of age, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. The advantages of the method are harmlessness and safety, high resolution, the ability to examine breast implants or in case of existing trauma and/or inflammation of the breast, and the ability to examine regional lymph nodes. Among the disadvantages of the method: it is impossible to examine the mammary gland as a whole, but only a “slice”, little information content in case of fatty degeneration of the breast, subjective assessment of the images (depending on the qualifications and experience of the doctor).

• Needle biopsy

If a suspicious area (compaction or cavity formation) is identified, a fine-needle puncture of the pathological focus is performed, followed by a histological examination of the contents.

• Hormonal status study

First of all, the level of estrogen and progesterone is determined; if hyperprolactinemia is suspected, the level of prolactin is determined, and if necessary, adrenal and thyroid hormones are examined.

• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

It is carried out to exclude diseases of the ovaries and uterus.

• Blood chemistry

Liver enzymes, blood sugar and other indicators are examined to exclude concomitant extragenital diseases.

In addition, additional methods for examining the mammary glands include (if necessary) ductography (examination of the milk ducts), pneumocystography (examination of cavity formation), laser and digital mammography, thermography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment

When mastopathy is detected, treatment must be carried out without fail and its tactics depend on a number of factors: the age of the patient, the form of the disease, the presence concomitant pathology, interest in pregnancy or contraception. Fibrocystic mastopathy involves treatment both conservatively and surgically.

Conservative treatment Patients are treated only with a diagnosed form of diffuse mastopathy, and after consultation with a mammologist-oncologist. Conservative therapy is carried out with non-hormonal and hormonal drugs.

Non-hormonal treatments

• Vitamins

Vitamin A is prescribed, which has an anti-estrogenic effect, vitamin E, which enhances the effect of progesterone, vitamin B6, which reduces the content of prolactin, vitamins PP, P and ascorbic acid, strengthening vascular wall, normalizing microcirculation and reducing swelling of the mammary glands. In addition, all of the listed vitamin preparations improve liver function, where estrogens are inactivated and generally have a beneficial effect on mammary gland tissue.

• Iodine preparations

Iodomarin and iodine-active are used to normalize the work thyroid gland and those involved in the formation of its hormones (see).

• Sedatives and biostimulants (adaptogens)

Prescription (motherwort, valerian, peony tincture) normalizes the patient’s psycho-emotional state, improves sleep and increases resistance to stress. Adaptogens (eleutherococcus, radiola rosea) stimulate the immune system, normalize metabolic processes in the body, improve liver and brain function.

• Herbal remedies

Mastodinone, cyclodinone or remens are used, which have a beneficial effect on hormonal balance, eliminate pathological processes in the mammary glands, and reduce the concentration of prolactin.

The prescription of drugs such as indomethacin, nise, or not only reduces pain by suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandins, the “causative agents” of pain, but also relieves swelling and engorgement of the mammary glands.

• Diuretics

Diuretics (Lasix or: lingonberry leaf, kidney tea,) help reduce swelling in the mammary glands and reduce pain.

Hormone therapy

This is the main link of conservative treatment, it consists of prescribing the following groups of drugs:

• Gestagens

Taking utrozhestan, duphaston, norkolut, pregnin and other drugs in the second phase of the cycle reduces the synthesis of estrogen and normalizes progesterone levels, which has a beneficial effect on the course of mastopathy. The duration of taking progestin agents is at least 4 months. Local use of gestagens (progestogen) is also possible - applying the gel to the surface of the mammary glands twice a day for at least 3 to 4 months, which promotes the absorption of 90% of progesterone by mammary tissue and eliminates side effects.

• Prolactin production inhibitors

Parlodel suppresses the secretion of prolactin and is prescribed for detected hyperprolactinemia.

• Androgens

Treatment with androgens (methyltestosterone, danazol, testobromlecid) is carried out for women after 45 years of age for 4 to 6 months continuously. Androgens inhibit the release of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland, suppress their effect on the ovaries and inhibit the production of hormones by the ovaries.

• Antiestrogens

Tamoxifen and other drugs in this group are taken continuously for 3 months.

• Combined oral contraceptives

Taking Marvelon, Rigevidon and other contraceptive drugs is indicated for patients under 35 years of age with anovulation and disruption of the second phase of the cycle.

Surgery indicated for the detection of nodular mastopathy (fibroadenoma or cyst) and consists of either sectoral resection of the mammary gland (removal of the pathological focus along with the breast sector) or enucleation (husking) of the tumor/cyst. Indications for surgery are: suspicion of cancer according to histological examination of punctate, fast growth fibroadenomas, cyst recurrence after a previous puncture.

Question answer

Is pregnancy allowed with mastopathy?

Pregnancy has a beneficial effect on the course of mastopathy, since the change (increased secretion of progesterone) during gestation not only stops the disease, but promotes complete recovery.

Is it possible to breastfeed with mastopathy?

Not only is it possible, but it is also necessary. Lactation is the prevention of breast diseases, and in the case of mastopathy, it helps to normalize processes in the tissues of the mammary glands (epithelial growth increases glandular tissue, which suppresses the proliferation of pathological cells).

Is it possible to use alternative treatment for mastopathy?

Yes, it is possible to use traditional treatment methods for this disease, but only when combined with drug treatment and after consulting a doctor.

What traditional treatment methods are used for mastopathy?

One of effective ways traditional therapy is to use fresh cabbage. You can apply a fresh cabbage leaf with cut veins to your chest overnight, wrapping it in a towel, or you can twist the cabbage and pumpkin (1:1) through a meat grinder, distribute the resulting mass evenly over the mammary glands, wrap it in plastic, and then with gauze and leave the compress for 2 hours. . Similar treatment relieves pain and inflammation, reduces swelling in the mammary glands and is carried out in courses of 7–14 days.

Why is mastopathy dangerous?

Complications of mastopathy include recurrence of the disease after drug treatment, which is possible with undiagnosed hormonal disorders, suppuration and rupture of the breast cyst and the degeneration of fibroadenoma into cancer (less than 1% in the non-proliferating form and reaches 32% in the case of pronounced proliferation of fibroadenoma). Therefore, nodular mastopathy must be treated surgically without delay.

Is it possible to sunbathe with mastopathy?

Sunbathing, as well as other thermal procedures (visiting a bathhouse or sauna) is prohibited for this disease. It should be remembered that with any form of mastopathy, a woman is at high risk for breast cancer, and insolation and any other type of “heating” of the breast contributes to the transition of diffuse mastopathy to nodular or malignancy benign tumor breasts

Is it necessary to follow a diet?

Yes, for mastopathy, you should adhere to the principles of therapeutic nutrition, which excludes the intake of chocolate, coffee, tea and cocoa due to their high content of methylxanthines, which not only increase the pain syndrome, but also contribute to the progression of the disease. The diet should be rich in fresh vegetables and fruits (sources of vitamins and coarse fiber, which improves intestinal function), grains and bran products, fermented milk and seafood (sources of calcium and iodine), vegetable oils (vitamin E).

How to prevent the disease?

To prevent the development of mastopathy, it is necessary to adhere to several principles:

• to refuse from bad habits;
• wearing comfortable, appropriately sized underwear;
• refusal of abortion;
• avoid stress (if possible);
• adhere to principles breastfeeding;
• be regularly checked by a doctor;
• avoid chest injuries;
• maintain regular sex life.

Every woman needs to know that if she has the slightest health problem, she should definitely seek help. medical assistance. Now I would like to talk about what mastopathy is. Treatment of this disease, the causes of its occurrence and methods of diagnosis - this will be discussed below.

About the term

First of all, you need to understand the terms that will appear in the article. What is mastopathy? This is a special disease of the mammary glands. It most often occurs as a result of a severe hormonal imbalance in a woman. Features: with this disease, dense glandular tissue, which is in the mammary gland, grows. This leads to the formation of blisters filled with fluid (these are cysts). It is also worth mentioning that with this disease the usual structure of the female breast often changes.

Types of disease

It must be said that there are different types of mastopathy (treatment will vary depending on the type of disease):

1. Ductal.
2. Lobular.
3. Fibrous.
4. Cystic.
5. Fibrocystic mastopathy, where the cystic component predominates. With this disease, cysts (bubbles with liquid) appear.
6. Fibrocystic mastopathy, where the fibrous component predominates. This form of the disease is characterized by a predominance of glandular tissue in the breast.
7. Mixed fibrocystic mastopathy. In this case, the glandular tissue grows along with the formation of cysts.
8. Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component (this is adenosis). With this disease, excessive, excessive growth of glandular tissue occurs.
9. Nodular mastopathy.
10. Sclerosing adenosis.

Features of diffuse forms of mastopathy: changes occur in all tissues of the affected mammary gland.

Features of the nodular form of mastopathy are that the mammary gland is affected locally (i.e. partially). These are most often some kind of lumps in the chest, which, however, most often appear against the background of diffuse mastopathy.

Causes of the disease

We also need to talk about why this disease can appear in women.

1. Genetic predisposition (i.e. hereditary factor).
2. Hormonal imbalance, in which there is a significant predominance of a hormone such as estrogen in the blood.
3. Various gynecological diseases.
4. Breast injuries.
5. Incorrect use of hormonal drugs, illiterate contraception.
6. Operational disruptions endocrine system body.
7. Lack of iodine in the body.
8. Lack of breastfeeding during the postpartum period (or short period- less than 5 months).
9. Various disorders that relate to the reproductive system: late childbirth (after 30 years), termination of pregnancy, absence or a small number of pregnancies and births.
10. Psychological factors such as frequent stress, depression, neuroses, overwork.

Symptoms

It is worth saying that the most common type of this disease today is fibrocystic mastopathy. Symptoms, treatment of this type of disease - this will be discussed further. First of all, I would like to talk about the symptoms of this problem. After all, this may be the first signal that a lady needs to urgently seek medical advice.

1. Painful sensations. At the very beginning of the disease, the pain will not be clearly expressed. It can be called aching, periodic. Basically it will come with the beginning of menstruation. If the disease progresses to the next stage, the pain increases significantly. They may not disappear with the onset of menstruation. In this case, the pain may radiate to the shoulder, armpits. There will be discomfort when touching the chest. You can also observe an increase in the volume of the mammary glands.
2. Nipple discharge. With this disease, whitish or gray-greenish discharge can be observed.
3. Seals. When palpating in the chest, you can feel some lumps that do not disappear with the onset of menstruation.
4. Cracked nipples.
5. Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits.

However, the most common and alarming symptom that women can ignore is pain. Don’t think that this is normal even during the premenstrual period. If at least one of the above symptoms appears in a woman regularly, this is a reason to seek medical advice.

Diagnostics

If a woman has mastopathy of the mammary gland, treatment will depend on what type of disease the woman has. And to find out, you must first seek medical advice. What will the doctor do? His first steps are palpation of the woman’s mammary glands, examination of them, and collection of anamnesis (done by a mammologist). However, this is not enough to make a correct diagnosis. In this case, the woman may be prescribed the following forms of additional examination:

1. Ultrasound. Held this study 5-7 days after the start of menstruation. Not only the mammary glands, but also the clavicular areas, as well as the armpits are subject to examination.
2. Blood test. In this case, tests will be needed for thyroid hormones (TSH, T3 and T4), ovarian hormones (such as estradiol, FSH and progesterone). Additional recommendation: tumor markers.
3. If there is discharge from the nipples, you need to conduct a cytological examination of them.
4. You may also need a consultation with a gynecologist and an ultrasound of the uterus or pelvic organs.
5. Puncture. If this is nodular mastopathy, you need to take samples of the tumor.

And only after the doctor understands what kind of mastopathy the patient has, treatment will be prescribed based on the results obtained from various studies.

What may treatment depend on?

• patient's age;
• ovarian functions;
• features and nature of the menstrual cycle;
• possible gynecological diseases (for example, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, etc.);
• hypovitaminosis;
• psycho-emotional status of the patient.

Surgery

If a woman is diagnosed with nodular mastopathy, treatment of this pathology may involve surgery. However, before this, the lady is under the supervision of a doctor for quite a long time (she needs to periodically visit a mammologist). And if there are no trends towards improvement, then the doctor may decide that it is necessary to get rid of this neoplasm. In medicine, this is called sectoral resection of the mammary gland. However, in this case, it is worth remembering that surgery is only the elimination of the consequences of the disease. However, the causes of the tumor remain. And with illiterate subsequent treatment, everything can happen again.

Basic principles of therapy

If a woman has fibrocystic mastopathy, treatment can be based on the following principles:

1. Hormonal therapy. This is necessary in order to bring the patient’s hormonal levels back to normal.
2. It could be local treatment mammary gland tissues.
3. If necessary, medications can be prescribed that will put the patient’s psycho-emotional background in order.
4. If a woman feels severe pain, she may be prescribed painkillers. However, they will not cope with the cause of the disease, but will only help get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

Drugs

What awaits a woman diagnosed with mastopathy? Treatment. The doctor may prescribe the following medications:

1. On early stages diseases, the doctor will most likely recommend taking homeopathic hormonal drugs, which are based on a lot of herbs. These are medications such as Mastodinon, Cyclodinone or Mamoclam.
2. If the disease is at a more serious stage, then the patient will need adequate hormonal therapy. In this case, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• "Urozhestan" or "Duphaston" are gestagens in tablets.
• Zoladex or Buserlin are releasing hormone agonists.
• "Progestogel."

To normalize the menstrual cycle, a woman may be prescribed oral contraceptives.

Diet

If the patient has been diagnosed with fibrocystic mastopathy, treatment will consist not only of taking various means pharmaceuticals. At the same time, the doctor will also advise you to follow a proper diet. What should a woman know and remember about this?

1. It is necessary to limit the intake of smoked meats and fatty foods as much as possible.
2. You need to add as many fresh berries, fruits and vegetables to your diet.
3. If the patient is suffering from pain in the chest, the doctor will recommend that she stop consuming coffee, cocoa, tea and chocolate.

What else do you need to know if a lady has cystic mastopathy of the mammary glands? Treatment will also include vitamin therapy (especially if a woman has hypovitaminosis). In this case, preference should be given to complexes where vitamins A and E groups predominate. After all, they improve liver function, and it takes an active part in the processes of hormone metabolism.

Attention!

It must be said that only a doctor should prescribe treatment for mastopathy. Reviews from doctors say that often, wanting to cope with the problem on their own, ladies bring their bodies to an extreme state when it is very, very difficult to cope with the disease. And in order not to harm yourself, at the first symptoms of this disease you should consult a doctor for advice. And only after making a diagnosis should you begin to discuss methods of treatment and getting rid of the problem.

About folk remedies

It is worth saying that it is very effective traditional treatment fibrocystic mastopathy. However, at the same time, I would again like to remind you that you must first establish a diagnosis in a medical institution. And only after that begin treatment with folk remedies.

The main rule

If a woman has diffuse mastopathy, treatment with folk remedies should begin with increasing fluid intake. It can be not just water, but also juices, compotes, and decoctions. You also need to increase your consumption of fresh fruits and berries. This is necessary in order to maintain the ideal water balance of the human body (which is very important in this case).

Decoction of oats and barley

If the patient has fibrous or cystic mastopathy, treatment with folk remedies is a method that can be tried in combination with taking medications. At the same time, a decoction prepared from whole grains of oats and barley helps to significantly speed up getting rid of this disease.

1. Summer version of the medicine. To prepare it, you need to take about 5-6 tablespoons of a mixture of grains and pour a liter of boiling water over them. Next, everything is placed on low heat and boiled for about half an hour. Then the medicine should infuse. It is best to leave it overnight in a dark place at room temperature. "Why a summer version of the medicine?" - a question may arise. The thing is that when you consume this product, potassium will also be washed out with urine. And in the summer it is perfectly compensated by eating fresh vegetables, fruits and berries.
2. Preparation of medicine in winter. Here you need to boil this medicine for about an hour. After this, everything is strained out, and the resulting liquid is poured into a previously prepared handful of dried fruits. This remedy is also infused overnight.

This decoction is taken in small sips for one day, regardless of meals. It is also useful to eat all the dried fruits that have also been infused.

Treatment with oils

If a woman has fibrous mastopathy of the mammary gland, treatment of the disease in the early stages of its manifestation can begin with the following folk medicine. To prepare it, you need to take pumpkin seed oil and sea buckthorn berry oil in a ratio of 10:1 (brief explanation: for 100 ml of seed oil, 2 teaspoons of sea buckthorn oil). After a month and a half of taking this product, pumpkin seed oil should be replaced with milk thistle oil, and later with flax seed oil.

Compresses

What other treatment could there be? fibrous mastopathy folk remedies? So, why not make compresses, which also perfectly help get rid of this problem?

1. To prepare a local compress, take one grated carrot and add 0.5 cup to it. beet juice, approximately 4 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil and one tbsp. spoon of golden root. All ingredients are mixed. Compresses are applied to the chest for 5 hours. Duration of treatment: 15 days.
2. Honey compresses can also help cope with mastopathy. To prepare the medicine, you need to take two tablespoons of honey, mix them with four tablespoons of flour. This mass should be applied to the chest at night for five days. Next, you need to take a five-day break and repeat the treatment again.
3. A compress for the lazy, which, however, also copes well with mastopathy: a cabbage leaf should be smeared with honey and applied to the chest at night. This must be done for one week. Then take a break and repeat the course again.

Fibrous mastopathy: more remedies

If a woman is diagnosed with fibrous mastopathy, treatment may also involve taking the following folk remedies:

1. You need to take two tablespoons of a herbal mixture of string, yarrow and motherwort, pour them with a liter of boiling water. Everything is infused in a thermos for several hours. The drug is taken throughout the day three times a day before meals.
2. An infusion of cuff also helps a lot. To prepare it, you need to take 2-3 tablespoons of the plant and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. Everything is infused for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This medicine is taken one third of a glass before meals.

Cystic mastopathy: remedies

If the patient has cystic mastopathy, treatment can be carried out using the following means:

1. You should take 150 ml of burdock root infusion orally three times a day. Method of its preparation: 20 grams of crushed root must be poured with 2 cups of boiling water, then left for a couple of hours.
2. You can also prepare an infusion of potato flowers. To resist it, you need to pour one teaspoon of flowers with one glass of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes. You need to take the medicine three times a day, one tablespoon.

Procedures for the day

There is one more thing effective treatment mastopathy. Feedback from patients suggests that if everything is done correctly and strictly adhere to the daily regimen of procedures, you can cope with this disease in a relatively short time. In this case, the day should be planned as follows.

Morning. The day should begin by rubbing the sore chest with table salt. To do this, you need to take a terry cloth, pour a handful of salt into it and gently rub one breast first (about 2-3 minutes), then the other for the same amount of time. In this case, you need to make circular movements throughout the mammary gland. After the procedure, the breasts are washed first with warm water, then with cool water. After the procedure, you need to lubricate your breasts with a nourishing cream.

Dinner. At this time of day, contrasting lotions will be very useful.

1. One basin with fairly hot water (temperature approximately 50-60 degrees). For 1 liter of water you need to add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vinegar.
2. The second basin with extremely cold water, however, in no case with ice water. Here you need to add one tablespoon of salt to one liter of water (dissolving it).

You need to take two towels, alternately dip them in different basins and apply them to your chest in the décolleté area. Do this five times with each basin. You need to finish the procedure with cold water. After this, the chest is blotted with a towel.

Afternoon time (range from 15.00 to 18.00). This is where lemon comes in handy. For the procedure you need to cut it into slices. The woman lies down on a hard surface (not the bed) and places thinly sliced ​​lemon slices on her chest so that the mammary gland is covered with them. You need to lie down like this for about 10 minutes. After this, the breasts should be rinsed first with warm, then cool water and lubricated with nourishing cream.

Evening. Before going to bed, your breasts need to be nourished and at the same time healing mask. Conveniently, it is prepared once for three days and can be stored in the refrigerator. So, the recipe for its preparation: you need to cook finely ground oatmeal in a very small amount of water. Everything is filtered through cheesecloth, the thick mixture is cooled. Two tablespoons of oatmeal should be mixed with one yolk, one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of grated walnuts. Next, the woman again lies down on a hard surface, applies maxa to the chest and décolleté area and rests for 20 minutes. It is worth mentioning that an hour before applying the mask, it should be removed from the refrigerator and left to warm up at room temperature. This product should not be heated over a fire or in the microwave, as it will lose its healing properties.

The lady should adhere to this regime for two weeks. Women say that after this period the disease disappears. If not, after a certain time you need to repeat the course again. It is also good to do such procedures as a preventive measure twice a year. This will make your breasts beautiful and firm. And at the same time maintain your health.

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

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

What it is?

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

It is customary to distinguish two forms of the disease:

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

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

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

Causes of mastopathy

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

Also hormonal disorders may be triggered by the following factors:

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

Other contributing factors:

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

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

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

Why is mastopathy dangerous?

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

Despite the declared benignity of fibrocystic changes, mastopathy is a beneficial background for the development of malignant oncological diseases, therefore refers to precancerous conditions. With active proliferation of cells in the affected gland, the risk of cancer reaches 32%. With less activity of the pathological process, the risk is reduced to 1%, but this indicator cannot be neglected.

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

Diagnostics

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

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

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

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

Treatment

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

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

These include the following:

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

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

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

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

Treatment with folk remedies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diet

The therapeutic diet should contain foods to stabilize hormonal levels. Food must 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. Consumption of fish, seafood, liver and sour milk, will replenish the body with phospholipids. It is necessary to drink 2 liters of plain water, this will help to quickly restore metabolic processes.

Most often, giving up your usual unhealthy lifestyle helps cure any illness. Fibrocystic mastopathy 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 promotes a speedy recovery if it occurs. These include: giving up bad habits, avoiding stressful situations, choosing the right underwear, maintaining an active lifestyle, reducing salt intake, timely treatment diseases of the pelvic organs.

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

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

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

• with a predominance of the fibrous component;
• with a predominance of the cystic component;
• with a predominance of the ferrous component;
• sclerosing adenosis.

The degrees of development of pathology are also distinguished:

• first degree– the process proceeds without proliferation;
• second degree– with proliferation, but without atypia;
• third degree– with atypical proliferation of the epithelium.

Nature of pain

Since fibrocystic mastopathy combines two forms of pathology, that is, both lumps and cystic formations appear in the mammary gland, a woman exhibits signs of both forms simultaneously.

NOTE!

With fibrous mastopathy, pain may appear several days before menstruation and continue for some time after its end. In this case, the pain may be dull or aching in nature.

With cystic mastopathy, pain is more observed in the area of ​​cyst formation. At first, the pain may begin shortly before menstruation, and then become permanent. In most cases, the pain is not too severe, but sometimes it is felt even with a light touch.

As for the nature of pain in the mixed fibrocystic form, it is difficult to identify it, since it can be different.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of mastopathy begins with a visit to a mammologist, who palpates the mammary glands and collects anamnesis.

Then the doctor refers the patient to the following examinations:

• mammography- X-ray examination, which is indicated for women after 35 years. In more early age This study is not recommended. The method allows you to determine the presence of even very small tumors that cannot be palpated;
• Ultrasound– often prescribed to young girls;
• puncture And biopsy. In the presence of suspicious neoplasms, a histological examination of its tissue is carried out;
• blood test for hormones. The levels of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin are determined. If necessary, thyroid hormones are examined;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Very often, gynecological ailments develop simultaneously with mastopathy;
• blood chemistry.

Treatment of the disease

Fibrocystic mastopathy can be treated with or without hormonal medications.

Non-hormonal treatment consists of taking the following medications:

• iodine preparations;
• sedatives;
• herbal medicines;
• homeopathic remedies;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• diuretics.

Concerning hormonal treatment, are assigned:

• gestagens;
• inhibitors of prolactin production;
• androgens;
• antiestrogens;
• oral contraceptives.

If conservative treatment does not give positive result and the disease progresses, surgical treatment is prescribed.

The following methods are used:

• enucleation– only the cystic neoplasm is removed, the gland tissue is not affected;
• sectoral resection– the neoplasm is removed along with the area of ​​the affected tissue;
• laser ablation– modified tissues are burned out, while healthy tissues are practically not injured.

In some cases, doctors allow mastopathy to be treated.

For this we use:

• compresses with;
• herbal preparations;
• alcohol tincture of green walnut partitions and much more.

For fibrocystic mastopathy, it is necessary to adhere to proper nutrition. Additionally, there are some foods that can speed up your recovery.

These include:

• products with high content fiber - cabbage, spinach, beans, beets, bananas, avocados, apples. As well as cereals, currants, strawberries. Experts say that bran has anti-cancer properties. Broccoli is another product that is extremely beneficial for a woman’s health. Not only is it a tasty dietary product, but it also reduces the risk of developing cancer;
• vitamins;
• products containing iodine. These are seafood, cranberries, prunes, persimmons. It is also useful to include foods rich in selenium in your diet - liver, rice, eggs, beans. Zinc and manganese - buckwheat, nuts, spinach, wheat - will be useful;
• vegetable fats;
• green tea, mineral water, juices;
• dairy and dairy products.

• overcool the chest;
• wear tight bras;
• physiotherapy (electrophoresis);
• smoke;
• drink alcoholic beverages;
• consume foods that contain methylxanthines - chocolate, coffee, strong tea;
• take a massage course;
• sunbathe;
• warm up the chest;
• have abortions;
• Mammoplasty.

Possible consequences

If the disease is not treated promptly, it can provoke the development of:

• oncology;
• inflammation;
• rupture of cystic neoplasms.

Effect on pregnancy

Uncomplicated mastopathy has no effect on the course of pregnancy and subsequent childbirth.

But as for the effect of pregnancy on mastopathy, it is extremely positive.

NOTE!

If the disease does not go away during pregnancy, it will definitely go away during lactation.

Preventive measures

Fibrocystic mastopathy can be prevented if you give up bad habits, eat right, lead an active lifestyle, and follow the following rules:

• do not get carried away with topless tanning;
• avoid chest injuries and bruises;
• promptly treat gynecological and endocrine diseases;
• prevent abortions;
• breastfeed your child for at least six months;
• when pain in the chest, consult a doctor;
• do not take hormonal medications unnecessarily;
• Regularly undergo preventive examinations with a mammologist.

Conclusion and conclusions

Fibrocystic mastopathy is a very common disease that most women do not pay due attention to.

Despite the fact that this is a benign pathology, it must be observed by a competent specialist and treated correctly.

On early stages treatment of the disease will be short, simple and more effective.

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

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

Causes of moderate fibroadenomatosis

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

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

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

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

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

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

· diseases of the adrenal glands;

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

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

· obesity.

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

Symptoms

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

moderate pain increased sensitivity and discomfort in the mammary glands;

· clear or brownish discharge from the nipples;

· swelling of the mammary glands;

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

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

Diagnosis of the disease

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

Instrumental diagnostics

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

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

Laboratory diagnostics

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

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

· blood glucose test (to diagnose diabetes mellitus);

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

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

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

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

Methods for treating moderate mastopathy

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

· gestagens (for systemic and local use);

· combined contraceptives;

antiestrogenic agents Mabustin;

· medications that inhibit prolactin production;

iodine-containing thyroid hormones;

· insulin or Metformin (for diabetes).

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

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

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

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

Non-hormonal agents

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

· vitamins and mineral complexes;

· iodine preparations;

· hepatoprotectors;

· non-steroidal analgesics;

· diuretics;

· various homeopathic and herbal preparations;

· immunomodulators;

· antidepressants and sedatives;

· general strengthening drugs.

These products, when used correctly, improve liver function, reduce mastopathy, strengthen the body's immune defense and normalize the functions of various organs and systems. The purpose of both hormonal and non-hormonal conservative therapy is to normalize the body’s hormonal levels and eliminate endocrine pathologies.

Disease prevention

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

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

Self-examination

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