Consultation with a mammologist for the development of breast diseases

Breast diseases are one of the most serious problems of a modern woman, something that almost every third woman on the planet faces. Even minor changes can lead to the development of oncological processes. You should not take risks by independently assessing the degree of their harmlessness.

Regular visits to a gynecologist-mammologist and mammography and ultrasound of the mammary glands will help prevent trouble.

Highly qualified MedicCity specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating gynecological and mammological diseases, and our unique equipment allows us to identify pathological changes at the earliest stages.

Every woman who values ​​her health should undergo examination on a new generation Voluson 10 ultrasound scanner, which currently has no analogues in Russia!

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Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands

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Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands

Breast cancer ranks first in Russia both in the structure of the incidence of malignant neoplasms in the female population and in the structure of mortality from such diseases.

It is important to know that breast cancer detected at an early stage is curable in 94% of cases! Therefore, it is impossible to overestimate the role of preventive diagnostics (at the preclinical stage)!

There are hereditary and sporadic types of breast cancer. What does it mean?

If the patient has close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, she is recommended to be tested for the so-called BRCA-1, BRCA-2 genes (or “Angelina Jolie gene”). Women with positive test results are at risk and should undergo more frequent and thorough examination of the mammary glands and ovaries (including preventive surgery).

Here the opinions of scientists differ somewhat. In our country, doctors tend to observe more than to carry out preventive removal of mammary glands and ovaries.

Doctors in Western countries are often inclined to carry out preventive surgery with simultaneous mammoplasty and dose adjustment of replacement sex hormones after removal of the ovaries.

It must be remembered that with a positive test, the risk of developing breast cancer during your lifetime ranges from 50 to 85%, and the risk of developing ovarian cancer ranges from 13 to 46%.

To prevent breast cancer, mammography (an X-ray examination of the mammary glands, which should be performed in the first phase of the menstrual cycle or immediately after menstruation in women over 40 years of age) and ultrasound examination of the mammary glands are used primarily. Ultrasound diagnostics is used up to the age of 40 years, and also as an additional method to mammography if it is necessary to clarify certain conditions. Also, as a clarifying study, MRI of the mammary glands is sometimes used according to indications determined by the doctor.

• In addition, palpation examination during an examination by a gynecologist is very important for early detection of the disease.
• Nowadays, great importance is also attached to the method of self-examination (independent palpation of the mammary glands, which must be performed monthly after menstruation, when the swelling of the gland does not prevent the detection of a lump).
• Swelling, heaviness and pain in the breasts, discharge from the nipples when pressed, asymmetry, detection of painful lumps under the breasts or in the breasts - this is a reason to consult a mammologist.
• Timely treatment of breast diseases often allows one to avoid surgical intervention.

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Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands

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Diagnosis of breast diseases

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Diagnosis of breast diseases

Reasons why you need to visit a gynecologist-mammologist:

• breast injury;
• hereditary predisposition (oncological diseases in close relatives);
• painful lump in the mammary gland;
• nipple discharge;
• hormonal and endocrine disorders;
• concomitant or previous disease of the genital organs;
• abortion.

Types of breast diseases

All pathologies of the mammary glands can be divided into three large groups: diseases of an inflammatory nature (mastitis), benign tumors (mastopathy) and oncological diseases (breast cancer).

Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that usually appears during breastfeeding. The causative agents of the disease are infections that entered the gland through cracks in the nipple (streptococci, enterobacteria, staphylococci, etc.). And the appearance of stagnation of milk in the glands further intensifies the inflammatory process.

The disease is accompanied by acute pain in the chest, redness of the skin, swelling and distension of the mammary glands, the appearance of a lump in the chest, chills and high fever. There may also be discharge from the nipples and enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits.

The first “pre-mastitis” level of the disease is lactostasis. It is characterized by stagnation of milk in one of the lobes of the mammary glands. If lactostasis is not treated for several days, then after some time the disease turns into mastitis.

Mastopathy

Mastopathy is a benign pathology of the mammary gland. According to medical statistics, every second woman of childbearing age suffers from mastopathy. The appearance of the disease is mainly associated with hormonal disorders.

In older women, a painful lump in the breast may indicate the appearance of a malignant tumor.

General symptoms of mastopathy:

• dull, aching pain in the mammary glands on the eve of the menstrual cycle (mastodynia or mastalgia);
• transparent, whitish, greenish, much less often bloody discharge from the nipples;
• painful lump in the right or left breast.

There are several types of disease:

• diffuse mastopathy (appearance of nodules and compactions in the mammary gland);
• nodular mastopathy (the formation increases in size, can be the size of a pea or a walnut, the lump in the breast hurts regardless of the menstrual cycle);
• fibrocystic mastopathy (manifests in the form of small formations and cystic nodes filled with liquid contents: cyst, breast fibroadenoma, etc.).

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Alpha ST (General Electric) - X-ray mammography machine

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Diagnosis of breast diseases

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Diagnosis of breast diseases

Methods for diagnosing breast diseases

The first step in diagnosing her condition should be taken by the woman herself. Before going to bed, you should regularly, carefully and carefully palpate your mammary glands. And if you notice a painful lump under the breast, you need to urgently make an appointment with a mammologist.

Sometimes it is quite difficult to distinguish between mastopathy and malignant pathologies of the mammary gland. In such cases, instrumental diagnostics will come to your aid: ultrasound, biopsy, mammography.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands

Ultrasound of the mammary glands is an informative, accessible, safe research technique. An ultrasound examination allows you to see the structure of breast tissue and evaluate existing tumors and cysts. If a suspicious growth is detected, the doctor may take a biopsy from the growth and examine it more thoroughly.

Mammography

Breast mammography - breast diagnostics using minimal doses of X-rays. This is one of the main methods for studying breast tumors.

At the MedicCity clinic you can undergo pain-free mammography using the modern Alpha ST General Electric machine.

Treatment of breast diseases

Treatment of mastopathy

Treatment of breast cysts and other types of mastopathy should be comprehensive and comprehensive.

Treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy will involve the use of both hormonal and non-hormonal drugs.

Treatment of breast fibroadenoma, at the discretion of the doctor, can be surgical. This may be enucleation of the cyst (i.e., enucleation) or sectoral resection of the mammary gland.

Preventive advice from MedicCity doctors:

• constantly examine your breasts to see if there are nodules or lumps in them;
• even if you have no complaints about your health, regularly visit a gynecologist-mammologist;
• If you are over the age of 35, undergo an annual breast ultrasound and mammography.

Women whose doctors have discovered mastopathy need to give up bad habits that provoke the disease (drinking alcohol, smoking), harmonize their intimate life, and select contraceptive methods with a doctor.

During the treatment of breast diseases, solariums, excessive sun exposure, and hypothermia should be avoided.

Preserving women's health is one of the main tasks of our doctors. We know how to take care of you!

Source: https://www.mediccity.ru/directions/291

A mammologist is a doctor who cares about the health of women’s breasts.

HomeDiagnosticsA mammologist is a doctor who cares about the health of women’s breasts

Previously, few domestic patients knew who a mammologist was. But now a visit to this specialist is mandatory for all women and young girls. A mammologist is a specialist who diagnoses, treats and deals with the prevention of diseases of the mammary glands: mastitis, benign and malignant neoplasms, mastopathy. The competence of this specialist includes providing treatment on an outpatient basis and in a hospital setting.

What diseases does a mammologist treat?

The diseases treated by a mammologist belong to the following groups of breast pathologies:

1. Diseases caused by hormonal changes: mastopathy, gynecomastia, fibroadenomatosis.
2. Inflammatory diseases and mastitis, which develops during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Benign and malignant neoplasms of the breast: fibroadenoma, lipoma, sarcoma, cystoadenopapilloma.
4. Developmental pathologies: monomastia, mammary gland hypoplasia, polymastia, hypomastia.

Breast cancer is a leader among cancer diseases in many countries of the world, including Russia. A number of specialists are involved in the treatment of cancerous tumors: oncologist-mammologist, surgeon-mammologist, doctors of related professions.

Every woman needs to visit a specialist regularly, because the success of breast cancer treatment depends on the stage at which the pathology is detected.

Oncological diseases are asymptomatic at stages I-II, so only a doctor can identify a developing disease.

To receive the services of a mammologist, you need to make an appointment at the clinic at your place of residence or at a private clinic. The price of a doctor’s services depends on the status of the medical institution, the qualifications of the specialist and the complexity of the treatment. You can get information about where a mammologist can see you at your local clinic and on online reference resources.

Scheduled inspection: necessity or reinsurance?

A healthy woman should be examined by a mammologist at least once a year. This frequency of visits is explained by the widespread prevalence of breast cancer. The price in this case is a woman’s life.

If previously breast cancer was found mainly in older patients, now it is younger. Experts recommend that women regularly (at least once a month) perform breast self-examination, but only a good mammologist can make an accurate diagnosis.

If a patient over 30 years old has no complaints, no aggravating heredity or other risk factors, then the number of doctor visits can be reduced to one every year and a half. If there is a genetic predisposition to diseases of the mammary glands or other factors contributing to the development of pathologies, then you need to undergo an examination 2 times a year.

Negative factors that increase the frequency of doctor visits include:

• diseases of the genital organs;
• pregnancy, especially accompanied by complications;
• the presence of fresh or previously suffered chest injuries;
• diseases of the liver, biliary tract;
• severe stress, depression;
• hereditary predisposition to diseases of the mammary glands (if benign or malignant diseases of the breast occurred in close relatives).

You should plan an appointment with a mammologist taking into account the day of the menstrual cycle; the optimal days for examination are after the end of menstruation, but before ovulation (days 5-11).

Although the cost of a medical consultation can be high, it is recommended to start visiting a mammologist at a young age. Early diagnosis of pathologies and treatment minimizes the risk of developing serious diseases.

The services of a mammologist are necessary for children during a “hormonal storm,” since it is in adolescence that diseases of the mammary glands begin to develop, which manifest themselves at a later age (usually during lactation).

You need to see a doctor if a girl has lumps in the mammary glands or has had breast injuries.

The choice of a pediatrician should be taken seriously, as he must not only be an excellent specialist, but also a psychologist who takes into account the characteristics of the child’s psyche and knows how to establish contact with a teenager.

Urgent doctor's appointment: when is it needed?

You should urgently make an appointment with a mammologist if you have any symptoms that require attention. Such manifestations include:

• pain in one or both mammary glands (including before menstruation);
• the appearance of lumps in the chest;
• pain in the armpits, shoulders or shoulder blades;
• an increase or decrease in the size of the mammary glands, their asymmetry;
• redness or swelling of the breasts;
• the appearance of clear, grayish-brown or bloody discharge from the nipples;
• retraction or protrusion of the skin around the nipples.

A serious mistake is to ignore these symptoms. A large number of deaths from breast cancer are due to the fact that women do not pay attention to the first symptoms of the disease and do not consider them serious enough to go to the hospital (especially if the price of a mammologist’s services is high or it is not possible to make an appointment with a doctor at a convenient time).

What happens at an appointment with a mammologist?

Every potential patient is interested in how a consultation with a mammologist proceeds. At the first appointment, the specialist asks the woman about her complaints and collects anamnesis: asks questions about existing and previously suffered diseases, hereditary factors, and lifestyle. The main stage of the examination is examination and palpation of the mammary glands.

The doctor visually assesses the condition of the breast - color, tissue structure. Then he invites the patient to stand up and throw her hands behind her head, after which he feels the mammary glands, first one by one, and then simultaneously. The same procedure is repeated with the woman lying on her back. Particular attention is paid to the condition of the nipples.

Palpation allows you to identify hypertrophy of breast tissue, cysts, tumors, but a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis only after a series of diagnostic procedures . Therefore, if necessary, the specialist writes out referrals for research to the patient.

Diagnosis of breast diseases

The services of a mammologist include diagnostic procedures if the hospital has the appropriate equipment. If it is absent, then the patient is sent to other clinics and diagnostic centers. Depending on the specific disease, a woman undergoes one or more breast examinations:

1. Mammography. This procedure involves examining breast tissue using weak X-rays to detect cancer in its early stages. During the examination, a series of images are taken, which are then analyzed by radiologists.
2. Ultrasound. This is an additional diagnostic method that allows you to study in more detail the lumps detected on mammography.
3. Biopsy of the affected area followed by oncological tissue analysis.
4. Taking a smear from one or both nipples for cytological examination.
5. Ductography is an X-ray examination of the ducts of the mammary glands.
6. Magnetic resonance imaging. Allows a more detailed study of questionable neoplasms and additional examination of a patient with breast cancer before surgery to identify tumors that can affect the course of the operation.
7. CT scan. With its help, the size of the tumor is determined, tumor growth into the chest is identified, and the possibility of surgical treatment is assessed.
8. Thermomammography. The services of a mammologist may include this modern, completely harmless examination, the price of which is now affordable for most patients. Thermomammography is performed using special equipment that detects infrared radiation and determines the temperature of the breast tissue. This procedure makes it possible to detect pathological cell proliferation before the formation of a tumor.

Based on the results of the studies, the doctor prescribes treatment and, if necessary, refers the patient for consultation with related specialists.

No matter how high the cost of therapy, the doctor’s prescriptions must be followed strictly, otherwise a seemingly harmless disease can cause serious complications, including the formation of cancerous tumors.

Recommend a mammologist to your family and friends if you know a good specialist in your city.

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Consultation with a mammologist: who gives the referral, how the examination is carried out and the conclusion is made

A mammologist is a specialized medical specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases of the mammary glands in women. The need for specialization is associated with high relevance. Today, a large number of breast pathologies are registered.

Specializations of mammologists

Narrow specializations of mammologists: gynecology, surgery, oncology, pediatrics

To qualitatively solve the problems of timely diagnosis, effective treatment and prevention of breast diseases, a separate area of ​​clinical medicine was identified - mammology (the science of breast diseases). Since diseases can have different origins and mechanisms of development, even more specialized specialists were introduced:

• A breast surgeon is a doctor who deals with the surgical treatment of diseases, including the removal of part or the entire organ according to strict indications.
• An oncologist-mammologist is a specialist who diagnoses, treats and prevents cancer pathologies.
• Gynecologist-mammologist - the field of activity involves resolving issues of pathological conditions affecting the reproductive system and mammary glands.
• Pediatric mammologist - a separate specialty was created for the effective diagnosis and treatment of breast disease in children.

Diagnostic doctors stand out separately: mammologist-radiologist - interprets X-ray images of the mammary glands; Mammologist-Usologist – performs an ultrasound examination of the mammary glands, interprets the results of the study and makes a conclusion.

When is a consultation with a mammologist necessary?

You should consult a mammologist against the background of the development of pathological processes in the mammary gland, manifested by the following symptoms:

• pain in the breast area, which can have different character, intensity and localization;
• diffuse hardening of soft tissues;
• development of edema with an increase in the size of the mammary gland;
• the appearance of pathological formations in the form of compactions, nodules;
• asymmetry of the mammary glands resulting from changes in size;
• the appearance of milk from the nipples, which is not related to the lactation period;
• pathological discharge from the nipple, which includes serous fluid, blood, purulent discharge;
• change in shape, “retraction” of the nipples;
• heaviness in the mammary glands in a pregnant woman, including after IVF;
• changes in the skin of the mammary glands, the appearance of erosions, non-healing ulcers on it.

The most common diseases include DFCM or DFM (diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy or diffuse fibrous mastopathy), cancer, fibroma, lipoma, mastodynia, lactostasis. Implants often provoke oncological processes.

It is also recommended to conduct a preventive examination in the following cases:

• The period of puberty, against the background of which you have to deal with hormonal changes - consultation with a specialist will help to promptly identify possible changes affecting hormonal levels.
• Category of women over 18 years old - it is recommended to visit a mammologist once every 1-1.5 years. This will help identify any possible pathological processes in the early stages of development. Before the age of 40, it is recommended to do an ultrasound at the same time; after 40 years, a mammogram is an X-ray examination of the mammary glands.
• The presence of chronic diseases of the mammary glands (benign tumors, mastopathy), which require mandatory periodic monitoring of the course of the pathological process - it is recommended to visit a mammologist at least once every six months.
• The presence of factors that increase the risk of developing an oncological process with the formation of a benign or malignant tumor: hormonal disorders, hereditary predisposition, realized at the genetic level. You should undergo a preventive examination with a mammologist at least 2-3 times a year.

The development of clinical symptoms is the basis for visiting a specialist. A referral to a mammologist is given by a primary care physician, who provides a free consultation.

This can be called a general practitioner, pediatrician or family doctor. Usually, based on a preliminary examination, he determines to whom the patient should be referred and to whom not.

If breast pathology develops against the background of hormonal disorders, the consultation of doctors may include an endocrinologist.

Preparing for your appointment

Phases of the menstrual cycle

For women of reproductive age, it is better to go to the doctor in the period between the last day of menstruation and ovulation (days 5-12 of the menstrual cycle) - this is due to the fact that cyclic hormonal changes affect breast tissue. Postmenopausal women can have an appointment at any time.

During the appointment, a woman should be prepared to answer a number of questions that the consultant will ask regarding complaints, subjective sensations, and their connection with physiological processes.

The specialist must be warned about the possible presence of other diseases, as well as taking medications, as this can have a significant impact on the functional state of the mammary glands.

How is the examination carried out?

One of the main methods of preliminary diagnosis is palpation

An appointment with a mammologist includes several clinical examination activities, these include:

• taking anamnesis;
• inspection;
• palpation, auscultation and percussion.

Anamnesis collection is the process of finding out information about the disease and includes a number of the following questions:

• Clarification of complaints - feelings of discomfort, where they arise, how long they persist, what provokes their appearance. The doctor must find out the connection between complaints and physiological processes, in particular the appearance or intensification at different stages of the menstrual cycle.
• Questioning about a woman’s life - presence of bad habits, nutrition, nature of work, possible exposure to harmful production conditions, duration and quality of sleep, pregnancy, childbirth, number of children, time of first menstruation, duration of menstruation, breastfeeding, moving, previous injuries, illnesses in the past, the presence of pathological processes at the time of clinical examination.
• Collection of information regarding the possible genetic origin of the pathological process, the influence of heredity - what diseases the parents had, whether the mother, grandmothers, sisters had problems with the mammary glands.

After collecting anamnesis, the doctor conducts an objective mammological examination. Begins to examine the chest for changes visible to the naked eye.

The specialist pays attention to the shape, size, possible asymmetry, and condition of the nipples, which makes it possible to preliminarily name the cause and nature of the pathology. Then soft tissues are palpated to identify pathological formations in the form of nodes and assess their pain.

The doctor also pays attention to the regional lymph nodes, which react to the pathological process with enlargement and pain.

Based on the results of a clinical examination, a mammologist makes a preliminary diagnosis. This makes it possible to select the desired treatment and diagnostic algorithm. The specialist prescribes further laboratory tests, instrumental studies, and gives recommendations regarding proper preparation for them.

A follow-up appointment usually includes a clinical examination, the doctor evaluates the test performed, for which he must look at the results obtained from the laboratory or diagnostic department. He must also check the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

Treatment methods

Treatment methods depend on the type and stage of development of the pathology

The direction of therapeutic measures is determined by the nature and localization of the pathological process in the mammary gland. Surgical intervention is performed for the purpose of radical treatment of cysts, benign or malignant neoplasms of the mammary gland (lipogranuloma, cancer, fibroadenomatosis or FAM), mastopathy, fibrocystic disease in the department. The mammologist also treats conservatively, prescribing several groups of medications:

• Cytostatics are medications that suppress the growth of tumor tissue; they are prescribed for malignant neoplasms.
• Monoclonal antibodies - bind to specific receptors of cancer cells, which leads to a decrease in their growth and reproduction.
• Hormonal agents - analogues of estrogen and progesterone are used for hormone replacement therapy for mastodynia and other pathological processes provoked by changes in the functional state of the endocrine glands. Often prescribed for fibrocystic mastopathy. The dose is checked together with an endocrinologist.
• Antihormonal drugs - drugs are used to suppress the production of estrogens and other hormones in corresponding pathological conditions.
• Antibiotics are means of etiotropic therapy of infectious and inflammatory diseases aimed at destroying pathogens.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - medications are prescribed to reduce the severity of the inflammatory reaction and pain.
• Diuretics (diuretics) – medications are used to reduce the severity of edema in various pathological conditions.

Some medications are prescribed in a course, while others need to be taken for life. When and how much medication to use is determined individually.

A good mammologist promptly identifies and effectively treats various pathologies of the mammary glands. In modern conditions, new achievements and advantages of therapy are constantly being developed and implemented. The specialist accepts free of charge in government institutions. The cost of consultation in private clinics depends on many factors. Reception is by appointment.

Source: https://NogoStop.ru/grud/mammolog-obsaa-informacia.html

Mammologist - when to contact. Mammologist's advice

Profession doctor – mammologist

A mammologist is a medical specialist who specializes in diseases of the mammary glands.

In addition to treatment, the doctor’s responsibilities include diagnosing diseases, conducting regular examinations of women to identify pathologies and preventive measures.

A mammologist can carry out treatment procedures on an outpatient basis or in a hospital setting, it all depends on the complexity of the disease, the degree of neglect and the general condition of the patient.

Types of diseases that a mammologist specializes in

Diseases of the mammary glands caused by tumor diseases:

• Breast cancer.
• Fibroadenoma.
• Breast sarcoma.
• Lipoma.

Breast diseases caused by hormonal imbalance:

• Gynecomastia.
• Fibrocystic disease.
• Mastopathy.
• Amastia.
• Hypomastia.
• Attelia.
• Polygalacty.

Other types of diseases include:

• Congenital pathology.
• Inflammatory disease – mastitis.
• Lactostasis.
• Cracked nipples.
• Fat necrosis.

In what cases should you contact a mammologist?

You should contact a mammologist for help if you have one or more alarming signs:

• Painful sensations in the chest. Very often, pain is observed as a result of hormonal imbalance, changes in the body and worsens on certain days of the cycle. As a rule, this is not dangerous and goes away without medical attention after a few days. If the pain syndrome is observed for a long time in only one breast, and intensifies during pressure or pressing, you should immediately contact a medical institution and see a mammologist.
• Presence of discharge. Any kind of discharge not associated with lactation or a certain period of the menstrual cycle should raise suspicion in a woman and, in order to avoid pathologies and complications, it is worth undergoing diagnostics and examinations by a mammologist.
• Formation of lumps in the breast or armpit. The presence of this sign may be evidence of the development of a complex tumor disease, which can lead to irreversible consequences. The lumps may be hard with well-defined edges or softer.
• Changes in breast size, swelling of the nipples, excessive pain or redness are indications for visiting a mammologist.
• You should not put off visiting a mammologist’s office after a breast injury or hypothermia.

The main types of diagnostics used by a mammologist

For diagnostic purposes, the mammologist uses the following examination methods and tests:

• Ductography.
• Mammography.
• Breast MRI.
• Cytological examination of pathologically altered tissues.
• Ultrasound examination.
• A smear of breast discharge.
• Puncture from a neoplasm in the chest.

An appointment with a mammologist always begins with a questioning and thorough examination of the patient, collecting an anamnesis and making a preliminary diagnosis. This will provide a more complete picture of the woman’s health status.

Mammologist's advice

In order to avoid the development of pathologies of the mammary glands, to prevent the development of chronic or complex diseases, it is necessary to follow the advice of mammologists:

• It is important to monitor the condition of your breasts, using the right underwear that supports the bust without putting excessive pressure or squeezing the blood vessels.
• If there are any deviations from the norm in the condition of the mammary glands, you should immediately contact a specialist. A good mammologist will help determine the nature of the symptoms and prescribe the necessary examination and treatment.
• Women over the age of 45 should be regularly examined by a mammologist every six months and have a mammogram. This is due to the fact that it is at this age that physiological changes in the breast often occur, caused by hormonal changes in the body, weakened immunity and other signs.
• Mammologists recommend regular breast self-examination - this will allow you to determine the presence of a tumor and pathological changes in the mammary gland in the early stages. Self-diagnosis should be carried out on days 6-12 of the menstrual cycle, and how to do it correctly is shown in the photo.

When to contact a mammologist

Visit a mammologist at least once a year, and after the age of 45 - once every six months for timely detection and prevention of breast diseases.

Source: https://24doctor.info/speciality/mammolog/

Mammologist

A mammologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing pathologies of the mammary glands in the fair sex.

The main specialization of a mammologist is mastopathy, lactostasis and other diseases not related to the development of oncological processes.

Due to the fact that breast cancer is becoming more widespread, a separate specialization has emerged: oncologist-mammologist.

What diseases does a mammologist treat?

A mammologist is able to treat the following diseases of the mammary glands:

• mastitis;
• mastopathy;
• lactostasis;
• gynecomastia;
• cystic formations localized in the chest area;
• congenital and acquired anomalies and defects in the development of the mammary glands;
• hypoplasia.

Contrary to popular belief, the help of this specialist may also be needed by representatives of the stronger sex with the development of gynecomastia - swelling and enlargement of the breasts.

The doctor is engaged in identifying and eliminating pathological processes affecting the mammary glands, caused by hormonal changes, disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system, and menstrual cycle irregularities.

A breast oncologist diagnoses and treats benign and malignant tumors located in the breast. The competence of this specialist also includes the following pathologies:

• oncopathology of the mammary gland;
• lipoma;
• sarcoma;
• fibroadenoma;
• lactating adenoma.

The doctor’s duty is not only to cure tumors, but also to prevent possible relapses and stop the development of complications of oncological processes.

When should you consult a mammologist?

It is necessary to visit a mammologist if the following alarming symptoms occur:

• the appearance of compactions in the chest area;
• cracked nipples;
• pain syndrome;
• enlargement, inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes;
• redness of the skin of the chest;
• changes in breast size and shape, asymmetry;
• the appearance of discharge from the nipples;
• enlarged mammary glands in men;
• painful sensations in the armpits.

In order to consult a doctor in a timely manner and avoid serious consequences, a woman needs to take care of herself and regularly conduct an independent examination of the mammary glands - externally and by palpation.

Unscheduled consultations with a mammologist are required for patients at high risk. A visit to a mammologist is recommended for women if they have a history of the following pathological disorders and conditions:

• liver pathologies occurring in severe form;
• traumatic injuries of the mammary glands;
• genetic predisposition, a history of breast cancer in close blood relatives;
• psycho-emotional shocks;
• pathological, complicated pregnancy, history of abortions, miscarriages, complicated childbirth;
• gynecological diseases;
• hormonal disorders;
• preparation for the use of hormonal contraception.

Prevention consultations

Due to the fact that breast pathologies are widespread, a visit to a mammologist for preventive purposes is necessary for every woman who cares about her health.

It is important to understand that breast cancer in the early stages does not manifest itself with specific symptoms, therefore only an examination by a mammologist allows for timely detection of pathology, which will significantly increase the chances of effective treatment.

It is recommended that women over 30 years of age visit a mammologist for preventive purposes twice a year. The first visit to the doctor should occur during puberty of girls. For young women between the ages of 25 and 30, one professional consultation per year is enough.

Rules for preparing for a visit to the doctor

When preparing to visit the doctor, it is necessary to take into account the days of the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to undergo a mammological examination in the period from 5 to 6 days after the end of menstruation, before the onset of the ovulatory period.

Before visiting a doctor, you must take a bath/shower and put on clean underwear. If necessary, bring the results of the latest diagnostic examination.

How does the consultation work?

An appointment with a mammologist begins with studying the clinical picture and medical history of the patients. The doctor may ask questions about the presence of certain symptoms, the time of their onset, diseases in close relatives, to determine a possible hereditary predisposition to certain diseases.

After this, the mammary glands are examined by palpation, which makes it possible to identify the presence of possible lumps localized in the breast area, enlarged lymph nodes and other warning signs. In such cases, patients are prescribed additional diagnostic procedures.

Additional examination techniques

Based on the results of a preliminary examination to clarify the diagnosis, the mammologist directs the patient to undergo the following types of additional studies:

• mammography;
• breast ultrasound;
• biopsy - removal of a suspicious area of ​​tissue for laboratory histological examination;
• computed tomography;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• ductography - radiographic examination of the thoracic ducts;
• taking a puncture of a tumor neoplasm;
• taking a smear from the nipples for cytological analysis.

The above procedures allow you to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an optimal therapeutic course for a particular patient. In some situations, when breast cancer is diagnosed or suspected, the mammologist writes the patient a referral to a surgeon or oncologist.

Treatment methods for breast tumors

Treatment of breast cancer is the responsibility of a breast oncologist. The therapeutic course is developed individually, depending on the characteristics of the clinical case, the stage of the oncological process, the age category and condition of the patient.

Malignant tumors localized in the mammary glands are treated through surgery, courses of chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy (for hormone-dependent tumors).

Features of the work of a pediatric mammologist

A pediatric mammologist is a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mammary gland pathologies in patients of childhood and adolescence. The doctor treats the following diseases:

• tumor neoplasms of benign and malignant nature;
• traumatic injuries of the mammary gland;
• mastopathy;
• fibroadenoma;
• breast hypertrophy;
• breast asymmetry.

A consultation with a pediatric mammologist is necessary for girls during puberty. According to experts, most breast diseases develop already in adolescence, and manifest themselves after reaching puberty, often during pregnancy and lactation.

Early detection of pathologies at the initial stages of development and timely treatment will avoid numerous complications and problems in the future.

Source: https://nebolet.com/vrachi/mammolog.html

Breast diseases

Mammology is an independent branch of medicine that studies the structure of a woman’s mammary glands, the physiological processes occurring in them, as well as the prevention and treatment of emerging breast diseases.

Mammology is interconnected with other medical disciplines that study the woman’s body: gynecology, endocrinology, as well as surgery and oncology. Breast diseases can occur in women at different ages. The most dangerous age for breast cancer is considered to be over 40 years of age.

During this period, women need to regularly self-monitor their breasts, undergo an X-ray examination and ultrasound.

A woman's mammary glands are paired exocrine glands. Their main function in the female body is lactation, that is, milk production, which ensures feeding of the infant. Therefore, the mammary glands are also called mammary glands.

Like no other organ, the mammary glands are influenced by all the processes occurring in the female body: the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, menopause - the breast reacts to all this with its anatomical and physiological changes.

Despite the fact that most of a woman’s life the mammary glands are “at rest,” but as a hormone-dependent organ, they undergo complex changes due to the physiology of the female body. And the occurrence of most breast diseases is associated precisely with hormonal imbalances.

Thus, with endocrine disorders, benign formations can occur in the mammary gland - mastopathy, cyst and fibroma of the mammary gland. Their development is often associated with abortion, as well as inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive organs, disrupting the hormonal function of the ovaries and other endocrine glands.

Diseases of the mammary gland leading to its inflammation - mastitis, develop, as a rule, during breastfeeding: these are lactostasis and nipple cracks.

An important role in the prevention of breast diseases is played by timely treatment of genital pathology, personal hygiene and breastfeeding rules, self-control, and regular visits to specialists: a gynecologist and mammologist.

Every woman should carefully examine her mammary glands every month on days 6-12 of the menstrual cycle. If you notice the first warning symptoms, you must urgently consult a mammologist.

A particular mammological disease may be indicated by the appearance of at least one of the following complaints in a woman: lumpiness, tenderness in the breasts, the appearance of discharge from the nipples, changes in the skin on the chest and in the nipple area, changes in the shape of the gland, enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary areas.

After 35 years, women need to undergo an ultrasound of the mammary glands once a year, and after 40, mammography once every 2 years. You should visit a mammologist if you are planning a pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives.

Today, most timely detected breast diseases are successfully treated conservatively. Surgical treatment of mammological pathology is aimed at the most careful preservation of the organ and its function.

The Medical Directory of Diseases describes in detail the main diseases of the mammary glands and describes methods of their diagnosis and treatment. This can help you independently assess the condition of your breasts and recognize the symptoms of an incipient disease in time.

Beautiful and healthy breasts are the pride of a woman, the envy of her friends and the object of men’s attention. On the Beauty and Medicine website you will always find useful information on how to keep your breasts healthy and attractive for many years.

Further…

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/zabolevanija_mammology