Mastopathy: how to determine the symptoms of the disease during self-examination

In ancient Greece, mastopathy was called “breast suffering.” Today, more than half of the women on earth, unfortunately, know about this suffering. The disease develops gradually due to hormonal imbalance. Its insidiousness lies in the fact that at an early stage, in most cases it does not bother the woman, gradually moving into a more severe stage, up to oncology.

Mastopathy is a fairly common diagnosis in women 30–55 years old.

Basic measures to identify pathology

Due to the prevalence of the disease, which can affect almost every woman, doctors strongly recommend that they independently monitor all changes in the mammary glands. There are instructions that tell you about mastopathy, how to determine its development and prescribe the rules for self-examination.

The obligation to undergo an examination by a gynecologist once a year, which is checked when visiting any doctor, is not someone’s whim, but an urgent necessity, thanks to which many dangerous diseases are identified in the early stages.

A woman may not know about the rules for examining her mammary glands, although this is important, but she should know the main signs of this disease. They are manifested by periodic pain and engorgement of the breasts, the appearance of lumps.

In addition to a mammologist, a preventive breast examination is also carried out by a gynecologist

What to pay special attention to

Doctors believe that the merit of patients in the early diagnosis of mastopathy is very significant, because in most cases the symptoms of the disease are detected by the women themselves, and doctors are left to confirm or refute their fears.

At an early stage, the following signs of mastopathy can be detected:

• sensations of chest pain in the 2nd part of the menstrual cycle, at the beginning of menstruation;

• the volume of the breasts increases, they become firmer than usual;
• heaviness in the mammary glands, accompanied by discomfort;
• irritability and depression.

The severity of mastopathy symptoms also depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

At later stages of mastopathy development, symptoms such as:

• constant sensations of pain in the chest, quite strong, which appear at any time of the menstrual cycle;
• increased volume of the mammary glands, their heaviness;
• painful sensations when touching the chest;
• pain in the armpit area;

• A discharge resembling colostrum may appear from the nipples.

In the later stages of mastopathy, pain may spread beyond the breast

Often, such signs fit well into the description of premenstrual syndrome, so women attribute them to their approaching periods. However, such signs indicate the development of pathology and should cause caution.

This is especially true for patients who are at risk and have a predisposition to mastopathy - women with hypertension and diabetes, overweight, in menopause, as well as those whose first birth occurred after the age of 30.

When to examine the mammary glands

The most important point for curing mastopathy is its timely detection. The earlier a woman is diagnosed with mastopathy, the sooner and easier the process of healing from the disease will be.

According to the recommendations of doctors, self-examination should be carried out monthly, always on a certain day.

Self-examination of the mammary glands should be carried out constantly and at regular intervals.

The most objective results of self-examination will be on the fifth or sixth day of the menstrual cycle, because it is then that the glands are more relaxed. In the absence of menstruation, for example, if a woman is in menopause, she needs to assign herself one calendar day of the month for examination.

Step-by-step instructions for breast self-examination

There are certain rules according to which you should conduct an independent examination of the condition of the mammary glands. Every woman should know how to identify mastopathy.

The process must begin with a careful examination of the bra. A woman should be wary of the presence of spots of different colors on it, especially if they are bloody, milky yellow, or greenish. This indicates discharge from the nipples - a clear sign of developing mastopathy. You need to take this seriously even with minor, invisible discharge.

If you suspect mastopathy, you need to pay attention to the presence of traces of discharge on your underwear

The next step will be a general examination of the mammary glands. You need to undress to the waist and, standing with your arms down, examine your breasts for any changes. Look at their volume, outline, size and symmetry. Slight asymmetry in the location of the nipples and differences in breast volume are considered normal.

Then, with your hands behind your head, turn in both directions (left, right). Note whether there are changes in the volume, contours of the glands, or their shifts to the side.

Monitor any possible elevations, depressions, retracted skin or nipples. These steps must be repeated while lying down.

This is especially true for women with large breasts, since the vertical position complicates the examination.

By placing your hands behind your head, you can verify the presence/absence of enlarged lymph nodes and formations visible on the surface of the chest

Next, you need to inspect the skin for the absence of redness and check the elasticity of the skin, which is determined by how easily it can be folded.

The next step is to check for the presence of mastopathy by touch. This must be done in a standing position. Feeling should be done with your hands and fingertips, which should be lubricated with cream or soap beforehand.

Palpation is carried out in the direction from the collarbone, moving to the sternocostal parts. Then you need to move from the sternum to the armpits so as not to miss the enlarged lymph nodes.

Hand position during self-palpation of the breast

You need to feel your breasts not only while standing, but also while lying down on a hard and flat surface.

When examining the right breast, you need to place your hand under your head and feel this gland with the other hand. Do the same with the left mammary gland, changing hands. You should examine the breasts in a spiral, making circular movements with your fingers, heading towards the nipples.

The examination should be completed by analyzing the condition of the nipples, their appearance, color and shape. The surface should be free of cracks and of normal color. Then you should apply pressure on the nipple using your thumb and index finger to check for any discharge.

At the end of the self-examination, you need to check whether there is any discharge from the breast.

How to properly palpate the breast

To get a reliable result of examining the mammary glands, a woman must know how to feel them correctly. The left gland is palpated with the right hand and vice versa.

You should mentally divide your chest into four sectors and draw two perpendicular lines along the center of the nipple. From the upper outer sector to the armpit there is another triangular section, conventionally called the “porch”.

Palpation should begin from this place, moving clockwise, first examining the mammary glands superficially, then with increased pressure to examine the deep layers. Use your fingertips to make slow fingering movements without applying strong pressure.

What conclusions can be drawn after the examination?

The detection of any, even minor, changes during the examination should be a signal for an urgent visit to the doctor. A woman can draw preliminary conclusions for herself based on the results of a self-examination.

If she found small nodules, then diffuse mastopathy was probably manifested in this way. It is the initial stage of the disease, which can be quickly cured with medications, hormonal and non-hormonal.

It matters which edges the detected nodules have. About even and smooth lumps, you can immediately say that they are mastopathy, and if uneven lumps appear under the skin of the breast, a visit to the doctor should be prompt, since a malignant tumor is possible.

Cancerous tumors are characterized by the absence of clear boundaries

But even in the worst case, there is always a chance to cure the disease. Today, doctors manage to cope with a tumor detected in a timely manner using microsurgery.

Prevention measures

The main determining point in the prevention of any type of mastopathy is that every woman maintains an active lifestyle in combination with a balanced diet. It is necessary to consume a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits, minimize the presence of heavy, fatty foods, pickles and smoked foods in the menu, and also reduce the consumption of flour.

Other measures that protect against the development of this disease include healthy sleep and regular sex life. A woman with a strong immune system is less likely to develop mastopathy, so she needs to be supported with vitamins, calcium, iron and iodine.

Vitamin complexes heal the body and help prevent mastopathy

It is important that a woman has a minimum number of stressful situations in her life.

Since rarely does anyone manage to live without negative events, you need to be able to cope with them competently - take sedatives or visit a psychologist, avoiding depression, which often provokes mastopathy.

And the most important thing for all women is not to forget about self-control. The opinions of doctors agree on one thing - independent examination of the mammary glands should be regular, so as not to miss the onset of the development of mastopathy or more serious processes.

Watch the story of a mammologist-oncologist about mastopathy in the video below:

Source: http://bolezni.com/stati-o-boleznyah/mastopatiya/kak-opredelit-mastopatiyu.html

How to determine mastopathy yourself?

Breast03 » Breast diseases » Mastopathy

Mastopathy is one of the most common female diseases, because it affects 60 to 90% of all representatives of the fair sex in the world. It affects both very young and mature women and women at the end of their lives, but most often occurs in the age group from 20 to 50 years, that is, within the childbearing age range.

This is largely due to the direct dependence of mastopathy on the hormonal status of a woman, as well as the presence of a number of gynecological diseases, problems with the endocrine system, in particular with the thyroid gland, as well as the liver and pancreas. It is very important to start quality treatment in a timely manner, and this requires correct diagnosis.

Signs of mastopathy

Every woman can suspect the presence of mastopathy, but feelings cannot always be immediately equated with the presence of the disease.

Many women complain of the following unpleasant sensations before menstruation:

• Feeling of heaviness, tension in the chest.
• Increased tenderness of the mammary gland.
• High sensitivity even with a light touch, the chest reacts painfully.
• A visually noticeable increase in the size of the mammary glands, which seem swollen and edematous.

Objective symptoms:

• Signs of mastopathy that can be determined by touch include lumps and nodes that can be felt in the mammary gland. They can be small and distributed throughout the breast (diffuse mastopathy) or they can be defined as one or more nodes that can be quite large (nodular mastopathy).
• Nipple discharge, which most often looks like breast milk or colostrum, and in some cases becomes dark or bloody, which is a very worrying sign.

In medical institutions, the patient will most likely be sent for hardware examinations of the mammary gland, but an experienced doctor will quickly be able to find out by sight and touch whether it is mastopathy or whether other breast problems can be suspected.

The following are considered the main diagnostic methods in medical institutions:

• Ultrasound.
• Mammography.
• CT scan.

• If more serious diseases are suspected or to clarify the result, the doctor may prescribe a biopsy (puncture) of a suspicious area of ​​the breast.
• A smear is a sample of discharge from the nipple.
• In some cases, additional studies are recommended, for example, tests of hormones in the patient’s blood.

An important diagnostic method is anamnesis. As a result of the survey, the doctor finds out whether changes in the mammary gland are of physiological origin associated with the menstrual cycle, with possible injuries or the consequences of surgery, other problems, or are caused by the development of mastopathy.

It is especially important to inform the specialist about possible diseases of the thyroid gland and other endocrine organs, about existing abortions and the duration of breastfeeding, and the use of hormonal drugs, including oral contraceptives.

All this information, as well as many others, together with examination and blood test data, will give the doctor the opportunity to accurately determine the presence of mastopathy in its specific form.

How to independently determine mastopathy

All women from school age know very well the importance of regular breast self-examination. It helps to diagnose various breast problems at the earliest stages and begin the necessary treatment on time.

A breast examination is carried out in the middle of the menstrual cycle (the doctor will give precise recommendations) in front of a mirror.

You need to raise your hand above the gland being examined, throw it behind your back, and with your free hand gently but carefully palpate the chest. Then the examination is carried out in the same sequence with the other mammary gland.

The following phenomena should alert you:

• The appearance of pain and engorgement not only before menstruation, but also on other days of the cycle.
• The appearance of discharge from the nipple.
• Changing the shape of the nipple.
• The appearance of lumps and nodes in the breast tissue. Dense formations with jagged edges should cause particular concern - these are characteristic signs of cancer. Mastopathy nodes usually have smooth, even edges.
• Pronounced asymmetry of organs.
• Redness, rashes, ulcerations on the skin of the breast, retracted or convex areas, any changes in the skin.

The detection of any of these symptoms should not cause panic, as they can be completely peaceful in nature, but should serve as an impetus for a visit to the doctor in order to rule out mastopathy or more dangerous processes.

We recommend reading:

Source: https://grud03.ru/bolezni/mastopatiya/kak-opredelit-mastopatiyu.html

How to identify mastopathy: signs, treatment, diet and prevention of mastopathy

Mastopathy is a dangerous disease that can have irreversible consequences in the form of breast cancer. Statistics tell us scary numbers: out of ten women, only two do not have a lump in the breast. Timely diagnosis and the correct course of treatment will help avoid complications.

If a woman is already sick with mastopathy, she should avoid provoking factors that can aggravate the course of the disease. This category includes: visiting the sauna and bathhouse, long stay in the sun and solarium. Doctors believe that solariums have a detrimental effect on patients who are prone to cancer.

There is an age group at risk; women from 25-45 years old hear the diagnosis of mastopathy most often.

Causes of mastopathy

Any disease has a number of reasons why it occurs. One or more risk factors may work against the patient. In any case, you need to have information and exclude all possible provocateurs from the list.

Mastopathy can be triggered by the following factors:

• absence of children;
• hereditary predisposition, especially in the female line;
• conscious refusal of breastfeeding;
• irregular sex life;
• frequent emotional breakdowns, depression and stress;
• abortion;
• poor environmental level in the place of residence;
• bad habits: smoking, alcohol;
• chest injuries;
• overweight, diabetes, chronic diseases of the female genital area.

Prevention of mastopathy

There are a number of measures that can prevent mastopathy, one of them is the early birth of a child before the age of 25. Natural lactation is a prerequisite; it promotes the proper function of the mammary glands.

Doctors recommend adhering to the following recommendations for illness:

• you should follow a diet low in fat and carbohydrates;
• weight should not be outside the normal range;
• Vitamins must be present in the diet. They can be supplemented with special complexes;
• caffeine must be eliminated. Statistics show that a woman’s condition noticeably improves when she gives up coffee. It is also undesirable to take medications that contain caffeine;
• Particular attention should be paid to choosing comfortable underwear. The breasts should not be constricted; the bra should completely follow the shape of the breast. At the same time, you should not choose models that are too large and shapeless, otherwise the breasts will not have support;
• limit salt intake.

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How to determine mastopathy by touch?

Self-examination of the breast is also effective; it will help prevent the development of the disease in time. Any woman can conduct such a study of her own body. The examination must be carried out seven days after menstruation.

The actions will be as follows:

1. The right hand should be placed behind the back of the head. With your left hand you need to gently palpate your chest in a circular motion. In this case, you should apply a little pressure on the gland. When palpated, no seals should be detected.
2. The second part of the examination is carried out in front of a mirror. Raise your hands and carefully examine your chest. Attention should be drawn to changes in the density of the gland, its color and shape.
3. The third part of the self-examination involves diagnosing the nipples. When pressed, no liquid should come out of them.
4. Lying on the floor, the presence of seals in the armpit area is checked. The left breast is checked first, then the right.

Self-monitoring will help identify the disease at an early stage. Any doubts should be discussed with your doctor. Any diagnosis related to the mammary glands can be confirmed by ultrasound.

Mammography is the main method of breast examination.

Mammography is the most effective and accurate method that allows you to determine all pathological processes. Doctors recommend visiting a doctor once every two years, and after 50 years, the visit should be once a year. At your appointment, your doctor will examine you, give you a referral for a mammogram, and evaluate the results.

Diet can help

Doctors are confident that proper nutrition is the key to recovery for a woman who has mastopathy. It is poor nutrition that leads to the development of the disease. Therefore, the first thing to do is change your culinary preferences.

The most dangerous are semi-finished products. Today, grocery shelves are full of instant soups, chips, and noodles. All this is tasty because it contains many harmful components that enhance the taste. This is the first category of products to give up.

Fast food should be eliminated from the diet as soon as possible!

You should also limit your consumption of meat products; it is better to give preference to fish. There is no need to completely eliminate meat. It is more correct to choose a healthy cooking method: boiled meat and steam processing.

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Fried foods and large amounts of salt and pepper should be avoided. Proper nutrition is a matter of habit. You just have to create a certain scheme and follow it. Over time, all addictions to junk food will be left behind.

Fish can be an excellent alternative to meat and canned food. Fish oil stops and blocks the growth of malignant cells. In addition, fish is a valuable product specifically for women's health.

Fruits and cereals should dominate the daily menu. Cereals and legumes are nutritious and contain many minerals, vitamins and beneficial compounds. Among the healthiest fruits for a woman with mastopathy are grapefruit and grapes.

Little attention is paid to food. Meanwhile, it is proper nutrition and food rich in vitamins that guarantees health and longevity.

Mastopathy is not a death sentence. Modern medical capabilities make it possible to control the course of the disease. The main thing is not to neglect deviations and visit a doctor on time.

Source: https://healthhacks.ru/kak-opredelit-mastopatiyu-molochnoj-zhelezy/

How to recognize mastopathy by its symptoms

Mastopathy is a group of similar diseases of the mammary glands that occur against the background of a pronounced hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body. Another name for this pathology is fibrocystic disease. Why does mastopathy occur and how to recognize this disease in time?

Reasons for the development of mastopathy

According to statistics, fibrocystic disease occurs in 30-50% of all women on the planet. In most cases, this pathology appears after 30 years, although cases of earlier appearance of mastopathy are not excluded. Why does this disease occur?

The development of mastopathy in women is associated with changes in hormonal levels. As you know, two important hormones work in the female body: estrogen and progesterone.

Normally, each of them performs its function in the appropriate phase of the cycle.

The joint work of estrogen and progesterone provides a woman with the opportunity to conceive and bear a child, and also creates a favorable background for the functioning of the entire body.

Symptoms of mastopathy are directly related to an imbalance of hormones in a woman’s body. Progesterone deficiency and excess estrogen formation lead to the proliferation of connective and glandular tissues of the mammary glands. Increased secretion of prolactin, a hormone produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and responsible for the growth and development of the mammary glands, also plays an important role in the appearance of mastopathy.

An imbalance of female hormones does not occur out of nowhere. There are several factors that provoke the development and progression of fibrocystic disease:

• hereditary predisposition;
• early onset of menstruation;
• late onset of menopause (after 50 years);
• absence of pregnancy and childbirth;
• first birth after 30 years of age;
• a large number of abortions and miscarriages;
• refusal to feed the child breast milk;
• gynecological diseases associated with excess estrogen (fibroids, hyperplastic process, ovarian tumors);
• thyroid diseases;
• metabolic disorders;
• stress;
• unfavorable environmental conditions;
• chest injuries.

It has been noticed that quite often signs of fibrocystic mastopathy in women occur together with uterine fibroids or hyperplastic processes of the endometrium.

This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the development of each of these diseases is due to an imbalance of hormones. High levels of estrogen affect not only the functioning of the mammary glands, but also the functioning of the entire body.

Women suffering from any of these gynecological diseases should be regularly checked by a mammologist.

Classification of mastopathy

There are two types of pathology: diffuse and nodular mastopathy. This division is associated with the peculiarities of changes in mammary gland tissue during the development of the disease. In essence, types of mastopathy are nothing more than stages of the formation of the same disease.

The signs of diffuse mastopathy are clear from the name of the disease. At this stage, there is a gradual proliferation and enlargement of mammary gland tissue in women. As the disease progresses, nodes form. The nodes are quite dense, ranging in size from a small pea to a walnut. This option is called nodular mastopathy.

Mastopathy with proliferation of the glandular component is the most favorable form of the disease. In this situation, there is a gradual increase in the glandular tissue of the mammary gland, but there is no pronounced dysfunction of the organ. This problem can be overcome with the help of hormonal drugs in a fairly short time.

The appearance of nodes in the tissues of the mammary glands is also not very favorable for a woman. These can be round, dense formations or cysts filled with transparent contents. In such a situation, there is no other option but to remove the formed formations surgically.

There are no clear criteria for identifying one form or another. In some women, the disease occurs with a predominance of nodes; in others, the proliferation of connective fibers of the mammary glands comes to the fore. These signs give the name fibrocystic disease, also known as mastopathy.

How to recognize the disease?

The symptoms of mastopathy are well known:

• chest pain (aching, pulling);
• feeling of heaviness in the chest;
• enlargement of the mammary glands;
• the appearance of a lump or node in the breast tissue;
• enlargement and severe pain of the lymph nodes;
• discharge from the nipples (whitish, transparent, bloody).

A woman can detect signs of nodular mastopathy herself with a simple examination of the mammary glands. During self-examination, you should pay attention to any unusual formations in the gland tissue.

It could be a node, a round tumor, or just vague pain at one point.

Such symptoms clearly indicate a disease of the mammary glands and require a more thorough diagnosis from a specialist.

Mastopathy never occurs suddenly, and its appearance can be recognized in the early stages of the disease.

Another thing is that many women simply ignore the signs of the disease, writing them off as a common ailment before menstruation.

Indeed, tenderness and enlargement of the mammary glands with mastopathy are almost always associated with the menstrual cycle. If breast pain lasts more than 5 days in a row and gets worse over time, you should seek help from a mammologist.

In its advanced form, mastopathy manifests itself as severe and constant pain in the mammary glands, as well as in the armpits. Even simply touching your breasts can cause serious discomfort. Treatment of mastopathy at this stage can be very difficult.

In addition to pain, you should pay attention to discharge from the nipples. Normally, women should not have any discharge outside of pregnancy and lactation. The appearance of transparent, white or yellowish discharge clearly indicates the development of mammary gland pathology.

Particularly dangerous is the appearance of drops of blood from the nipples. This phenomenon occurs with the development of intraductal papilloma, as well as with breast cancer. If bloody discharge from the nipples appears, do not delay consulting a doctor.

Fibroadenoma is a special form of mastopathy

Fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor. This pathology is one of the forms of nodular mastopathy in women. The tumor is a dense single round node up to 7 cm in diameter. Fibroadenoma does not hurt and does not cause much concern to a woman, and is discovered by chance during a routine examination by a gynecologist or mammologist.

Fibroadenoma is a disease of young nulliparous women. In most cases, the tumor is detected before the age of 30.

Fibroadenoma can at any time degenerate into a dangerous malignant tumor, so there is no point in leaving it in the chest.

Conservative treatment of this formation is carried out only for small tumor sizes (up to 1 cm in diameter). In other cases, surgery is recommended.

Methods for diagnosing mastopathy

Treatment of mastopathy is impossible without an accurate diagnosis and determination of the type of tumor.

Characteristic signs of pathology only allow one to suspect fibrocystic disease, but complaints and examination data alone will not be enough.

In controversial cases or when cancer is suspected, a tumor biopsy is performed. This analysis makes it possible to determine the type of formation and its cellular composition. It is with the help of a biopsy that a malignant tumor can be detected in a timely manner and all measures can be taken to eliminate it. The diagnosis of mastopathy is made only if other diseases of the mammary glands have been excluded.

What to do?

When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should definitely contact a mammologist. This could be a specialist at a local clinic, or a doctor from a private medical center.

After the examination, the doctor will prescribe treatment based on the type of disease and the severity of the detected pathology.

In the diffuse form of mastopathy, priority is given to conservative treatment. Great importance is given to non-hormonal methods of therapy.

A good effect has been seen from the use of herbal preparations (“Mastodinon”, “Fitolon”). These drugs stabilize a woman’s hormonal levels, thereby eliminating the manifestations of the disease.

Regular use of herbal preparations inhibits the progression of mastopathy and reduces the risk of complications.

To relieve breast tenderness in the second phase of the cycle, anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Ibuprofen, nimesulide and other similar drugs reduce pain and swelling of the mammary glands, improving the patient’s quality of life. If there is increased anxiety on the eve of menstruation, it is recommended to take sedatives (motherwort, valerian).

Hormonal therapy for diffuse mastopathy is prescribed in exceptional cases, if other treatment methods have not brought the desired effect. The use of synthetic analogues of progesterone makes it possible to reduce the level of estrogens, the main culprits in the development of mastopathy. The dosage of medications and duration of administration are determined by the doctor.

There are two methods of surgical treatment of nodular mastopathy:

• enucleation (removal of only the tumor itself without surrounding tissue);
• resection (removal of part of the organ along with the tumor).

The operation can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Enucleation of the tumor is done only for small tumors. Breast resection is recommended for large nodes, as well as for suspected cancer. The extent of the operation is determined individually for each patient.

During the operation, a quick histological examination of the altered tissue is performed to exclude a malignant neoplasm. If cancer is confirmed, surgeons expand the scope of manipulation, capturing more of the breast. In special cases, it is necessary to remove the entire organ along with nearby lymph nodes.

Prevention of mastopathy

Is it possible to prevent the occurrence of this disease in women? Experts recommend adhering to the following simple rules:

• Don't forget about breast self-examination.
• Visit a mammologist at least once a year, even if there are no complaints.
• Wear only comfortable underwear with no protruding elements.
• Protect the mammary glands from injury.
• Use modern and safe methods of contraception.
• Do not put off having children for a long time.
• Treat all identified gynecological diseases in a timely manner.

Following these recommendations will reduce the risk of mastopathy and maintain health for many years.

Source: http://ZdorovieLedy.ru/mammologiya/mastopatiya-simptomy.html

Mastopathy: diagnosis and self-examination

Various methods are used to diagnose the disease; we highlight them below:

• Palpation (palpation) of the glands. This research method allows you to make a primary diagnosis yourself, which provides the possibility of early detection of the disease in question. Palpation means, as noted, palpation, respectively, with its help you can determine the features of the structure of the mammary glands, as well as determine whether there are lumps in the breast, whether pain appears. The doctor also performs palpation, which is done to establish a preliminary diagnosis with subsequent guidance on additional diagnostic measures.
• Mammography. It consists of a study in which an x-ray of the glands is taken. Mammography allows you to determine even the presence of small compactions in the glands, the identification of which by palpation is not possible.
• Ultrasound. Using this procedure, it is possible to detect changes that the mammary glands are subject to in a particular case (diffuse, nodular changes). Combining this method and the previous one, mammography, makes it possible to determine mastopathy with the greatest efficiency using the diagnostic measures already discussed.
• Puncture. Used to study nodular neoplasms. The use of this method makes it possible to determine with a fairly high degree of accuracy the nature of the structure inherent in the node, as well as to carry out simultaneous differential diagnosis (to distinguish mastopathy from a number of other diseases relevant to the mammary glands, for example, this may apply to breast cancer, etc.) . A syringe is used for puncture; the game is inserted into the mammary gland node, which is done to remove its cells and for subsequent study under a microscope.

If there are certain difficulties in diagnosing, then additional measures are used, for example, ductography, Doppler sonography, etc.

Mastopathy: self-examination

Breast examination is especially important for women who have crossed the age threshold of 35 years, because it is from this time that these kinds of hormonal changes become relevant, during which quite dangerous diseases subsequently develop. In particular, it is necessary to pay special attention to their own health in this regard for those women who, among their immediate relatives, were previously diagnosed with breast cancer (mother, aunt, sister).

Primary self-examination for mastopathy is carried out after the end of menstruation - it is during this period that signs of the development of mammary gland diseases appear in their most pronounced form.

• Self-examination in a supine position:
• the chest is mentally divided into four parts (sides, bottom, top);
• Each of the departments is palpated in detail to detect any seals or nodules in it.
• Self-examination in front of a mirror.
• it is necessary to raise your hands up and evaluate the features of the external contours of the breasts and nipples: no depressions should appear on the breast itself, the nipples must correspond in shape to the correct characteristics;
• Each of the nipples is carefully pulled back in turn, thereby making it possible to verify the absence/presence of discharge.

The following signs indicate that breast diseases are developing:

• the appearance of folds on the skin of the mammary glands;
• palpation of seals;
• detection of skin retractions;
• presence of pain, incl. with their spread to the shoulder blade, arm or neck;
• changes in the shape of the nipples, their color, and discharge from them.

On this disease, we recommend that you read other articles: types or forms of mastopathy, the causes of mastopathy in women, a general description of the disease, as well as symptoms of mastopathy and further treatment of mastopathy.

Source: http://ktoikak.com/mastopatiya-diagnostirovanie-i-samoobsledovanie/

How to recognize mastopathy?

Women's breasts are a symbol of motherhood, femininity, one of the most important secrets of female attractiveness. But, worrying about the size and shape of the breasts, not every woman thinks about her health. Meanwhile, the mammary glands are susceptible to various pathologies.

Entering reproductive age, a woman usually blossoms, but at the same time, not only favorable changes occur in her body.

The peak of many diseases occurs precisely during this period of life, and mastopathy is no exception - one of the most common pathologies of the mammary glands.

Every second representative of the fair sex between the ages of 18 and 45 will sooner or later learn about this diagnosis.

What is mastopathy?

Mastopathy is the proliferation of dense connective tissue of the mammary glands, as a result of which cavities filled with liquid are formed in it. There are two types of this disease - diffuse and nodular mastopathy.

1. 1. Diffuse mastopathy is characterized by multiple nodules, each of which is no larger than a millet grain. The structure of the evils can be different, depending on this, mastopathy can take the following forms:

• With a predominance of the ferrous component
• With a predominance of fibrous component
• Cystic form
• Mixed form

This form of mastopathy is more common in women under 35 years of age.

1. 2. Nodular mastopathy, which is characterized by the presence of single, but larger seals (nodules). Nodular mastopathy can be in the form of a cyst or a benign formation - fibroadenoma. This form of mastopathy affects women over 35 years of age.

Causes of the disease

One of the main reasons for the development of mastopathy is hormonal imbalance - excess estrogen hormone and low progesterone levels.

In some cases, the provoking factor is increased production of prolactin by the pituitary gland. Increased levels of this hormone are observed in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Outside this period, excess prolactin contributes to the development of mastopathy.

In addition to hormonal imbalance, the causes of mastopathy are:

• Inflammatory diseases of the ovaries
• Pathologies of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland
• Liver diseases
• Lack of regular sex life
• Frequent abortions
• No pregnancy or childbirth before age 30
• Hereditary predisposition
• Frequent stress, neurosis, depression
• Alcohol abuse, smoking
• Injuries to the mammary glands, including microtraumas caused by wearing tight bras with metal underwires
• Obesity

The onset of the disease is usually characterized by the absence of any obvious symptoms, and this is one of the main problems of mastopathy. Most patients consult a doctor with an already advanced form of mastopathy, which significantly complicates treatment. Meanwhile, be wary

Early signs of mastopathy include:

• Aching breast pain that usually appears before menstruation
• Feeling of heaviness, discomfort
• Changes in breast shape and size, especially before menstruation
• Breasts become rougher

In addition, at the initial stage of the disease, changes in mood may be observed: increased irritability, anxiety, and signs of depression. If you have the slightest doubt, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of mastopathy. In the absence of appropriate treatment, mastopathy develops into an advanced form, which is more difficult and longer to treat.

Late symptoms include:

• Constant, pronounced pain in the mammary gland, which sharply intensifies when touched
• Soreness in the armpit area
• An even greater increase in breast volume, a feeling of severe heaviness
• Presence of serous discharge from the nipples

Mastopathy does not pose a threat to a woman’s life, but against the background of this disease much more dangerous pathologies develop, including breast cancer. Therefore, the treatment of mastopathy should be taken very seriously.

We should not forget about the importance of early detection of the disease. To do this, it is recommended to regularly conduct self-diagnosis, examining the mammary glands to identify nodules. This must be done especially carefully immediately after the end of menstruation, since it is during this period that the signs of mastopathy - if any - are expressed most clearly.

Source: https://azbyka.ru/zdorovie/kak-raspoznat-mastopatiyu

Diagnosis of mastopathy: how to identify the disease and which doctor to contact

Mastopathy is a gynecological disease that affects a large percentage of women. Treatment of the disease must be carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor, constantly monitoring the development of pathology through special prescriptions. In the absence of competent and adequate treatment, the patient may develop oncology of a malignant nature.

Many people are interested in the question: “How to recognize mastopathy?” We will talk about this later.

A woman can detect the disease herself. How to determine mastopathy by touch? It is enough for her to pay attention to a number of symptoms characteristic of mastopathy :

• the presence of nodular neoplasms upon independent palpation;
• the appearance of a bright venous network on any part of the mammary glands;
• change in the color of the nipples, and the color may differ significantly on each breast;
• strange tingling sensation, especially when wearing underwear;
• presence of discharge from the nipples when lightly pressing on them;
• menstrual irregularities;
• pain in the mammary glands, regardless of cycle time.

Symptoms and signs of mastopathy can be associated not only with the reproductive system.

With inflammatory processes in the chest, the lymph nodes in the axillary area begin to suffer.

They can increase significantly and cause pain. The same reaction may occur in the cervical lymph nodes.

Breast examination by palpation should be carried out strictly on days 7-9 of the cycle.

On days 7-9 of the cycle, the mammary glands are most sensitive to pulp examination, since the hormonal levels return to an ideal state and there is no excess fluid in the tissues.

Additionally, anamnesis is collected, during which all the patient’s complaints are recorded. Previous diseases, especially infectious ones, must be taken into account. They can indirectly affect changes in breast tissue.

If a specialist notices any changes in the structure of the mammary gland, he can issue a referral to a mammologist. After this, a more specialized specialist conducts a more detailed examination and writes out the prescriptions necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Attention! Sometimes, for an accurate diagnosis, consultation with a surgeon and oncologist may be necessary. Their help is necessary in the presence of large nodular neoplasms with signs of cancer.

To make an accurate diagnosis, medical examinations should be performed. They include a personal examination by a mammologist and examination of breast tissue.

How to identify mastopathy? Let's consider the examination methods:

• Finger examination . While standing, the specialist will carefully conduct a visual and manual examination. Additionally, you should check the breast in a lying position. If in doubt, he gives a referral for mammography. Mastopathy is a disease that is dangerous for all women. Especially after 40 years, you should consult a specialist every year, even in the absence of symptoms. Quite often the disease can be asymptomatic.
• X-ray method . This method is otherwise called mammography. It is performed on a special apparatus while standing. The laboratory technician will use X-rays to illuminate the mammary gland. If there are significant changes in it, darkened areas with traces of pathological processes will appear in the photograph. The method is gradually becoming a thing of the past, since it cannot register small tumors. There are also many contraindications for analysis, including age under 35 years, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Ultrasonography . This diagnosis for mastopathy is much more informative than mammography and allows you to identify new formations 1 mm in size. This approach allows for early diagnosis of mastopathy. Ultrasound gives a more accurate picture of the contours of tumors.

If the diagnosis of “Mastopathy” has been confirmed, laboratory testing should begin. Only with their help can you accurately prescribe therapy and determine the degree of development and type of mastopathy.

They consist of taking material for biopsy and subsequent cytology. A biopsy is performed using a long needle that is inserted into the affected breast tissue.

A small amount of material is taken through a medical syringe.

He is sent for cytology. Using a high-precision microscope, a laboratory technician determines the quality of the tissue and whether there are malignant processes in them.

Additionally, the woman’s hormonal levels should be measured. When mastopathy appears, it will be seriously impaired. It is possible that by treating the disordered hormonal levels, the current disease will improve and its symptoms will disappear.

Mastopathy can affect not only a woman, but also a man and a child . Since the patient’s age does not play a significant role, women should be examined every cycle. Men and children should pay attention to visual changes in the color and structure of the breasts.

Now you know how to detect mastopathy. The disease can really be noticed in the early stages. But its treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis in order to maintain your health and not allow severe stages of the disease to develop.

Source: https://nesekret.net/mastopatiya/diagnostika-i-simptomatika