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Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Mastopathy is a very common disease that affects women mainly of childbearing age. 

Many people face this diagnosis. Some women regularly visit the doctor and follow all treatment recommendations, while some do not attach much importance to this disease and ignore medical prescriptions. Below we will consider why mastopathy is dangerous and why you should not neglect its treatment.

Mastopathy: what is it?

This pathology is characterized by a violation of the histological structure of the mammary glands, namely a change in the ratio of the connective tissue and glandular components of their tissue.

Under the influence of various factors, the connective tissue layers grow and thicken, dividing the glandular tissue into milky lobules.

Connective tissue can grow diffusely throughout the entire structure of the glands, and can form compactions of different sizes and shapes.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

The glandular tissue can also increase in volume, resulting in the formation of small cysts - cavity formations filled with fluid (it accumulates due to blockage of the excretory ducts of the pathologically altered lobule). The essence of the process is reflected by another name for mastopathy - fibrocystic disease, or fibroadenomatosis. Changes can be diffuse or focal in nature.

Symptoms and causes of the disease

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

  • The main clinical manifestations of the pathology are:
  • · discomfort, feeling of fullness and soreness of the chest;
  • · swelling of the mammary glands;
  • · heterogeneity of the breast structure to the touch (a lobular structure is determined, dense cords and nodular formations of various sizes may be present - from fine-grained to large);
  • · discharge from the nipples, transparent, reminiscent of colostrum and other shades; 
  • general malaise and irritability.

The listed symptoms, as a rule, intensify shortly before menstruation and weaken somewhat with its onset. This is due to changes in the level of sex hormones in accordance with the periods of the menstrual cycle. In general, mastopathy is a hormonally dependent disease. Almost all cases of this pathology are caused by a violation of the functional state of the hormonal system. Most often, fibrocystic disease is provoked by pathologies of such organs as:

  1. Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is
  2. · ovaries;
  3. · uterus;
  4. · pituitary gland;
  5. · thyroid;
  6. · adrenal glands;
  7. · pancreas.
  8. Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Hormones that are produced in these organs of the endocrine system have a regulatory effect on the mammary glands. Therefore, disruption of their production leads to changes in the structure and functions of the breast.

Why is mastopathy dangerous?

  • Considering the causes and clinical manifestations of the disease, we can draw conclusions regarding the question of why mastopathy is dangerous. 
  • Fibrocystic changes in the mammary glands can be accompanied by the following conditions and pathologies:
  • · breast cancer;
  • · menstrual cycle disorders;
  • diseases of the uterus and ovaries;
  • · infertility;
  • · involution of the mammary glands;
  • · discomfort associated with symptoms of mastopathy;
  • · endocrine diseases;
  • · neurological disorders.
  • Some of the conditions listed above are the direct cause of mastopathy, while others are its complications.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer pathology in women. Most experts believe that cancer and mastopathy are in no way related.

Patients with fibrocystic disease have the same risk of developing breast cancer as women without breast disease. But there is a certain connection between these diseases.

Mastopathy and breast cancer develop under similar conditions - hormonal imbalance.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

The initial stages of a cancerous tumor in their clinical manifestations resemble fibrocystic disease, so the woman does not receive adequate treatment.

And in later stages, it is impossible to cure nodular mastopathy of the mammary glands in a woman with conservative therapy; moreover, tumor metastases to various organs and tissues (ovaries, liver, bones, etc.) are possible.

Therefore, women diagnosed with mastopathy need to regularly visit a mammologist or gynecologist to monitor the processes occurring in the mammary glands. This will allow timely detection of malignant tumors in the breast if they appear.

In addition, some doctors are of the opinion that mastopathy, especially nodular mastopathy, is, in fact, a precancerous process and can give rise to a malignant tumor. This situation is possible with increased proliferation of glandular and epithelial cells with the appearance of their atypia (irregular structure that disrupts the stages of differentiation, i.e., cell maturation).

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Irregular menstrual cycle

Fibrocystic disease itself does not affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle. On the contrary, mastopathy often develops against the background of such disorders as an associated condition.

The fact is that the menstrual function of the female body is regulated by various hormones: sex steroids, hormones of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, etc. Irregular menstruation means that there is a failure in the endocrine system.

Hormonal imbalance also affects the condition of the mammary glands. Therefore, mastopathy in many cases is associated with menstrual irregularities.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Gynecological diseases

Women with fibroadenomatosis of the mammary glands are often diagnosed with other gynecological diseases:

· endometriosis of various localizations (vagina, ovaries, cervix, etc.);

· ovarian cysts with different causes and structure (dermoid, endometrioid, follicular, luteal, polycystic, etc.);

  1. · various ovarian tumors (benign, malignant, hormonally active);
  2. · fibroids, uterine fibroids;
  3. · hyperplasia of the internal uterine layer and/or cancer of the uterus.

All these diseases have a common origin. The key link in the pathogenesis of gynecological pathologies, as well as mastopathy, is the hormonal imbalance of the body.  

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Primary and secondary infertility

How dangerous is mastopathy if it is not treated? This question worries many women of reproductive age. Almost any woman plans to start a family and have a child in the near or distant future, and this is one of the main reasons why mastopathy must be treated.

The main direction in the treatment of various forms of fibroadenomatosis is the normalization of the body’s hormonal levels. It is the hormones that are responsible for menstrual and reproductive functions, and disruption of their secretion can interfere with fertilization and pregnancy.

For example, if there is insufficient production of follicle-stimulating hormone and sex steroids, ovulation, which is necessary for conception, may not occur.

Another consequence of hormonal imbalances in mastopathy may be luteal phase deficiency. As a result, the endometrium of the uterus cannot adequately prepare for embryo implantation, so pregnancy does not develop even after fertilization has occurred.

Another cause of infertility with fibroadenomatosis can be associated diseases of the genital area, which are described above.

For example, uterine fibroids prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the wall and contribute to various complications of pregnancy and childbirth (premature placental abruption, placenta previa, malnutrition of the fetus, prolonged or rapid labor, etc.).

Polycystic ovaries are accompanied by thickening of their membrane, as a result of which the egg cannot leave the ovary and enter the fallopian tube.

Fibrofatty breast reconstruction

Fibrous-fatty degeneration is what mastopathy is dangerous for over a long period of time and without adequate treatment. This complication consists in the restructuring of the milk lobules and the replacement of glandular tissue with fatty and fibrous tissue.

At the same time, the breasts lose their shape, elasticity, sag, that is, they become unattractive. No woman will like this, so you should be careful about your personal health and regularly visit a gynecologist and mammologist.

Patients diagnosed with mastopathy must strictly adhere to medical recommendations and not let the disease take its course.

Pathologies of the endocrine system

Cystic fibrous mastopathy is essentially a hormonal-dependent disease. Almost always, when fibroadenomatosis is detected, the examination reveals pathologies of the hormonal system.

These may be diseases of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, diabetes mellitus, nodular or diffuse goiter, thyroiditis, etc.

The consequence of these diseases is a disruption in the production of certain hormones, which can directly affect the tissue of the mammary glands, as well as indirectly through changes in the level of sex steroids.

Psychological aspect of mastopathy

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Fibrocystic disease is accompanied by a lot of unpleasant symptoms. Constant pain, excessive sensitivity of the breast, its swelling and swelling, discharge from the nipples - all these phenomena bring a lot of unpleasant emotions.

Hormonal changes, against the background of which the disease arose, play a certain role in the disturbance of psychological balance. Women suffering from mastopathy often complain of increased irritability, frequent mood swings, and are prone to depression and other neurological and psychological disorders.

A thorough examination and properly selected treatment can eliminate the symptoms of mastopathy and return the patient to a good quality of life.

Prevention of complications of mastopathy

Every woman should take care of her health. To minimize the risk of complications of mastopathy, you need not only to regularly take medications and Mabustin prescribed by your doctor. You should also adhere to a certain diet and change your lifestyle in general.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

In order for the fight against mastopathy to be successful, you need to eat regularly and nutritiously. Most of the daily menu should consist of fruits, vegetables and cereals. Plant fiber and vitamins have a beneficial effect on the immune system and help normalize hormonal levels.

Some foods may increase the symptoms of fibrocystic disease. For example, it is worth excluding from the diet spices, smoked foods, various marinades, canned food containing a lot of spices and preservatives, coffee, strong tea, chocolate, and various sweets.

The course of mastopathy is aggravated by smoking and drinking alcohol, so it is better to refrain from bad habits.

Experts recommend spending time outside more often, doing morning exercises, and sleeping in a ventilated room. Adequate sleep and rest in general are very important for the treatment of fibroadenomatosis. You also need to make time for physical exercise. Cycling, swimming, water gymnastics, skiing, and walking are useful.

Another important point in preventing complications of mastopathy is self-examination. It should be carried out at the end of each regular menstruation. An independent breast examination is done in two positions: standing near a mirror and lying on your back.

In this case, the hand on the side of the examined mammary gland is raised behind the head, and with the other hand the breast is carefully palpated, starting from the center and gradually moving to the periphery. In front of a mirror, the symmetry of the mammary glands, their shape and changes in size are assessed.

Detection of any lumps, nodules or cords in the breast, the appearance of deformations or pronounced asymmetry is a reason for an urgent visit to a mammologist or gynecologist.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the dangers of mastopathy in women should help women understand the importance of treating this disease. To reduce the risk of complications and increase the effect of therapy, it is worth following recommendations regarding nutrition and lifestyle, as well as conducting regular breast self-examination.

Read also:  Which doctor treats mastopathy: reasons for visiting different doctors

Source: https://mabusten.com/miopatii/56.html

Why is breast mastopathy dangerous?

Mastopathy is one of the most common diseases faced by the fair sex. How is it dangerous? Why is it important to start treatment at the initial stage of pathology development? Women, upon hearing the diagnosis of mastopathy, panic, because many associate this disease with cancer. Is it so?

Why is mastopathy scary? What kind of pathology is this and why does it occur? In medicine, there are many types of mastopathy, more than 50. Most often, in patients of childbearing age, mastopathy occurs in the fibrocystic form, when glandular tissue grows.

The nodular form is characterized by the presence of tumors in the chest that are similar in size to a walnut.

Despite the fact that the pathology in most cases proceeds without complications, and it can be cured using modern techniques, some doctors note that the appearance of tumors in the breast is the primary symptom of cancer.

Symptoms

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Signs of pathology include the following:

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

  • breast tenderness, especially before the onset of menstruation;
  • enlargement, swelling of the mammary glands (or one breast);
  • burning sensation, itching;
  • the appearance of greenish discharge from the nipples;
  • When palpated, nodules are detected.

With fibrocystic mastopathy, multiple compactions appear, and with nodular mastopathy, single, large ones appear. Its danger is that neoplasms can grow, progress, and transform into malignant tumors. That is why you need to start treating it on time so as not to encounter complications.

Causes

Mastopathy refers to those diseases whose occurrence is provoked by various factors. This may be a disruption of the endocrine, nervous, digestive, or reproductive systems. At risk are patients who have experienced abortions, miscarriages, or have not given birth until the age of 25. Most often, the development of mastopathy occurs against the background of hormonal imbalances.

The main reasons for its occurrence include:

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

  • diseases of the genital and urinary organs;
  • disruptions of the menstrual cycle;
  • refusal of breastfeeding during the postpartum period;
  • frequent stressful conditions, worries, depression;
  • disruption of the endocrine system;
  • thyroid diseases;
  • renal failure;
  • diabetes;
  • excess weight;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • alcohol abuse, smoking.

Mastopathy is scary for a woman because its nodular form strongly resembles cancer. In the fibrocystic form, neoplasms can be very small and difficult to detect during an initial examination and palpation of the mammary glands. To make an accurate diagnosis, a number of diagnostic procedures are performed.

There are many factors that provoke the development of this disease. Determining the actual cause is quite difficult, as is prescribing the correct treatment. To understand why mastopathy is dangerous, you need to study all the risks and possible consequences. Some doctors believe that nodular formations that occur with mastopathy have the same origin as cancerous tumors.

Is the disease dangerous?

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

The danger of fibrocystic mastopathy lies in the fact that its progression will be very difficult to stop.

If the tumor is localized in one breast, its size will differ from the size of a healthy breast. Large tumors are visible to the naked eye and cause discomfort. In addition, with mastopathy, the mammary glands become painful, and a greenish liquid is released from the nipples.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Cancer diseases are always scary, as they are accompanied by complex symptoms, significantly shorten the duration and worsen the quality of life of a sick woman. For breast cancer, the only treatment option is breast removal. But if you see a doctor on time, you can stop the progression of the disease.

Diagnostics

In order to detect the disease in time and begin to treat it, you should undergo preventive examinations by various specialists. Unfortunately, not all women fully understand the danger mastopathy conceals; they go to a medical facility only when they are already worried about symptoms such as pain, burning, and lumps are clearly felt.

The longer you ignore the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease, the more difficult it will be to cure it later and the higher the risk of developing cancer.

To distinguish nodular mastopathy from breast cancer, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic procedures to the patient, namely:

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

  • initial breast examination, palpation;
  • mammography;
  • ultrasound examination;
  • puncture;
  • histological examination of the tumor.

With mastopathy, benign or malignant neoplasms form. If there is a suspicion of cancer, doctors in most cases decide in favor of removing the pathological focus - the woman may be left without breasts, which is not only a strong physical, but also a mental trauma.

Nodular mastopathy, unlike breast cancer, can be cured without complete removal of the breast if you consult a mammologist at the very beginning of the development of the disease. Her treatment is carried out using the latest techniques and modern instruments. Is fibrocystic or nodular mastopathy life-threatening? Not until it turned into cancer.

Treatment and prevention

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

If we talk about mastopathy, then to prevent its development it is important to fulfill several conditions:

  • eat right, monitor the presence of foods high in vitamins and microelements in the diet;
  • lead a healthy lifestyle, play sports or simply keep fit, do not drink alcohol, do not smoke;
  • normalize sex life, give birth to a child before the age of 30, continue breastfeeding for as long as possible;
  • Treat systemic diseases in a timely manner, get examined by doctors, and pay attention to any alarming symptoms.

If the disease does begin to develop, it is important not to let it get worse and to start fighting the pathology in time to prevent possible complications.

Fibrocystic mastopathy is treated using conservative methods. If nodules have already formed in the breast tissue, a sectoral resection is performed, and the biomaterial is sent for histological examination to confirm or refute the suspicion of cancer.

Drug therapy

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Since the main factor that provokes the development of the disease is hormonal imbalance, efforts must first be made to normalize it. Hormonal drugs are the most effective in this regard.

Drug therapy involves taking medications from the following pharmacokinetic groups: Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

  • hepatoprotectors (to normalize liver function);
  • adaptogens;
  • preparations based on herbal components;
  • homeopathic medicines;
  • biologically active additives.

Under no circumstances should you self-medicate or rely only on folk remedies to treat this disease. The fact is that there are many reasons for its development, so there is no single algorithm according to which the pathology should be treated. Therapeutic treatment is selected individually in each specific case, depending on the woman’s health condition and the stage of the disease.

Diet therapy

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Mastopathy is successfully treated under modern conditions. In 90% of cases, patients who consult a doctor in a timely manner manage to get rid of the pathology. If treatment is not started on time, there is a risk that the disease will transform into breast cancer, which is very difficult to fight.

Source: https://grud03.ru/bolezni/mastopatiya/chem-opasna.html

What is fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary gland and why is it dangerous to health?

Benign mastopathy is a common disease characterized by changes in the structure of a woman’s mammary glands. It is easily curable in the early stages. To prevent the dangerous consequences of mastopathy in women, to prevent the development of complications, you should follow medical instructions and undergo regular preventive examinations.

Why is pathology dangerous?

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease isThe disease is caused by functional disorders of the hormonal system. With fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM), pathological growth and compaction of the layers that divide the mammary gland into lobules occurs. Women of childbearing age are especially susceptible. Main signs of the disease:

  • discomfort in the chest area;
  • feeling of fullness, swelling, soreness;
  • knots and dense cords are tactilely felt;
  • nipple discharge;
  • general disturbance of well-being.

Depending on changes in the mammary gland, mastopathy is divided into diffuse and nodular. The diffuse form is classified into cystic, fibrous, glandular and fibrocystic.

Effect on pregnancy

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease isMastopathy does not affect the course of pregnancy and lactation

If the disease occurs for the first time in an expectant mother, the woman may not be afraid of the consequences, provided there are minor changes in hormone levels and the absence of concomitant pathologies. The disease is mild and does not affect the situation in any way. Mastopathy does not affect the course of labor, there is no obstacle to breastfeeding.

If a woman is over 30 years old, and the pathology arose before pregnancy, a condition of moderate severity may develop.

When there are pronounced hormonal imbalances, the addition of acute, or complications of chronic diseases, the possibility of a severe course of mastopathy increases.

In this case, the characteristic symptoms will be pain in the first three months, fever, fatigue, and constant drowsiness.

With mastopathy, there is a danger of the addition of a purulent-inflammatory process and the development of focal mastitis. Hormone imbalance reduces the chance of getting pregnant.

Irregular menstrual cycle

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease isMastopathy is an insidious disease that affects not only the mammary glands. Hormonal imbalance in mastopathy leads to menstrual disorders. The following violations may occur:

  • Delay for 2–4 months, discharge is scanty, the ovulation process is disrupted.
  • Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for six months or more.
  • Copious discharge, turning into bleeding.
  • Uterine hemorrhages due to endometriosis, uterine fibroids, not associated with menstruation.
  • Bloody discharge in the middle of the cycle.

High prolactin levels outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding lead to constant stimulation of the mammary gland, its swelling and growth. If your breasts remain tight throughout your cycle, you should consult a doctor. Additionally, vegetative-vascular disorders, migraines, and edema may occur.

Gynecological diseases

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Along with mastopathy, other diseases of the reproductive organs are often detected. They all have a common origin. The reason for their development is hormonal imbalance. The following gynecological pathologies can be distinguished:

  • endometriosis of the vagina, cervix, ovaries;
  • endometrial cysts - dermoid, follicular, luteal, as well as polycystic;
  • benign, hormonally active and malignant ovarian tumors;
  • myoma and fibroids of the uterus;
  • hyperplasia of the inner layer of the uterus.

Fibrofatty breast reconstruction

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease isWith fibrofatty involution, the mammary glands lose their shape and sag

If mastopathy is not treated, fibrofatty degeneration occurs in the breast. Over a long period of time, the glandular tissue is replaced by adipose and fibrous tissue. The mammary glands change their shape and sag. Breasts lose their attractiveness. In some representatives of the fairer sex, the breasts decrease in size. During this period, irregularities in the menstrual cycle are observed. Patients with this diagnosis should closely monitor their health and follow all doctor’s recommendations. It is unacceptable to start the disease.

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Pathologies of the endocrine system

When detecting FCM, it is necessary to examine the entire hormonal system. Along with mastopathy, diseases of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland are detected. A woman may suffer from diabetes. Thyroiditis, diffuse and nodular goiter often develop.

Diseases occur due to imbalance of hormones. This process affects not only breast tissue, but also the level of sex steroids. In endocrine pathologies, mastopathy is rarely diagnosed in the initial stage. More often it is detected in an advanced form.

Psychological aspect of mastopathy

Increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, their swelling and pain cause discomfort and discomfort. Fluctuations in hormonal levels lead to psychological disorders. The woman is afraid for her health. She becomes irritable and her mood changes frequently. There is a tendency to depressive and neurological disorders.

FCM is a unique reaction of the body to emerging emotions. The disease most often occurs in single women with irregular sex life or its complete absence. In this case, the patient will need a serious examination and adequate treatment to improve the quality of life.

Breast cancer

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease isMastopathy itself cannot threaten a woman’s life. The real danger lies in the ability of the disease to degenerate into a malignant process. The nodular form is considered a precancerous condition and can initiate the growth of a malignant tumor. In this case, fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary gland is dangerous to health.

Characteristic symptoms are:

  • the appearance of round or oblong nodes in the chest;
  • deformation of the glands;
  • retraction and discharge from the nipples;
  • discoloration and roughening of the skin.

You should also pay attention to the condition of the lymph nodes. You should be wary if the symptoms are accompanied by a feeling of fatigue, weakness, or emotional depression. At the slightest suspicion of pathology, you need to contact a mammologist or gynecologist.

Prevention of complications

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease isThe peculiarity of the development of mastopathy is that it can provoke other unwanted pathological processes in the body. They often have similar symptoms. To prevent the development of the disease and the occurrence of complications, the following preventive measures must be observed:

  • conduct self-examination of the mammary glands;
  • regularly visit a mammologist;
  • monitor the state of the endocrine system;
  • lead a healthy lifestyle, eradicate bad habits;
  • Healthy food;
  • protect the mammary glands from injury and exposure to direct sunlight;
  • treat hormonal imbalances only as prescribed by a doctor.

Self-examination of the mammary glands is a simple procedure and is a good means of prevention. It should be done once a month, on the fifth or sixth day from the start of menstruation. If for some reason there are no critical days, any calendar day is assigned.

You should protect yourself from stressful situations.

Timely diagnosis and prevention will make it possible to avoid the disease or facilitate the recovery process.

Source: https://NogoStop.ru/grud/chto-budet-esli-ne-lechit-mastopatiyu-u-zhenshhin-posledstviya-i-oslozhneniya.html

How dangerous is mastopathy of the mammary gland if it is not treated?

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

Mastopathy is a diffuse or nodular pathological change that occurs in the soft tissues of the mammary gland. The disease begins to develop as a result of hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body. When the first characteristic symptoms occur, you must consult a doctor to prevent complications and the development of more serious diseases. Let's figure out why mastopathy is dangerous.

Etiology of the disease

Mastopathy refers to dyshormonal hyperplastic processes that occur in the mammary gland. This is a fibrocystic disease in which soft tissues are affected and changed. As a result of pathological changes, they can actively reproduce.

Mastopathy develops as a result of an imbalance of connective and epithelial tissue. The disease is more common in women aged 24-48 years. In extremely rare cases, pathology is found in men. One of the main reasons is the neuro-humoral factor.

The disease may begin to develop against the background of the following factors:

  • severe stress;
  • neurosis;
  • depression.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

The disease can begin to develop against the background of severe stress

To understand the danger of mastopathy, you need to know the characteristics of the mammary glands. During the menstrual cycle, the body begins to produce hormones. These are estrogens and progesterone. The maximum concentration is observed in the first days of menstruation.

The mammary glands are influenced by hormones from the adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. They are carefully controlled by the cerebral cortex. As a result of the influence of hormones, regular cyclical processes occur in the breast. They manifest themselves in the form of engorgement.

There are several unfavorable factors that can disrupt the normal balance of hormones. This may be a deficiency or increased amount of hormones. They provoke active proliferation of ducts, glandular and connective tissue.

If your breasts remain tight after your period ends, you should consult a doctor. At normal levels, prolactin helps regulate internal processes in the body. His main task is to help the expectant mother. It helps increase the synthesis of components such as breast milk lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.

When a woman finishes lactation, prolactin levels decrease on their own. But there are other negative factors. If prolactin increases outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, patients face even more serious consequences. Active secretion of the hormone causes:

  • autonomic disorder;
  • migraine;
  • swelling;
  • pain in the lower abdomen.

If the secretion of prolactin in the body is increased, then it is classified as a chronic stimulator of the mammary glands. This is why mastopathy occurs more often in such women.

Types of mastopathy

There are several different morphological forms of pathology. What is the danger of mammary gland mastopathy and how to prevent serious complications - these are questions that you need to consult a doctor with.

Scientists have identified a certain classification. It depends on the specific changes that were detected during palpation, mammography, and the results of histological examination.

Diffuse

This form of mastopathy is also called small-focal. This is the initial form of the disease, which is characterized by mild symptoms and no acute pain.

During histology, the doctor identifies several areas in the mammary glands that are normal.

But nearby there are atrophic lobules, hyperplastic areas of soft tissue, small cystic formations, dilated ducts, overgrown connective tissue, and collagen fibers.

The following forms of diffuse mastopathy are distinguished:

  • glandular;
  • fibrous;
  • cystic;
  • mixed.

The danger of fibrocystic mastopathy and other forms lies in the disruption of venous outflow. This process is due to the fact that connective soft tissue begins to grow in the mammary gland. If the patient seeks help from a doctor when the first symptoms are detected, the pathology is easily treatable.

Diffuse mastopathy in this case occurs without complications. The initial stage of the disease can be easily cured. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, there is a possibility of development into a malignant tumor. In this case, the patient will need to face serious treatment and long-term rehabilitation.

Nodal

Nodular mastopathy refers to benign changes that occur as a result of hormonal imbalance. This pathology is characterized by the presence of cystic and nodular formations that are observed in the mammary glandular tissue. This is a dangerous form of breast mastopathy .

Mastalgic compactions, hypersensitivity and engorgement of the mammary gland occur in the chest. Secretions come out of the nipples. In most cases, this form of pathology is not dangerous. When menopause occurs, hormonal levels stabilize. Nodular mastopathy completely disappears.

Mixed

The development of a mixed form of mastopathy is caused by infertility, endocrine disorders, obesity, mastitis, late pregnancy, and early menstruation. During diagnosis, the doctor determines the presence of seals and nodes. To confirm the diagnosis, you need to do x-rays, ultrasound and mammography.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

During diagnosis, the doctor determines the presence of seals and nodes

As the mixed form of mastopathy progresses, lumps appear in the breast. They are painful, and secretions of different shades may be released from the nipples. The pain can be intense, regular or cyclical. Discomfort intensifies before the onset of menstruation.

If treatment is not started in a timely manner, there is a possibility of developing malignant tumors and neoplasms. This is the most dangerous form of mastopathy, which requires timely treatment. In most cases, the doctor prescribes surgical removal of nodes and tumors if there are no contraindications.

Diagnostics

During your first appointment, your doctor will perform a visual examination of your breasts. Manual examination helps confirm or refute the diagnosis. Additionally, X-ray mammography and ultrasound diagnostics are performed. X-ray is the most informative method. It helps to make the correct diagnosis in 90% of cases.

If the doctor has discovered a pathology of the mammary glands, it is necessary to carefully examine the hormonal levels. Another effective method is ultrasound diagnostics. A specialist will be able to identify a cavity or solid formation and carefully examine the gland. During the study, formations in the form of a tumor are visualized, which are located next to the chest wall.

Features of treatment

To cure diffuse mastopathy, it is necessary to eliminate the factors that caused the disorder of the pituitary gland and ovaries. It is necessary to undergo a gynecological examination to normalize the nervous system and liver function. If the patient has been diagnosed with a nodular form of mastopathy, surgical treatment is indicated.

During the operation, the doctor excises nodes and compacted formations. Specific immunotherapy methods are also used. Recently, doctors carefully choose the method of therapy. After surgical treatment, there is a possibility of re-formation of nodes. They occur along the surgical suture.

Another effective method is conservative observation. After diagnosis, a woman should come to see a doctor. The specialist will monitor the pathological process.

It is necessary to undergo mammography at least twice a year to monitor the condition of nodes and other tumors.

Additionally, patients are prescribed sedatives, potassium iodide, and vitamin complexes.

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is

After diagnosis, a woman should come to see a doctor. The specialist will monitor the pathological process

The conservative method is becoming increasingly popular. Women will be able to avoid surgery. The only drawback is that breast cancer cannot be prevented. Conservative therapy includes a strict diet, the right choice of bra, taking vitamin complexes, diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The latest remedies help improve blood circulation. With the progression of the fibrocystic form of mastopathy, the patient is contraindicated in physiotherapeutic procedures, visiting the sauna and bathhouse.

Do not sunbathe in the sun or in a solarium. It is important to take care of a healthy lifestyle, eliminate smoking, alcohol and other bad habits.

You need to do light exercises or gymnastics, sleep about 9 hours a day, and avoid stressful situations.

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The danger of mastopathy

Mastopathy is a benign disease. But, any pathological changes in the mammary gland are not the norm. Every girl and woman should know how dangerous mastopathy is if it is not treated. Without treatment, there is a risk of serious consequences:

  1. Development of mastitis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissues of the chest. The disease develops in women during lactation. But in some cases, mastitis becomes a consequence of mastopathy. Nodular neoplasms block the milk ducts, causing stagnation of milk in the breast.
  2. The appearance of cracks in the nipples. As a result, patients develop inflammation of the mammary glands. Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate inside through cracks.
  3. Sepsis or soft tissue necrosis. These are serious and dangerous consequences of the disease. They require radical measures. Doctors often prescribe breast resection to patients.
  4. Cancer. With the progression of mastopathy, there is a possibility of degeneration of a benign neoplasm into a malignant one.

Any tumors and nodes in the chest require timely treatment. Nodular mastopathy is characterized by the formation of a neoplasm, so girls and women need to pay attention to their health and well-being. This disease often causes active cell division and proliferation of soft tissues.

Prevention

To prevent the development of mastopathy, it is necessary to protect yourself from strong experiences and stressful situations. The following preventive measures must be observed:

  1. It is important to find the main reason that led to the development of mastopathy.
  2. It is necessary to visit a mammologist regularly or according to a schedule. He will be able to assess the condition and structure of the mammary gland. The doctor will quickly find the cause that provokes the inflammatory process.
  3. Restoring normal hormonal levels. It is prohibited to buy or drink hormonal medications on your own without consulting a doctor.
  4. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is important to give up all bad habits.

Girls and women need to lead an active sex life. But, the partner must be constant in order to avoid serious problems in the intimate sphere. Sexual dissatisfaction leads to hormonal disorders and has a negative impact on a woman’s health and well-being.

Source: https://MamaZdorova.ru/chem-opasna-mastopatiya-01/

Why is fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands dangerous?

Mastopathy is a pathological hormone-dependent condition of the mammary glands, accompanied by changes in the glandular tissue. 

Symptoms: 

  • pain in the mammary gland;
  • general tissue compaction; 
  • feeling of heaviness and engorgement; 
  • palpable seals. 

Symptoms of fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands can be confused with physiological conditions.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight such a condition as mastodynia (mastalgia) - pain in the mammary gland, not associated with pathological changes in the tissue of the mammary glands.

 If these are unpleasant sensations that appear a few days before menstruation, they can be considered physiological signs, and herbal medicines (medicines and herbal remedies) aimed at removing excess fluid from the body will help cope with these symptoms.

Mastopathy has many factors, but the main one is hormonal imbalance, namely, an excess of estrogen with a lack of progesterone. It is estrogen that triggers the processes of growth of pathological tissue in the lobules and ducts of the mammary gland.

An increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in progesterone lead to:

  • stress;
  • metabolic disorders; 
  • decreased thyroid function;
  • gynecological diseases; 
  • overweight;
  • taking combined oral contraceptives;
  • absence of pregnancy and childbirth; 
  • short breastfeeding cycle;
  • xeno-estrogens.

Xeno-estrogens are foreign estrogens that we consume from food without knowing it. For example, we eat soy, drink water from plastic bottles, and eat other foods packaged in plastic containers.

You need to be careful with plastic dishes because they contain bisphenol A, which stimulates estrogen production.

Xeno-estrogens also contain fruits and vegetables grown using pesticides, and any types of meat grown using hormonal stimulants. 

There are two types of mastopathy:

  • with a predominance of the cystic component;
  • with a predominance of the fibrous component. 

How to treat fibrocystic mastopathy

Based on the type of problem, we can talk about treatment methods. 

Cystic variant

Characteristic of young patients. The tissue is represented by glandular lobes, in which many milk ducts pass; it is they, expanding, that form round cavities filled with fluid - cysts.  

In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, when the physiological expansion of the milk ducts occurs, in almost any woman you can find single cysts up to 3 mm, which can disappear on their own without external influence, however, when the drainage function of the duct is impaired, the duct expands each cycle more and more and can form a larger cyst up to 1 centimeter.

In this case, this condition requires treatment, the prescription of medications that have an anti-estrogenic effect, or a puncture to remove fluid from the cyst cavity. The procedure does not require special preparation and is performed directly at the mammologist’s appointment.

The skin is treated with an antiseptic solution, under ultrasound guidance a puncture is made with a thin needle into the cavity of the cyst, and the liquid is pumped out with a syringe; on the screen of the ultrasound machine you can see how the walls of the formation collapse and the cyst disappears.

The entire procedure takes a few minutes and is well tolerated by the patient.

It should be noted that today science knows effective folk remedies, the use of which should be consulted with your doctor.

Cysts are fluid formations that become malignant in less than 1% of cases. With prolonged exposure to the sun or in a solarium, or visiting bathhouses, cysts can become inflamed, so large formations must be diagnosed and punctured in time. In general, sunbathing and visiting the bathhouse is not advisable.

Fibrous variant 

It is characterized by the proliferation of connective tissue around the glandular lobes and an increase in the overall density of the mammary gland. This condition is more typical for patients in the older age group. Nodal forms stand apart in the structure of mammary gland diseases: fibroadenomas and nodular forms of mastopathy.  

Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors, the causes of which are not fully understood. They are characterized by a dense fibrous capsule and slow growth. They are not capable of malignancy, contrary to popular stereotypes. However, they cannot be treated with medication and, if they grow, they can only be treated with surgery.

A radical surgical approach needs to be applied only to a very small percentage of patients whose tumors are either initially large (more than 15 mm) or have shown rapid growth during follow-up over a short period of time.

 As a rule, when fibroadenomas are detected in patients under 40 years of age, at the first stage a puncture (cytological analysis to detect malignant cells) of the formation will be offered.

Next, based on the results of the cytological study, the treatment tactics for fibrocystic mastopathy will be selected.

If surgical treatment is necessary, patients undergo sectoral resection of the mammary gland. As a rule, an incision is made along the contour of the areola, the formation itself is removed without surrounding tissue, and a cosmetic suture is applied.

Such operations are performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia, and subsequently the removed tumor is further examined for the presence of malignant cells.

If the operation is performed correctly, the shape and size of the breast does not change, and the seam becomes almost invisible after 6-8 months.

There is also a method of VAP - vacuum aspiration biopsy - removal of small fibroadenomas using targeted destruction of the tumor with an ultrasonic wave and subsequent aspiration. This method is best used for multiple small formations.

Nodular form of mastopathy

Typical for the older age group after 40 years, it is an extremely rare diagnosis, characterized by the formation of a node without clear boundaries (without a capsule). What is dangerous about fibrocystic nodular mastopathy? Of all the forms of mastopathy, only this type is prone to malignancy and requires close attention, immediate biopsy and surgical treatment.  

Surgical interventions for this group of diseases differ only in that the tumor does not have clear boundaries, and in order to be sure of complete removal of the tumor, it is necessary to retreat up to 10 mm towards healthy tissue. If malignant cells are detected on postoperative material, such an indentation ensures that the operation was within healthy tissue and the tumor was completely removed.  

Breast cancer (BC) is an independent pathology not associated with diffuse mastopathy. In the initial stages it is completely asymptomatic. This is the reason for late diagnosis and detection of the disease in the final stages.

In the structure of cancer diseases, breast cancer in women ranks first in the frequency of new cases per year. All women over 35 years of age must be examined once a year. Patients at risk should undergo such examination twice a year.  

Women at risk include:

  • having close relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer;
  • overweight;
  • having experience of long-term use of hormonal pills; 
  • in the absence of pregnancy and childbirth in the anamnesis; 
  • with mammary gland injuries.  

Therefore, it is so important to follow the advice of doctors: lead a healthy lifestyle, adhere to an adequate diet, take vitamins, monitor your diet, do not gain weight, so as not to treat diseases later and not take many medications. 

Until recently, standard medical examination included only mammography for women over 40, but practice has shown that this is not enough for screening.

A large percentage of women (more than 40%) in the group from 35 to 55 years old have high mammographic breast density. Density is the ratio of the fibroglandular and fatty components.

The more glandular tissue and less fatty tissue, the worse pathological formations are visible in the photographs.

According to the latest scientific data, high breast density itself increases the risk of developing cancer by 4 times, which, coupled with poor diagnosis, leads to late detection and, as a result, ineffective treatment. This means that a standard examination must necessarily include an ultrasound of the mammary glands.  

The resolution capabilities of ultrasound machines are also of no small importance; only expert-level devices can clearly visualize tumors less than 10 mm in size. At the moment, we can talk about almost 100% effectiveness of treatment when identifying the disease in the initial stages. Therefore, it is so important to make it a rule to regularly visit a mammologist, conduct ultrasound of the mammary glands and mammography.  

Source: https://lisa.ru/zdorovye/580232-chem-opasna-fibrozno-kistoznaya-mastopatiya-molochnyh-zhelez/

Fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands: how dangerous the disease is Link to main publication
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