The most common breast diseases. The most common breast diseases: description, diagnosis and treatment Breast diseases and symptoms
The condition of the female breast depends on physiological processes that affect the body of any woman. The female reproductive system includes paired exocrine glands - mammary glands, which are responsible for lactation for feeding the baby. According to statistics, breast diseases in women occupy one of the leading places in terms of frequency of occurrence. The article talks about the types of diseases and what symptoms you should pay attention to.
Common Causes of Diseases
Hormonal levels are negatively affected not only by uncontrolled use of hormonal contraceptives, but also by other common causes:
- absence of pregnancy and childbirth (unfulfilled reproductive function);
- abortions and miscarriages;
- refusal of breastfeeding;
- inflammatory gynecological diseases;
- hereditary predisposition;
Additionally, the formation of tumors in the breast can be influenced by nonspecific carcinogenic factors: prolonged exposure to the sun or in a solarium without a bra, alcohol abuse, smoking, high-calorie unbalanced diet, excess weight, prolonged stressful situations.
Types of diseases and specific occurrence
When the mammary gland is bruised, a closed injury occurs, which damages the tissue in the chest. You can get a bruise as a result of a domestic injury, a crush on public transport, while playing sports, or in a car accident. The site of injury hurts, and a hematoma with bruising may form. If there are external damage to the skin of the chest (abrasions, scratches), then microbes can penetrate into the tissue through them.
Some injuries are complicated by bleeding and suppuration. For any chest bruise or hematoma, you should consult a doctor for examination.
After childbirth, a woman’s body’s defenses decrease, which increases the likelihood of illness. If the nipple is flat and not prepared for feeding, the size of the milk ducts is so narrow that they cannot cope with the excretory function of the gland, the breast has a sagging shape, the woman refuses breastfeeding altogether or because feeding is painful due to cracks in the nipples or weak sucking activity child, this creates conditions for the development of lactostasis.
Lactostasis
Lactostasis is the accumulation of milk in the ducts of the mammary glands. When the outflow is complicated, the gland becomes denser, painful sensations appear on palpation, and areas of the skin may become red. Sometimes a low-grade fever occurs (37.1 – 38.0°C).
Complete emptying of the mammary gland will help prevent the occurrence of lactostasis or reduce its negative manifestations. If the baby does not suck the milk, you need to express the rest. Before feeding, dry heat or a warm shower and massage with stroking movements will help. After feeding, you can apply cold water for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and inflammation.
If lactostasis is not eliminated in a timely manner, it will lead to mastitis.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue. A strong bursting pain is felt in the chest, the gland swells and thickens, the skin turns red, and the temperature rises sharply. Stagnation of milk creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria. The development of infection may result in fever and accumulation of pus. Mastitis can be caused by staphylococcal infection and E. coli. Bacteria penetrate deep into the mammary gland through blood vessels and milk ducts.
Breast cyst
A breast cyst appears when the gland duct expands and fluid accumulates in the resulting cavity. There can be several cysts, different in shape (oval, ball, irregular shape) and size (from several millimeters to several centimeters). They form for a long time without symptoms. Degeneration of a cyst into a malignant tumor is rare, but such a risk factor exists.
The cause of the appearance of a cyst can be mastitis, pathological processes of the thyroid gland, dysfunctional ovarian disorders, gynecological inflammatory diseases, hormonal imbalance with excess production of estrogen.
Benign tumors are hormone-dependent tumors. They arise and change at different age periods, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the presence of pregnancy, lactation, and the intensity of the menopause.
Mastopathy
Mastopathy is a group of mammary gland diseases associated with pathological growth of gland tissue. It is formed as a result of a disturbed relationship between glandular, connective and adipose tissues during the decline of reproductive function. A typical symptom of mastopathy is the detection of painful lumps in the breast upon palpation, and the pain becomes more noticeable in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Circumstances that contribute to the development of mastopathy:
- previously menarche;
- early menopause;
- disrupted menstrual cycle;
- no history of pregnancy or childbirth;
- late first birth;
- more than three abortions or miscarriages;
- irregular sex life (or prolonged abstinence);
- gynecological diseases with increased estrogen levels;
- short lactation period (less than 6 months);
- endocrine disorders;
- genetic predisposition.
A type of mastopathy is mammary adenoma - a benign tumor that is formed from glandular epithelial tissue due to an imbalance of estrogen. The shape is a ball or sphere. Diagnosed in young women of reproductive age, it practically does not appear in women over 40-45 years of age. Does not degenerate into a malignant formation.
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma is a benign neoplasm of connective tissue. It looks like a round tumor of dense consistency; upon palpation it is defined as a mobile node. Having discovered such a lump in the breast, you should urgently consult a mammologist to rule out malignancy of the tumor.
Mammary cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant neoplasm of glandular tissue. In the early stages there are no visible symptoms or pain. Locally it manifests itself in the form of a changed shape and skin of the breast, retraction of the nipple. Sometimes discharge from the nipple appears (similar to colostrum, mixed with blood). During examination, dense formations are felt, and the lymph nodes above the collarbones or armpits are noticeably enlarged. It is important to remember that a malignant tumor detected in the early stages can be successfully cured with surgery in combination with radiation or chemotherapy. In advanced stages, the tumor can metastasize to other organs as cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and extremely quickly.
Diagnostic methods
Diseases of the mammary glands are dangerous because they may not cause pain or discomfort for a long time. Therefore, routine examinations and self-diagnosis recommended by doctors are very important.
Women are advised to perform a monthly self-examination of their breasts on days 5-7 of the cycle, when breast tension subsides. First, check the bra to make sure there is no secretion from the nipple. Then they stand in front of the mirror, arms down, and visually assess the size and shape of the breasts. Examine the skin and nipples for swelling, rashes, diaper rash, and cracks.
Then they place their hand behind their head, carefully observing whether the iron moves evenly. If the breast rises with a delay or with both arms raised, one gland deviates to the side, if after a change in position a depression or bulge is visible, changes in the nipple or discharge from it are observed - this is a sign that you should immediately consult a specialist.
One breast is palpated with the fingertips of the opposite hand. Gently and without pressing on the gland, move from the base of the breast to the nipple. Having examined the mammary gland completely, palpate the axillary and supraclavicular cavities to check the lymph nodes.
After examining the chest while standing, repeat the diagnosis in a lying position.
In medical practice, in addition to external examination and palpation, modern equipment is used, which makes it possible to detect neoplasms in the internal structure of the mammary gland and record their shape, boundaries and size, location and nature.
Mammography is a general x-ray examination with minimal radiation. Pictures are taken in two projections: straight and oblique, which makes it possible to detect possible tumors. All women over 40 years of age are recommended to have a mammogram annually.
Using an ultrasound examination, a clear image of the mammary glands is obtained from various angles. Ultrasound is used during pregnancy and lactation, as it is safe compared to the radiographic method.
Computed tomography is used when, after mammography and ultrasound, there are doubts about the nature of the tumor, or when breast cancer is confirmed.
During a biopsy, tissue samples are taken for subsequent cytological examination in the laboratory. Using this method, the quality of the tumor is clarified in order to accurately diagnose the presence or absence of breast cancer.
Disease Prevention
Many factors contribute to the occurrence and development of breast diseases. Cancer in close relatives puts a woman at increased risk. Even in the absence of a hereditary predisposition, it is necessary to regularly and systematically examine the breasts. Women 30-35 years old need to have an ultrasound scan once a year and a mammogram every 2-3 years. After 40 years, mammography is strongly recommended to be done every year, after 50 years – once every six months.
The optimal prophylaxis for preventing diseases is:
- timely, complete cure of inflammation of the genital organs;
- stabilization of hormonal levels;
- timely implementation of reproductive function;
- replacing carcinogenic habits with a healthy lifestyle;
- wearing comfortable, non-compressive bras;
- positive emotions.
It is very important for a woman to treat her body with care and attention. If you experience chest pain, slight discharge from the nipples, a feeling of heaviness, or burning, it is important to immediately consult a doctor. Many diseases can be successfully cured in the early stages, in some cases without surgical intervention.
A woman's mammary glands are intended for breastfeeding. This is a paired organ that is present in all mammals, regardless of gender. The main difference between the female mammary gland and the male mammary gland is its development. With age, in mature girls, the breasts acquire a voluminous shape due to the growth of glandular tissues, connective and fatty tissues.
Breast diseases in women are a fairly common occurrence. Despite the fact that they have different personalities, approximately 33% of all representatives are forced to face one of the forms of the disease. The reason is the sensitivity of the chest to the smallest hormonal changes, which very often occur in modern women. Also, problems with the reproductive system, in particular with the ovaries, bruise or inflammation can affect tumor formation.
Symptoms and signs
Each disease has certain symptoms, but there are breast disease symptoms that occur in almost all cases:
- This is soreness in the chest area, which can be simply aching or even sharp.
- Swelling of the axillary lymph nodes.
- Palpation of foreign formations under the skin.
- Suppuration or other discharge through the nipples.
Diagnostics
In addition to the fact that women of childbearing age are required to visit a mammologist every three years, they must conduct self-diagnosis monthly. To do this, at the beginning of each menstrual cycle (on the seventh - tenth day) you need to expose your upper body, stand in front of a mirror and carefully examine your breasts.
Thus, it is possible to detect deformation of the mammary gland, tightness of the skin, swelling or redness, as well as spots, crusts or discharge on the nipples. Next, you need to take a lying position and palpate each breast separately for the presence of lumps in their tissues or axillary areas. If nothing is found, then you can move on with your life, but if even the slightest hardening suddenly appears, you should immediately go to the clinic, where the doctor will further examine you, prescribe a fluorography, ultrasound biopsy, mammography or blood test, if necessary.
Every experienced doctor can cure breast diseases in women without surgery, but provided that they are identified in a timely manner and are subject to conservative treatment.
Increasingly, we are faced with cases where ladies put off visiting a mammologist. Some because they did not feel symptoms, while others simply could not find the time. It is worth noting that such a terrible disease as breast cancer is initially completely asymptomatic, but manages to grow to a dangerous stage. In these cases, the organ tissue has to be completely removed, but this may not be the end of it.
Description of diseases
All diseases of the female breast are divided into tumor and inflammatory.
Diseases of the mammary glands and their description:
It is considered a very common inflammation mastitis(acute or chronic). This is a disease in which suppuration forms inside the gland. May occur in nursing mothers due to stagnation of milk. Infections that enter through cracks in the nipples can also contribute to its development. If mastitis is detected immediately, the development of an abscess can be avoided and the situation can be corrected conservatively. Otherwise, surgery cannot be avoided.
No less rare is a type of disease such as mastopathy. This is a benign inflammatory process in the mammary glands, characterized by the growth of their connective tissue. Scientists come to the conclusion that mastopathy is a harbinger of breast cancer (in some
cases). The reason for its occurrence can be hormonal disorders, inflammatory or infectious diseases of the genital organs, abortion, stress and refusal of breastfeeding.
For various reasons, women develop cysts, the mammary glands are one of their favorite places. They can be found in ducts, where they, filled with liquid contents, can be either single or multiple. There is a version that the provoking factor for their appearance is hormonal disruptions, especially caused by improper use of contraceptive drugs. The cyst may
develop due to the psycho-emotional impact on the nervous system (intellectual overload, acute perception of problems, stress and anxiety). You can feel the symptoms by pulling and burning feelings in the chest, by its deformation and color change. All may be accompanied by fever.
All these diseases of the mammary gland in women do not cause as much horror and fear as hers. cancer. Its danger lies in the fact that it does not manifest itself for a long time, or resembles mastopathy, which confuses both the doctor and the patient.
Fortunately, modern medical centers have equipment that can detect cancer cells at an early stage. Therefore, never forget to be examined in a timely manner and choose real professionals for this.
Interview with the head of the department of breast pathology of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Scientific Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov", Candidate of Medical Sciences Yuri Gailisha, after viewing which you will learn the symptoms of a developing disease, methods of diagnosis and treatment:
Prevention
The best prevention is considered to be maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It includes a varied, balanced and vitamin-rich diet, active rest, good healthy sleep, and a reasonable alternation of stress and rest. It is also very important to learn to avoid stressful situations, to look at things more simply and not worry about everything, to control your emotions and feelings. Any factors that weaken the immune system and open the door to disease should be avoided whenever possible.
Alcoholism and smoking affect the formation of tumors and other problems throughout the body. Underwear should not restrict movement or be tight. It is better to give preference to non-synthetic products.
Women's health is the most important aspect of modern society. But, alas, taking care of health today has become a purely personal matter. Therefore, our goal is to warn about the danger and suggest the best ways to solve some women's health problems.
There are diseases whose risk is negligible, but there are dangers that await every woman throughout almost her entire life. This is about breast diseases.
The statistics for breast diseases are as follows:
Every second woman in Russia runs the risk of encountering breast diseases during her lifetime: a benign tumor or fibrocystic mastopathy. Every tenth person has breast cancer. Moreover, among the causes of female mortality in Russia, breast cancer ranks second! Mastopathy is diagnosed in more than 50% of women of childbearing age! Unfortunately, these diseases are detected already in advanced stages, which means the prognosis, in most cases, is unfavorable.
Causes
There are many reasons for this. Irresponsible attitude towards one's health - “this will not affect me.” Fear of the doctor and the diagnosis - “it’s better not to go to the doctor, otherwise they’ll find something else.” Low awareness of the causes of diseases and their first signs.
The result is a complete lack of preventive measures and late diagnosis.
Meanwhile, sufficient prevention is the most reliable and low-cost way to protect yourself from dangerous and fatal diseases. So, in order:
What is dangerous for women's breasts?
- Any inflammatory processes of the female reproductive system;
- Infectious diseases sexually transmitted;
- Abortion;
- Late first pregnancy;
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives before the first pregnancy;
- Smoking, alcohol, radiation, harmful chemical factors;
- Unreasonable use of pharmaceuticals;
- Excess ultraviolet radiation (which activates free radical reactions and tumor processes);
- Hypothermia of the mammary glands and pelvic organs;
- Liver diseases;
- Thyroid diseases;
- Dysbacteriosis.
Types of breast diseases:
Mastopathy
Mastopathy(fibrocystic disease) is a benign disease of the mammary glands caused by hormonal imbalance, manifested in the form of pathological proliferation of its tissues.
There are two forms of mastopathy: nodular and diffuse, one- or two-sided.
Often mastopathy is called fibroadenomatosis. This condition should be distinguished from a benign breast tumor - fibroadenoma. :
- swelling and pain in the mammary glands before menstruation;
- slight enlargement of the gland;
- soreness of the mammary glands when pressed;
- the presence of small nodules on palpation;
- discharge from the nipples is possible (most often gray-green in color). Mastopathy is a benign disease, but without appropriate treatment and observation by a mammologist, it can lead to breast cancer!
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma- benign tumor of the mammary gland of glandular origin.
The disease most often occurs in women of reproductive age (from 16 to 40 years), is characterized by rapid growth, especially during puberty or after abortion.
It is believed that fibroadenomas are formed at an increased concentration of estrogens, and when the level of estrogens is normalized, they behave in the same way as ordinary lobules of the mammary gland, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. In almost half of the cases, especially in young women, independent reverse development occurs, the so-called “resorption,” including multiple formations. This can last for 5 years, and the treatment strategy in this case is observation.
The most characteristic symptoms:
- the presence of a dense, painless tumor in the mammary gland up to 3 cm in size;
- sometimes multiple formations occur.
Fibroadenoma does not transform into cancer, but in some cases surgical removal of the tumor is recommended.
Intraductal papilloma
Intraductal papilloma(cystadenopapilloma) is a benign epithelial tumor of the mammary gland. The disease usually develops against the background of nodular or diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy; papillomas form in cystically altered, dilated ducts.
Most often appears during the period before menopause. The average age of onset of cystadenopapilloma in women is 48 years, and this pathology does not occur before 20 and after 50 years.
- painful node in the mammary gland;
- bloody or greenish-brown discharge from the nipple.
Mammary cancer
Mammary cancer- a malignant tumor of the glandular tissue of the mammary gland.
The most characteristic symptoms:
- dense, immobile lump in the mammary gland;
- absence of pronounced pain syndrome;
- asymmetry of the mammary glands;
- changes in the skin (recession, flattening, retraction of the skin, the presence of “lemon peel”);
- enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.
Breast cancer most often occurs in women aged 40-50 years and after 60 years. The risk of development is higher in women with inflammatory and hyperplastic diseases of the ovaries and uterus, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the thyroid gland and liver.
Diagnosis of breast diseases
Self-examination regularly, monthly, on the 7-10th day after menstruation;
Professional examination by a mammologist - once a year; Immediately consult a doctor if you experience discomfort in the chest, discharge from the nipples, or pain.
Treatment and preventive measures
The research and production company "Biolit" together with scientists from the Department of Pharmacology of Siberian State Medical University have developed a set of products for the prevention and complex therapy of mastopathy - "MAMAVIT complex".
"MAMAVIT complex" is a non-hormonal product of natural origin with proven effectiveness and persistent long-term effect in the complex treatment of mastopathy.
- Toxidont-may (burdock root extract);
- Burdock seeds;
- Mamavit gel for external use;
- Venorm (granules)
Toxidont-may (burdock root extract) and Burdock seeds are highly effective products for oral consumption.
Toxidont-may, even with a single oral dose, has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, decongestant effect, normalizes metabolic processes, and removes various toxins and waste from the body. BURDOCK SEEDS, in addition, contain the glycosides arctinin and arctigenin, which have an effect aimed at reducing the activity of hormone-dependent proliferation processes.
- proliferative diseases of the female reproductive system (mastopathy, endometriosis);
- in rehabilitation programs for cancer patients;
- disorders of fat, carbohydrate, water-salt metabolism;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- skin diseases (furunculosis, eczema, allergic dermatoses);
- purulent wounds, burns of varying degrees;
- infectious diseases accompanied by fever, as an antipyretic.
In addition, Toxidont-may and Burdock Seeds are excellent general health products for the whole family at any time of the year! They promote rapid elimination of toxins, improve immunity, improve metabolism, and prevent tumors.
Mamavit - gel for external use. Mamavit contains the substance asparagine, which was isolated for the first time in the world by Biolit scientists in pure crystalline form from the juice of burdock roots. Asparagine has a powerful antitumor and absorbable effect. The anti-inflammatory, antitumor and absorbent effects of burdock root extract in Mamavit gel are enhanced by combination with essential oils of lemon, spruce and tea tree. When using Mamavit gel, lymphatic drainage, blood microcirculation and the functioning of the sebaceous glands are normalized, skin tone and elasticity are increased. On hot days, the active components of the gel will help prevent the harmful effects of the sun.
Regular use of Mamavit gel will allow You can maintain a beautiful breast shape and youthful skin in the décolleté area. It can be used by women after pregnancy and breastfeeding to restore skin tone and mammary glands.
- mastopathy;
- neoplasms of the mammary glands;
- breast cysts.
Also, regular use of Mamavit gel prevents the aging process of the skin, helps maintain breast shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The effectiveness of the use of Toxidont-May and Mamavit gel in the complex therapy of nodular mastopathy has been proven in clinical trials conducted at the regional oncology clinic in Tomsk. It was found that the greatest effect is exerted by the combined use of Toxidont-Mai burdock root extract internally and Mamavit gel externally on the mammary gland area in combination with basic therapy.
An obligatory component of the powerful treatment and prophylactic complex “mamavit complex” is venorm.
Venorm (in granules) based on extracts of birch and raspberry leaves, mantle grass, Kuril tea shoots; chokeberry fruit juice, seaweed powder - kelp; routine.
Venorm has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, vascular-strengthening, anti-atherosclerotic, and hypotensive effect. Reduces blood viscosity, prevents the formation of blood clots, improves blood circulation in the vessels of the lower extremities. It is a source of bioavailable organic iodine.
- varicose veins, including hemorrhoids;
- microcirculation disorders due to retinopathy, prostatitis, etc.;
- degree of hypertension;
- hypothyroidism;
- conditions accompanied by increased fragility of blood vessels;
- lack of iodine in the population living in iodine-deficient regions;
- vegetative neurosis;
- primary dysmenorrhea.
In complex therapy of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system in women
In complex therapy of mastopathy
The female breast is a very sensitive organ that reacts sharply to hormonal changes in the body. Small fluctuations in hormonal levels can lead to the formation of benign breast diseases. Modern women need to take especially careful care of the health of their breasts, since statistics show that every third woman faces breast diseases.
Major breast diseases
The mammary glands belong to the female reproductive system and are therefore particularly susceptible to the influence of steroid hormones produced by the ovaries.
Doctors divide breast diseases into two main groups:
Inflammatory;
Tumors;
Mammalgia- These are painful sensations in the chest, manifested in the form of swelling, engorgement, and sensitivity. Mastodynia can occur in a woman during the premenstrual period, during pregnancy, during neuroses, and also as one of the signs of body diseases. The symptoms of mastodynia are familiar to every woman; normally, they disappear immediately after the causes of its occurrence are eliminated.
Mastitis– This inflammatory disease is most common in women. The disease can occur in women at any time, but the acute form is observed during lactation. The influx of milk into the milk ducts causes lumps to form, and cracks that form on the nipples can trigger an inflammatory process. Nursing mothers who do not take care of the condition of their nipples are at risk, since pathogenic bacteria can easily penetrate through microcracks, leading to mastitis.
Mastitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- The appearance of purulent discharge from the nipples.
- Chest pain.
- Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms.
There are risk factors that contribute to the development of breast diseases:
- Genetic factors, when diseases are inherited from one woman to another.
- Hormonal factors that cause changes in hormonal levels in the body.
- Reproductive factors, when a woman has problems with the reproductive system; has abortions.
- Metabolic factors associated with fluctuations in body weight and excess body weight gain.
- Exogenous factors that develop as a result of external changes, for example, chemical poisoning.
Fibroadenoma is a benign neoplasm in the breast that develops against the background of hormonal imbalance. Doctors often call fibroadenoma a hormone-dependent tumor because it develops from an excessive surge of estrogen. Often, a woman can independently determine a fibroadenoma in the breast, since a nodular compaction is felt. On palpation, you feel a soft, elastic ball that easily moves in different directions, without any discomfort. If there are signs of lumps, you should immediately visit a mammologist who will help determine the cause and treatment of the disease.
Mastopathy- This is another benign neoplasm, manifested in the proliferation of connective tissue. The reason for its appearance lies in hormonal changes in a woman’s body. The danger of this disease is that delayed diagnosis and delay in treatment can lead to the formation of breast cancer.
Mammary cancer is a malignant tumor in the breast. Breast cancer is more common than other types of cancer. Every woman can get breast cancer, and with age, the likelihood of encountering the disease increases 5 times!
This you need to know:
Women's breasts should be regularly checked by a specialist. To begin with, you need to carefully palpate your entire breast once a month for lumps. If formations are detected in the breast, you must immediately contact a specialist and do an ultrasound of the breast.
Diagnosis of tumors shows that 8 out of 10 formations are benign and can be easily removed surgically.
Breast cancer is a dangerous but curable disease. It is very important to diagnose the tumor at the very beginning so that the operation is successful. In 9 out of 10 cases, operations to remove the tumor were successful, but only if the disease was diagnosed from the very beginning.
Symptoms of breast diseases
Breast diseases are often accompanied by pain and a burning sensation. The main symptoms of breast disease include:
Pain on palpation;
Discharge from the nipple;
Changes in color of the nipple or areola;
Changes in the skin of the breast;
Palpable lump in the chest;
Drawing pain.
If these symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a gynecologist or mammologist, who will conduct tests to identify the disease.
Causes of diseases
The occurrence of diseases in the breast is closely related to hormones and changes in the functioning of the reproductive system. There are age-related reasons that influence the appearance of breast diseases. So, in adolescence, when girls experience a sharp hormonal surge, there is a risk of developing breast diseases. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women may experience signs of illness. During menopause, a woman's breasts, like the entire body as a whole, undergo changes, so there is a risk of disease.
Heredity has a significant influence on the occurrence of breast diseases. There is research showing that women who have family members with breast cancer are predisposed to breast cancer.
The cause of mastitis in women during lactation may be improper breastfeeding. It is very important that your baby empties the breast during feeding to prevent painful lumps from forming.
Diagnosis of diseases
To avoid the occurrence of unwanted diseases, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a mammologist at least once a year. In addition, it is necessary to independently examine the breasts and palpate. Self-massage will not only help detect lumps, but also promote blood flow, which is very important for beautiful and firm breasts.
As a diagnostic, a specialist may prescribe a mammography, which will help detect the smallest lumps. A mammogram is an x-ray examination that examines the inner mammary gland. A mammograph is a modern device that helps women receive the most accurate information about existing changes in the breast. The mammography procedure is recommended to be carried out as prescribed by a doctor, and for women over 40 at least once a year.
In some cases, the patient undergoes a biopsy of damaged tissue. This analysis is carried out with the aim of most accurately diagnosing a particular disease.
Women definitely need to visit a specialist to rule out possible breast formations.
Treatment of diseases
Treatment depends on the disease itself and its severity. Benign tumors are often removed surgically.
Sector resection is another way to combat breast diseases. The procedure involves the removal of one section of breast tissue. The operation got its name due to the fact that a sector of the mammary gland suspected of being a benign tumor is removed.
Enucleation is an operation that involves removing the tumor while leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
Treatment of breast diseases should be carried out in a complex manner. In addition to surgical intervention, patients are prescribed a course of drug therapy to improve their condition. It is mandatory to take vitamins and minerals to help you recover faster. Women after surgery need to follow a diet.
It is necessary to take care of your breasts from a very early age, since throughout life a woman faces a large number of hormonal changes and stress that affect her health. Healthy breasts are synonymous with beautiful breasts! It is very important to regularly feel your breasts, do a light massage, take a contrast shower, lead a healthy lifestyle and, of course, visit a doctor in a timely manner for a preventive examination.
The article was prepared by doctor Morozova Valeria
The mammary glands consist of 15-20 lobes, each of which is divided into several small ones. The lobes connect to the nipple through the milk ducts, which pass into the milk pores located at the most convex point of the nipple. The remaining space is filled with glandular tissue, and on the posterior wall of the gland there is adipose tissue.
The process of lactation largely depends on hormonal levels: hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, gonadotropins and some others stimulate the formation and secretion of milk. If their quantity is insufficient, the lactation process is disrupted, which can lead to the development of mammary gland disease.
Fact! Insufficient milk production during breastfeeding can often cause stress, chronic fatigue and postpartum depression.
Mastopathy
Mastopathy is one of the most common diseases of the mammary glands in women. There are many types, each of which, to varying degrees, can lead to the development of a malignant tumor.
Causes
Hypothyroidism - insufficient production of thyroid hormones due to iodine deficiency - provokes breast pathologies
The main reasons for the development of this disease of the mammary glands in women:
- hormonal imbalance, which may be accompanied by liver disease or diabetes;
- genetic predisposition;
- bad habits - alcohol, smoking;
- lack of daily routine;
- genital health problems;
- malfunction in the digestive tract, as a result of which nutrients are absorbed in insufficient quantities;
- hormone therapy;
- age-related diseases;
- surgical intervention in the mammary glands, including plastic surgery;
- irregular sex life, frequent change of partners;
- poor environmental conditions;
- frequent exposure to direct sunlight.
Fact: Both women and young girls are susceptible to breast diseases. Women who have not given birth or have not breastfed are most often affected.
Kinds
Depending on the type of mastopathy, various diagnostic and treatment methods are prescribed. Based on the list below, it is clear what types of this breast disease there are:
- Diffuse. It is the initial stage of mastopathy, its foci are located in the upper lateral part of the glands. Characterized by girdling pain in the upper body. Has several types:
- diffuse fibrous - glandular tissue is replaced by connective tissue, discharge from the nipples appears, nodes are formed that are noticeable upon palpation, but do not cause pain when pressed;
- diffuse cystic - the formation of cysts of different shapes and sizes, the general pain is less than with the fibrous form;
- fibrocystic - tissue proliferation that can develop into cysts;
- glandular-cystic - the formation of cysts with calcium deposition in the glands, often leading to the development of malignant tumors;
- glandular-fibrous - partial proliferation of glandular tissues.
- Nodal. Occurs after diffuse. This form manifests itself in the form of the formation of nodes of compacted tissue in the gland. The pain is more intense, and the discharge from the nipples may be mixed with blood. Pain does not depend on the phase of the cycle.
- Nodular fibrous. Develops after the diffuse fibrous form; Unbearable pain appears when touching the chest. It is characterized by clearly visible asymmetry of the mammary glands and bloody discharge from the nipples.
- Nodular cystic. Occurs with the progression of the diffuse cystic form as a result of the growth of cysts and an increase in their number.
Fact: mastopathy is a benign disease of the mammary gland, but is most susceptible to degeneration into a malignant formation.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The very beginning of the development of mastopathy can be asymptomatic. The first symptom of this disease of the mammary glands in women is a slight soreness of the glands that occurs before menstruation. With a long course of mastopathy, pain is constantly present, swelling appears, compactions are detected on palpation, and discharge from the nipples appears. The nipple itself becomes covered with cracks and becomes less convex.
You can diagnose mastopathy yourself using self-examination. In addition to a medical examination, the doctor performs an ultrasound to identify the nature of the lumps, after which he determines what kind of breast disease it may be.
Treatment
Treatment of this breast disease is prescribed according to the symptoms described by the patient, the causes that caused it and the diagnostic results.
Drug treatment includes the use of hormonal or non-hormonal agents. The first group of drugs is aimed at normalizing hormone levels in the presence of their failure, and the second may consist of vitamin-mineral complexes, diuretics that reduce swelling, anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that improve blood circulation.
Important! Self-medication is strictly prohibited, since choosing the wrong medications can accelerate the development of the disease and lead to cancer.
Surgical methods for the treatment of this breast disease in women are most often used for extensive cystic or fibrous lesions, as well as for possible rupture of cysts.
Breast tumors
Tumors that can arise in the mammary glands are divided into benign and oncological. Benign neoplasms do not cause harm, but require constant monitoring by a mammologist to monitor possible tumor degeneration.
Cancer risk groups
The exact causes of breast cancer in women have not been established, but groups of people most susceptible to this disease have been identified. They are characterized by:
- overweight;
- inflammatory processes in the genital organs;
- hypertension;
- insufficiency of liver functions;
- thyroid diseases;
- mastopathy;
- smoking and alcoholism;
- atherosclerosis.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer are noticeable even upon external examination: the nipples become more retracted, the color and shape of the areola changes, rashes appear and the structure of the breast skin changes (wrinkling appears). Often the symptoms are similar to the initial symptoms of mastopathy.
Important! If the color of the areola changes, it is necessary to consult a specialist and conduct a diagnosis for the presence of diseases of the nipples of the mammary gland.
Symptoms depending on the stage of cancer:
- Stage I - a formation no more than two centimeters in diameter is palpable;
- Stage IIa - the formation can increase to 5 centimeters, does not grow into the tissue, but can be attached to the skin. Wrinkling of the breast appears, its elasticity is lost in a certain place;
- Stage IIb - the size of the tumor does not change, the first metastases appear (no more than two);
- Stage III - enlargement of the tumor, retraction of the skin near its location, possible appearance of nipple retraction;
- Stage IV - maximum tumor growth, spread of metastases.
Important! Initially, metastases are located only on the chest, but subsequently can form on any part of the body by spreading through blood vessels.
Diagnostics
One of the most accurate methods for detecting breast cancer is mammography. Additionally, ductography (injection of a contrast agent into the ducts of the glands) and ultrasound are performed. If cancer is suspected, a complete examination of the body is carried out.
Treatment
Treatment of breast cancer in women is carried out individually. In the first stages of the disease, surgery can be performed to preserve the gland in combination with radiation therapy. In more advanced stages, chemotherapy is prescribed and various types of operations are performed. Patients with hormonal imbalance are prescribed treatment with hormonal drugs.
