What is diffuse mastopathy of the mammary glands? This is a common question. Let's look into it in more detail. In recent decades, there has been a constant increase in the number of visits to medical institutions in connection with benign diseases of the mammary glands. Similar pathologies, one of which is the diffuse form of the disease, are combined under the general definition of "mastopathy".
What is this?
Such diseases differ in anatomical and histological manifestations and the degree of danger of transformation into cancer. All this determines the high urgency of this problem. Next, we will find out how diffuse mastopathy is treated, find out what the consequences of this disease are and how to prevent it.
Views
Pathology is divided into the following varieties:
- Diffuse fibrous mastopathy implies a large number of smallformations evenly distributed in both glands. Depending on the condition and period of the menstrual cycle, neoplasms can disappear and reappear, changing size and shape. Changes in the glandular tissue look like seals and knots.
- Diffuse cystic mastopathy. It is characterized by the formation of cysts - cavities filled with a clear or cloudy liquid.
- Mixed. Combines cysts and fibromas.
Etiological factors
The development along with the functioning of the mammary glands of a woman is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary and ovarian system. Therefore, any factors that cause a violation of different parts of the neuroendocrine system lead to hormonal imbalance and the development of diffuse and other forms of mastopathy. Chief among these factors are:
- The presence of a hereditary predisposition, that is, diseases of the mammary glands in one of the closest relatives on the maternal side. It does not matter whether it was benign or, conversely, malignant.
- A woman's stay in frequent or chronic stressful situations and depressive states as a result of labor or domestic conflicts, and in addition, against the background of dissatisfaction with family relationships or as a result of psycho-emotional overstrain.
- Factors that are related to the reproductive system. We are talking about the lack of a regular sexual life, about repeated artificial abortions, about inflammatory processes in the appendages and others.gynecological diseases.
- The presence of diseases and functional disorders of the neuroendocrine system in a woman. For example, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, tumors of the hypothalamus, pathology of cerebral circulation, and so on.
- The presence of functional disorders or pathological processes in the liver or intestines, which can lead to a delay in the removal of excess estrogens from the body.
- The presence of chronic nicotine and alcohol intoxication, and in addition, the constant intake of products that contain a large amount of methylxanthines, we are talking about chocolate, cola, cocoa, strong brewed coffee or tea.
Consequences
Diffuse mastopathy pours out a very dangerous disease. It is considered by doctors as precancerous, even though it is benign. If this pathology is left untreated, then the next stage, called nodular mastopathy, will develop, against its background, the risk of malignancy increases several times at once. So, the consequences of diffuse mastopathy are as follows:
- Risk of development of the process of malignancy.
- Development of inflammatory reactions in the mammary gland along with infection and suppuration of the existing formation.
- The appearance of an overgrowth of a cystic mass, along with a deformity of the shape of the breast.
- The appearance of violations in the integrity of cystic formations.
Reduced quality of life
Among other things, this disease insignificantly reduces the quality of life of the patient. Such women constantly or periodically experience discomfort along with painful sensations in the chest, which can cause neurosis and makes it impossible to have a good rest. In addition, such a state reduces performance.
In case of suspicion of diffuse mastopathy, women should immediately seek advice from a mammologist. Timely initiation of therapy will make it possible to manage with conservative methods without resorting to surgical intervention.
Can it turn into cancer?
The answer to this question is rather negative. Mastopathy as such is not considered a precancerous disease. But the main characteristic feature of this disease is the same causal risk factors along with the presence of similar metabolic and hormonal disorders. However, according to histological studies, cancerous tumors in the presence of benign neoplasms can be found in forty-six percent of cases.
Can a diffuse form of mastopathy transform into a nodular one?
As long as the risk factors that caused the disease persist, this is quite possible. The nodal type of mastopathy, in fact, is the next stage in the development of the disease. It is characterized by the formation of one or multiple seals in the mammary glands, changes in which do not depend on the menstrual cycle. Given these factors, patients with identified mastopathy, regardless of its form, are subject to mandatory treatment and shouldbe under dynamic and constant supervision.
Now let's look at how diffuse mastopathy is treated.
Treatment
The leading place in therapy belongs to drugs from the hormonal group. Most often, oral gestagens are used for these purposes. Progestins are prescribed to patients in cases where the patient's mastopathy is combined with a hyperplastic process in the endometrium, or progesterone deficiency is detected. The appointment of drugs for diffuse mastopathy occurs only after a thorough examination of the patient.
Drugs
Most often, patients are prescribed the following drugs for the treatment of diffuse cystic mastopathy of the mammary glands:
- Treatment with Duphaston. This drug is a direct analogue of the hormone progesterone. In this regard, it can be used and not be afraid of the risk of side effects that occur when taking androgens. Even long-term therapy with Duphaston is considered safe and does not cause any anabolic effects. This treatment allows you to achieve a progestogenic effect.
- The use of "Utrozhestan" in cystic diffuse mastopathy. This drug is developed on the basis of natural micronized progesterone. It can be applied vaginally or orally. Micronized progesterone is identical to its natural counterpart and almost does not give any side effects during treatment. This is one of the most important differences between natural progesterone, whichcontained in Utrozhestan, from hormones of synthetic production. Usually a full treatment course takes up to six months.
- Regarding combined contraceptives, it should be said that the main purpose of their appointment seems to be the blockade of ovulation processes along with the elimination of the possibility of fluctuations in the amount of sex hormones. Often, drugs that belong to this group are prescribed to women of reproductive age. Among these funds, it is worth mentioning Silest along with Femoden, Marvelon and Mercilon. What else is used in the treatment of diffuse mastopathy?
- Antiestrogen can reduce the level of estrogen in the female body. But against the background of taking drugs from this group, it is necessary to remember about the adverse reactions that they can cause. First of all, violations are possible, which are caused by a low amount of estrogen. For example, increased sweating is possible along with hot flashes, a feeling of heat, itching of the genitals, increased work of the sebaceous glands, dry skin, and the like. In addition, long-term use of such drugs can provoke endometrial cancer, cataracts or thrombophlebitis. Antiestrogen drugs are Fareston along with Tamoxifen, Clomiphene and Toremifene.
- It is well known that androgens serve as estrogen antagonists. In this regard, it is also advisable to use them for the treatment of diffuse mastopathy. Most often, doctors prescribe a drug called Danazol. Treatment should continue for at least three months. This category of drugs includesmedicines in the form of Parlodel and Mercazolil.
- Agonists are drugs in the form of Zoladex, Buserelin and Diferelin. They can cause temporary menopause, which is reversible. This makes it possible to save the female body from hormonal fluctuations due to the inhibition of ovarian function. The course of continuous therapy for fibrocystic diffuse mastopathy of the mammary glands should last at least one month.
What other remedies are used in the treatment?
Conservative treatment of mastopathy is possible only if a diffuse form of the disease is detected, and in other cases it is most often impossible to do without surgical intervention. In addition to the above medicines, as part of the treatment of diffuse mastopathy, doctors also use the following drugs:
- Assignment of the homeopathic remedy "Mastodinon". This drug deserves special attention. It is produced on the basis of extracts of herbs such as iris, tiger lily and cyclamen. Its use helps to lower the level of prolactin, and in addition, under its influence, the ducts of the mammary glands narrow, and the severity of the proliferative process decreases. Among other things, against the background of its use, the swelling of the breast decreases in patients and the reverse tissue change occurs, and pain symptoms decrease.
- The herbal adaptogen is a medicine called Klamin. It allows you to increase immune forces, protecting the liver from all kinds ofnegative impact. This medicine acts as an antioxidant. Klamina contains iodine, which, in case of deficiency of this microelement, fully covers the body's need for it.
- Among herbal medicines, doctors distinguish "Fitolon", which is a herbal remedy based on brown algae dissolved in alcohol. This drug has a resolving effect, it stimulates the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
- Treatment of diffuse mastopathy with analgesic drugs is used to relieve pain in the chest, which can be quite pronounced. These drugs are drugs from the group of nonsteroidal drugs.
- For the treatment of diffuse breast mastopathy, vitamin preparations are often prescribed.
- Sedatives along with antidepressants are selected depending on the severity of the mental disorder on the background of this disease. Thus, "Azafen" or "Sibazon" may be assigned.
- Diuretic drugs in the form of Triampur, Veroshpiron and Lasix allow to relieve puffiness.
- In case of iodine deficiency, preparations in the form of "Jodomarin", "Klamin" and so on can be shown.
How to prevent diffuse fibrous mastopathy of the breast?
Prevention of pathology
Women should pay special attention to their own diet. Compliance with dietary nutrition schemes serves not only as a preventive, but alsotherapeutic measure for diffuse mastopathy. It is well known that excessive content in the menu of fats and meat products leads to an increase in estrogen in the blood. And the amount of androgens is significantly reduced. Every woman's diet should be rich in fiber and vitamins.
Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition can also achieve weight loss in women who are overweight. This will allow you to get rid of unnecessary body fat, exactly as well as from the supply of excess estrogen. In addition, increasing daily activity along with physical education are excellent means of preventing this disease.
Preventive checkups
Regular preventive examinations by specialists such as a gynecologist and a mammologist, along with instrumental examination methods, will make it possible to prevent the development of this disease and preserve women's he alth. Among other things, the self-examination procedure is an important measure for the effective prevention and timely treatment of diffuse cystic mastopathy.
