Benign breast dysplasia: what is it and how to treat it?

2024 Author: Curtis Blomfield | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 20:44

Benign breast dysplasia is a very common problem. In this case, we are talking about the pathological growth of glandular and connective tissues, which often leads to the formation of cystic structures, seals and other formations. Despite the fact that the disease is considered benign, it causes a lot of inconvenience to a woman. Moreover, under certain circumstances (in particular, in the absence of adequate therapy), the disease can lead to malignant transformation of cells.

Of course, many patients are looking for information regarding this pathology. Why does breast dysplasia develop? What it is? What symptoms are accompanied? What therapies can the doctor suggest? Is it possible to somehow protect yourself from the development of the disease? The answers to these questions are important.

Benign breast dysplasia: what is it?

First of all, it is worth sorting out the general information. They talk about benign dysplasia if there ispathological growth of glandular tissues in the chest. This changes not only the volume of glandular tissues, but also their structure and degree of functionality. In addition, pathological processes also cover connective tissue structures, which often leads to scarring and other complications.

By the way, the ICD-10 assigned the pathology code N60. Of course, under this number, a variety of forms of the disease are combined. For example, code N60.1 is used to refer to cystic diffuse benign breast dysplasia. The number 60.3 means fibroadenosis.

Many women are faced with such a diagnosis as "benign breast dysplasia 60.8". What does such a conclusion mean? Similarly, a doctor can indicate the presence of papillomas inside the ducts of the gland, the formation of special types of benign tumors. Under code 60.9, unspecified benign breast dysplasia is encrypted (in this case, the causes of the development of the disease, as well as some features of the clinical picture, are unknown).

There are dozens of forms of benign dysplasia. We will consider the most common types of the disease below.

Why does pathology develop? List of root causes

We have already figured out what constitutes breast dysplasia. But why does pathology develop? There are actually a huge number of causes and risk factors:

According to statistics, in most cases the cause of the development of the disease is a hormonal failure, in particular, a sharp increase ordecrease in estrogen and/or progesterone levels. This, in turn, may be associated with various diseases, emotional state, gynecological procedures. For example, a jump in hormones is observed after an abortion (natural or intentional).
Potentially dangerous is hyperandrogenism - a condition that is accompanied by an increase in the level of male hormones in the female body.
Sometimes dysplasia develops against the background of disorders in the hypothalamic-pituitary system (for example, sometimes the pituitary gland synthesizes too much prolactin).
The emotional state of the patient is of great importance. Chronic stress, constant stay in a difficult psychological atmosphere - all this affects the hormonal background. By the way, risk factors include sexual dissatisfaction and prolonged sexual abstinence.
Dysplasia often develops against the background of diseases of the reproductive system, in particular, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids. Potentially dangerous are any inflammatory diseases of the genital area, including infectious ones.
The disease may be the result of aptosis, a condition in which cells participate in their own destruction. A similar process is accompanied by inflammation, as well as a violation of capillary blood flow in the chest, a change in the structure and physiological characteristics of the glandular tissue.
Risk factors include early onset of menopause. If this happened at the age of 50-52, then the likelihood of developing dysplasia increases significantly.
A certain roleplays and hereditary predisposition.

Features of the clinical picture: what symptoms to look for?

It has already been discussed above why benign breast dysplasia develops and what it is. Now it is worth familiarizing yourself with the main symptoms that this disorder leads to:

The initial stages are usually asymptomatic. Only occasionally can a woman feel a lump during palpation of the breast. As the disease progresses, pain appears. These are the first signs of breast dysplasia.
Pain can be of a different nature, but, as a rule, it intensifies before the onset of menstruation. The patient's condition in most cases improves after the end of menstruation.
Constant irritation, apathy, depressive states are secondary signs of breast dysplasia. Such emotional changes are associated both with hormonal disorders and with the constant discomfort from which the patient suffers.

Of course, much depends on the form of the disease, whether it is unspecified benign breast dysplasia or any other variety. Symptoms may vary depending on the presence of certain concomitant diseases. However, if you notice these symptoms in yourself, you need to see a doctor urgently.

Disease types

Onagainst the background of benign dysplasia, proliferative changes in the structure of the epithelial and connective tissues of the mammary gland occur. Depending on the characteristics of the clinical picture and pathological processes, several forms of this disease are distinguished:

The proliferative form of the disease is accompanied by pathological division of the epithelium of the ducts and lobes. Connective tissues are rarely affected.
If we are talking about non-proliferative benign breast dysplasia, then it should be understood that the growth process affects fibrous tissue. Pathology is often accompanied by the formation of multiple small cystic structures (sometimes they merge into one large cyst).
Fibroadenoma is a seal formed by glandular and connective tissue. Typically, the structure has a fibrous capsule. Despite the fact that the formation is benign, in about 20-50% of cases, at one time or another, a malignant degeneration of cells occurs and a cancer develops.
Intraductal papilloma is another type of dysplasia. This is a peripapillary structure, which is formed from the cells of the epithelium of the ducts.

Dishormonal forms of dysplasia

Dishormonal dysplasia of the mammary gland is accompanied by all the same pathological changes in the structure of glandular and connective tissues. Nevertheless, this form of pathology proceeds with very pronounced changes in the hormonal background. In modernmedicine distinguishes its two varieties: diffuse and nodular mastopathy.

Diffuse dishormonal dysplasia of the breast is also divided into several subspecies. It is worth reading about them:

Adenosis is a diffuse form of mastopathy, which is accompanied by the growth of glandular tissue. In most cases, such a pathology is faced by young women who have not yet given birth. The disease is accompanied by pain on palpation of the chest, which intensifies during menstruation.
Fibroadenomatosis is a diffuse dysplasia of the mammary glands, which is characterized by pathological growth of fibrous tissues. During palpation, small lumps in the chest can be felt. The pain syndrome in this case is less pronounced.
Diffuse mastopathy is accompanied by the formation of single or multiple cysts. When probing the gland, you can feel small nodules with clear boundaries. The pain in this case is bursting.
Fibrocystic mastopathy is a mixed form of pathology. By the way, in most cases, the disease is accompanied not only by pain, but also by inflammation, swelling, and the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge from the nipples. According to statistics, in most cases, mature women aged 35 to 40 years old face a similar problem.

There are other benign breast dysplasias, but they are extremely rare. In any case, it should be understood that each form of pathology requires careful diagnosis and individual treatment. With absencetherapy, the likelihood of developing cancer is very high.

Diagnostic measures

Of course, having noticed the above symptoms (nodules in the chest, recurrent pain), you need to consult a specialist. Of course, in order to make a correct diagnosis, you will need not only an external examination, but also an instrumental examination. It should be understood that during the diagnosis it is very important not only to confirm the presence of dysplasia, but also to find out the cause of the development of the disease.

An important step in the diagnosis is the initial examination. To begin with, the doctor collects information for compiling an anamnesis, is interested in the presence of certain symptoms, asks questions about certain diseases among close relatives.
Physical breast examination required. During palpation, the doctor may find uncharacteristic seals under the skin. By the way, the procedure is best done from the 7th to the 10th day of the cycle. During the examination, the doctor also pays attention to nearby lymph nodes (it is important to check if they are enlarged).
Today, the most informative diagnostic method is mammography. X-ray examination allows you to get a multidimensional image of the breast. In the picture, the doctor can more closely examine the seals (whether it be cysts, papillomas, adenomas), accurately determine their size and location. With the help of such a study, dynamic monitoring of the neoplasm is also carried out. Thus, the specialist cancheck how effective the drugs are, whether it was possible to stop the further development of dysplasia.
Sometimes doctors recommend an additional magnetic resonance imaging. This is a more expensive study, which, however, gives much more accurate results.
Additionally, Doppler scanning is performed. With the help of ultrasound equipment, the doctor can carefully examine the organ, assess the degree of its blood supply. This is a simple and safe procedure that is performed in almost every clinic.
If there is a suspicion of a malignant process, then a biopsy is performed. Using a thin needle, the doctor takes samples of interest to him (for example, extracts the fluid that fills the cyst), then sends them to a laboratory analysis.
Additionally, the patient is referred for a gynecological examination, and then for a consultation with an endocrinologist. Of course, it is important to take blood tests to check the level of certain hormones.

Benign breast dysplasia: how to treat?

The therapy regimen is compiled on the basis of the results obtained during the diagnosis. Treatment of breast dysplasia is made individually, as it depends on the form of the disease, the stage of its development and the characteristics of the clinical picture.

Since in most cases the occurrence of dysplasia is to some extent associated with hormonal disorders, the basis of therapy is the use of gestagens. It could be likedrugs for internal use, and funds for external use. Progesterone gel is considered very effective. This remedy should be applied to the skin of the chest. Thus, the maximum concentration of progesterone is observed precisely in the tissues of the mammary gland, while no more than 10% of active substances penetrate into the systemic circulation, which significantly reduces the likelihood of side effects. It should be noted that the treatment of benign breast dysplasia lasts quite a long time (sometimes several years). The patient takes hormones for several months, after which a break is made, and then therapy is resumed. Of course, various examinations are carried out throughout the time in order to study the dynamics of the development or regression of the disease.
Dopamine receptor agonists (for example, "Bromocriptine") are often introduced into the treatment regimen. Such drugs inhibit the production of somatotropic hormone and prolactin in the pituitary gland, which allows you to control all changes in the general hormonal background.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators are also used (Tamixifen is considered effective).
Therapy necessarily includes the use of sedatives, because, as statistics show, the development of dysplasia is often associated with emotional stress. Of course, it is impossible to change your lifestyle and completely eliminate stress, but with the help of drugs you can change the reaction to a particular event. In modern medicine, natural sedatives are predominantly used, for example, valerian root (tablets or solution withextract), motherwort tincture, etc.
Often, the treatment regimen includes taking drugs made on the basis of Rhodiola rosea or Eleutherococcus. Such drugs stimulate the activity of the nervous system. The combined use of sedatives and adaptogens helps to maintain a balance between the processes of excitation and inhibition in the brain.
It is mandatory to take vitamins. To begin with, it is worth saying that these substances strengthen the immune system, improve the functioning of the body and have a beneficial effect on the liver, in the tissues of which estrogen inactivation occurs. Vitamins C and P improve blood circulation, relieve swelling of the mammary gland. Vitamin B6 directly affects the level of prolactin. Vitamin A has an antiestrogenic effect.
Many patients complain of intermittent and very painful swelling of the mammary glands (as a rule, this is observed before and during menstruation). In such cases, diuretics are used, which help to quickly remove excess fluid from the tissues. If we are talking about a small swelling, then traditional medicine will be enough (for example, lingonberry tea). In more complex cases, patients take Furosemide, but always in combination with potassium preparations (Furosemide flushes potassium out of the body, which is fraught with dangerous complications, in particular heart problems).
If the patient has problems with the intestines, then drugs are used that improve digestion, stimulate peristalsis and support the vital activity of beneficial microflora. As you know, for various problems withdigestion (for example, constipation, dysbacteriosis) in the intestines, estrogens already isolated with bile are adsorbed again and again enter the bloodstream. That's why it's important to keep your digestive tract he althy.
If there are any liver diseases, then they need to be treated.
Symptomatic therapy is being carried out. If there is severe pain, then analgesics can be used. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help control inflammation, swelling, pain, and fever. Such drugs are prescribed individually, depending on the characteristics of the clinical picture.
Equally important is proper nutrition. Diet is an integral part of therapy. The basis of the diet should be fruits and vegetables, preferably raw, because fiber is a mechanical stimulator of intestinal motility. With dysplasia, legumes and soy will be useful. Allowed meat and fish (low-fat varieties), cereals, soups. Dishes are best cooked by steaming or baking. Avoid spicy, fatty and overly s alty foods. Alcohol and carbonated drinks are contraindicated. Minimize your intake of chocolate, coffee, and caffeinated foods.

Folk treatments

Therapy in the presence of benign breast dysplasia must be comprehensive. Sometimes doctors recommend using some traditional medicine recipes:

If you are talking about unspecified breast dysplasia (as well as any other form of the disease), then you should trycompresses from fresh burdock leaves. They need to be attached to the chest and fixed with a bandage.
Fresh cabbage leaves will also be effective. A little natural honey is applied to the surface of the leaf, a compress is applied to the chest and fixed with a bandage. The compress is left on the chest for several hours. Cabbage leaves help relieve swelling and pain.
You can prepare a strengthening and soothing herbal decoction. Mix equal amounts of dill seeds, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves and valerian root. Pour a tablespoon of the composition with a glass of boiling water and insist. Strained broth should be drunk throughout the day, divided into 2-3 doses.
Some experts recommend lubricating the skin of the chest with burdock oil daily. This tool can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. But if possible, it is still better to prepare the medicine yourself. Part of the crushed burdock roots should be poured with three parts of olive oil. Close the container and insist in a warm place for ten days. After that, the infusion is filtered, in this form it is ready for use. By the way, it is better to store it in the refrigerator.

Of course, you can use such tools only with the permission of a specialist. In no case should you refuse medication prescribed by a doctor.

Surgery

It has already been discussed above how breast dysplasia is treated, what it is and what symptoms it accompanies. In most cases, drug therapy makes it possible to take the course of the disease under control. But unfortunately,sometimes it is impossible to do without surgery.

If a cyst (or multiple neoplasms) has formed in the glandular tissues and the structure continues to grow, then patients are sometimes recommended to undergo a biopsy procedure. The doctor inserts a thin needle into the cyst cavity, thus extracting its contents. After that, a special sclerosant is introduced - a substance that causes the cyst walls to stick together. This technique prevents re-filling of the cavity. The aspiration fluid obtained during the biopsy is sent for laboratory analysis. If during the study, blood impurities or abnormal structures were found in the samples, then a full-scale operation may be required, sometimes up to resection.

If severe fibroadenomatosis occurs, patients are sometimes also hospitalized and referred for a surgical procedure.

Prevention measures

Why do various forms of this pathology develop, including unspecified benign breast dysplasia? What is it and what are the symptoms of the disease? We have already covered these points.

Under certain conditions, pathology can be extremely dangerous, so you should at least try to prevent its development. Unfortunately, there are no specific preventive medicines, but doctors recommend following some simple rules:

All diseases of the reproductive system must be diagnosed in time. It is important to take the coursetherapy to the end and carefully follow all doctor's prescriptions.
Carefully take medicines that can affect the level of certain hormones.
It is very important to eat right, to give up sweets, starchy foods, pickles, preserves and other junk food. Firstly, it has a positive effect on the work of the body and provides it with useful substances. Secondly, such a diet helps to maintain body weight within normal limits. Obesity is inevitably associated with hormonal changes.
A normal, regular sex life is also important. On the other hand, frequent partner changes and promiscuity increase the likelihood of developing various infectious diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
It is worth remembering that termination of pregnancy entails severe hormonal disruptions. It is better to use contraceptives (correctly chosen).
It is good to keep fit. Regular walks in the fresh air, outdoor activities, jogging, training - all this has a positive effect on the functioning of the body and prevents the development of obesity.
Experts recommend strengthening the immune system by hardening the body and taking vitamins.
It is important to avoid stress, emotional burnout, nervous strain - all this directly affects the level of hormones and, under certain conditions, can provoke the appearance or progression of already existing benign lactic acid dysplasia.
Every month you need to conduct an independentexamination of the breast, gently feeling the glands. If during the procedure you find any seals, then you should contact a specialist.

Of course, in no case should you refuse regular preventive examinations, because the sooner breast dysplasia is diagnosed, the higher the chances of a quick and complete recovery.