Breast adenoma is a benign neoplasm consisting of glandular tissue cells. This pathology responds well to treatment, but in the absence of therapy leads to dangerous complications. Given the fact that many women of reproductive age suffer from this disease, it will not hurt to get acquainted with the information about the disease.
Why does a neoplasm appear? What are the symptoms to look out for? How to treat breast adenoma? Are there preventive measures? The answers to these questions are important to many.
What is a disease
Mammary adenoma is a benign tumor that is formed from the structures of the glandular epithelium. By the way, this pathology is one of the forms of mastopathy.
In most cases, the neoplasm is diagnosed in young women of reproductive age. In patients older than 40-45 years, similar sealsextremely rare.
It is worth noting that the tumor can be either single or multiple. In any case, the diameter of the neoplasm rarely exceeds 1-3 cm. Seals can appear both in one breast and in both.
Such an adenoma is hormone-dependent - it reacts even to the slightest fluctuations in hormone levels. The tumor does not become malignant.
Main causes of pathology
As you know, the glandular tissue of the mammary gland is extremely sensitive to the effects of hormones. Such biologically active substances as estrogen, progesterone, somatotropin and prolactin take part in its development and changes. For example, estrogen ensures the formation of connective tissue and ducts of the gland, and progesterone controls the growth of lobules and alveoli.
Any change in the level of sex hormones, which is observed, for example, in the process of sexual development, during pregnancy, lactation, affects primarily the functioning of the glandular tissue of the mammary glands. It has been proven that an increase in the amount of progesterone leads to the formation of a simple adenoma. Fibrous adenoma of the breast (consists of glandular and connective tissue structures) develops under the influence of estrogens.
Information about risk factors
Breast adenoma is directly related to hormonal changes. Doctors identify several major risk factors.
- It has been proven that in about a third of cases the appearance of such a neoplasm is associated withdeficiency of thyroid hormones.
- Insulin levels also matter, so women with some form of diabetes are at risk.
- It is believed that the appearance of a neoplasm is sometimes associated with liver diseases, since it is this organ that removes excess hormones.
- Abortions, miscarriages are accompanied by sharp fluctuations in hormonal levels, which can cause breast lumps in women.
- Risk factors include refusal to breastfeed a child after childbirth, lack of sexual intercourse until the age of 30-35, constant stress (they are also accompanied by changes in hormonal levels).
Breast adenoma: symptoms
As already mentioned, an adenoma is a benign formation. Its diameter rarely exceeds 20-30 mm. In most cases, a woman accidentally discovers a lump in her breast.
Breast adenoma has a clear contour and a smooth surface. It is quite mobile (when pressed, you can feel how the seal moves). During menstruation, the neoplasm may increase in size, but as soon as the hormonal background levels off, the adenoma returns to its original size.
Further tumor growth is possible. As it increases, it begins to compress nearby tissues, blood vessels and nerve endings, which is accompanied by already quite noticeable discomfort, pain syndrome.
Varieties of neoplasms
Adenoma can have different shapes andstructure. Depending on these factors, several types of neoplasms are distinguished.
- Nodular tumor - has clear edges. Such a neoplasm is isolated from nearby soft tissues.
- Foliate adenoma - consists of several layers. The tumor has no clear contours and grows rapidly, which greatly complicates the treatment process.
- Tubular tumor - consists of several nodules that fit tightly together.
- Lactating adenoma - characterized by active secretion.
Diagnosis: what tests should be done?
As a rule, a neoplasm is discovered quite by accident. But in the future, a very thorough diagnosis is required, which will help to understand whether the tumor is benign and what methods of treatment should be used in relation to it.
- First of all, the patient donates blood. Both general and biochemical blood tests are performed. Such studies make it possible to determine the presence of an inflammatory process, as well as to check the level of sex hormones.
- Mammography is mandatory. X-ray of the affected mammary gland makes it possible to determine the shape and exact location of the tumor, as well as its size, contour features.
- Sometimes ductography is additionally performed - the same X-ray examination, but with the introduction of a contrast agent into the milk ducts.
- An ultrasound is performed, which also allows the doctor to examine the tumor.
- Required anda biopsy, as this is the only way to know for sure if the growth is benign.
- If the patient is being prepared for surgery, then she must do an MRI - so the surgeon can get a three-dimensional picture of the tumor.
Drug therapy
Immediately it should be said that drug treatment of breast adenoma is not able to destroy the altered tissues. However, if the neoplasm is small and not prone to active growth, surgery is not performed.
Patients are prescribed vitamin complexes, in particular preparations that contain vitamins A, P, E, B6 and C. Also, the therapy regimen includes the drug "Klamin", which supplies the patient's body with a sufficient amount of iodine for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
If the appearance of a tumor is associated with an increase in the level of somatotropin and prolactin, then doctors recommend preparations made on the basis of ergot alkaloids. Means such as Bromocriptine and Parlodel are considered effective. Often used and a drug such as "Provera" - it inhibits the synthesis of gonadotropic hormones. If there is an increase in estrogen levels, then the drug "Diferelin" is included in the treatment regimen.
It is worth noting that hormonal treatment helps to prevent further tumor growth or even reduce its size. However, a small number of pathologically altered cells always remain.
When it is necessary to remove breast adenoma
KUnfortunately, not in all cases it is possible to cope with the tumor with the help of medications. Surgery is recommended in the following cases:
- neoplasm grows rapidly;
- due to the increase in the size of the tumor, the appearance of the breast changes;
- there is a risk of malignant transformation;
- adenoma interferes with the functioning of the mammary gland.
How is breast adenoma removed? The operation can be carried out in different ways:
- Enucleation method. During the procedure, the doctor removes areas with excess tissue growth. At the same time, he althy areas of the gland remain unharmed. Local anesthesia is sufficient for the procedure.
- Sectoral resection. This procedure is performed at the risk of malignant degeneration of the adenoma. The doctor removes not only tumor tissue, but also nearby he althy parts of the breast. In the future, the specialist may decide on additional radiation or chemotherapy.
Folk Therapy
Immediately it should be said that alternative treatment of adenoma is possible only with the permission of a doctor. Unauthorized use of home remedies can only worsen the patient's condition.
- Verbena herb decoction is popular. Cooking it is simple: you just need to pour a spoonful of dry raw materials with a glass of water and boil for 2-3 minutes. Dip a sterile napkin in the cooled broth and apply to the affected chest. From above, the compress is fixed with cling film, a towel and left for an hour.
- Ka honey cake can be applied to the affected area of the gland. To prepare it, you need to mix a part of slightly melted honey (natural, of course) with two parts of flour. The compress can be fixed with a bandage and left for 6-8 hours (for example, overnight).
Such funds should by no means be considered full-fledged substitutes for drug therapy. They can only be used as adjunctive treatments.
Is there an effective prevention?
In fact, there are no specific means of prevention. Women just need to take care of their own he alth. At least once a month, it is important to conduct an independent examination of the mammary glands. If during this you find any lumps or uncharacteristic structures, then you should consult a doctor.
All diseases of the ovaries, uterus, thyroid gland and liver must be treated in time. Of course, a woman needs proper nutrition, physical activity, and a he althy sex life. If there is obesity, then the patient should visit a nutritionist and make an appropriate diet.
Prognosis for female patients
According to statistics, a simple, glandular adenoma is a benign tumor and responds well to treatment. Patients, of course, need to undergo regular medical examinations, but the prognosis for them is quite favorable. If we are talking about fibrous adenoma, then there is a risk of malignant degeneration, however, such cases are recorded.rare.
