Deciphering the ultrasound of the mammary glands with mastopathy. What mastopathy looks like on ultrasound and types of forms on the echogram

Mastopathy refers to a fairly common pathological conditions that affect tissues. Most women at least once encountered fleeting mastopathy symptoms associated with pain in the chest.

Definition

Mastopathy in medical circles is considered to be a dyshormonal mammary gland pathology, in which breast tissue grows, accompanied by the formation of various seals or cystic formations.

The photo shows what fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary gland looks like on ultrasound

Mastopathy is most typical for 30-50 year old patients, but for women who are in the postmenopausal period and are not undergoing hormonal therapy, such a disease is not typical. Often, mastopathy is called fibrocystic disease of the mammary glands, etc.

In fact, mastopathy is a group of dysplastic disorders characterized by a benign course. Mastopathic proliferation of mammary glandular tissues often extends to connective tissue structures, glandular ducts or alveoli. At first, a diffuse mastopathy form is formed, which is characterized by the presence of the smallest tumors localized throughout the mammary gland.

During the diffuse period, it is easiest to cure mastopathy, because no surgical intervention is required. But women at this stage rarely focus on minor soreness of the breast before menstruation, which goes away on its own after a couple of days.

Types of fibrocystic mastopathy

Specialists classify mastopathy of the mammary glands into nodular and diffuse forms.

In this case, diffuse mastopathy can develop in several varieties:

• Mixed.

For diffuse mastopathy, proliferation of mammary glandular tissues is typical, accompanied by slight pain a couple of days before menstruation. In the upper zone of the mammary gland, several small formations are formed.

If there is no therapy at this stage, then the pathology degenerates into nodular mastopathy. This pathological form is characterized by the formation of rather dense nodules, which are easily palpated by a mammologist.

At the same time, pain in the breast tissues increases significantly. It has a piercing-pulling character, often radiating to the back, shoulders or ribs. These pains do not depend on menstruation and may be accompanied by secretions of an incomprehensible liquid substance from the nipples.

Localized

The localized mastopathic form is characterized by the presence of one or several dense foci, which differ in a more compacted, granular-lobular structure and have a clear limitation. It is distinguished from diffuse mastopathy by the presence of a small amount of seals.

involutive

A similar form of mastopathy is manifested by a flattened, soft form of the mammary glands.

At times they become larger, they can ache a little.

Involutive changes in mammary glandular tissues consist in the replacement of normal structures with adipose tissues.

Sometimes the involutive process extends to the axillary lymph nodes.

Causes

Experts believe that the main prerequisite for the formation of fibroadenoma is a failure of the hormonal background, a change in the quantitative ratio of hormones.

Usually the cause of this process is an excess level of estrogen. This happens against the background of inflammatory or tumor processes in the ovarian tissues, disorders of the hypothalamus or pituitary functionality, with malfunctions in the adrenal activity, etc.

Also, an excess of prolactin hormone can lead to the development of fibroadenoma. Then the patients experience a constant slight compaction of the entire mammary gland, swelling of the nipples and other symptoms, which usually appear only before menstruation and disappear after a couple of days.

There are other factors that lead to the development of mastopathy. These include:

• Regular sexual dissatisfaction. The regularity of sexual relations can increase immunity, ensure the correct course of all metabolic processes and contribute to the production of the required amount of hormones. But if a woman has sex irregularly, then the ovaries begin to malfunction, provoking menstrual irregularities, emotional irritability, hormonal imbalance, etc .;
• Late or complicated childbirth. They are accompanied by a strong hormonal explosion, the higher the severity of delivery, the more various hormonal substances are released into the blood. In the future, it may happen that the hormonal balance cannot be restored completely;
• Psychological problems. Here specialists include troubles in the professional sphere, family quarrels, troubles with the health of the child, overwork and stress;
• Artificial termination of pregnancy. Abortion is always regarded as the strongest stress, the body is already preparing to grow a new life, the hormonal composition changes, all systems are reconfigured. And then suddenly it all ends. As a result, the body cannot immediately rebuild in the same way and hormonal imbalances can occur;
• Breast-feeding. Today, obstetrics and gynecology welcomes breastfeeding babies. But many women do not want the breast shape to deteriorate, stretch marks appear, and so on, so they refuse breastfeeding. Milk accumulates in the mammary glands, which is fraught with the development of inflammatory processes (mastitis), and then mastopathy;
• Liver problems. The liver system is engaged in cleansing the blood from various kinds of toxic substances, from hormones that have already worked their time, too. If the liver does not cope with its work, then the "defective" hormones begin to accumulate in the bloodstream. As a result, unpredictable hormonal complications may develop, such as a violation of the pituitary-hypothalamus activity, etc.;
• Pathologies of the gynecological sphere. Inflammatory processes in the ovaries lead to problems in the production of estrogen hormones. As a result, both deficiency and excess of estrogen can develop;
• hereditary factors. Experts say with full confidence that fibroadenoma can be inherited. But not the disease itself, but the predisposition to it. In other words, ladies who have women in their family who suffer from mastopathy are at risk for this disease;
• Endocrine disruptions. Often, disorders in the thyroid gland lead to malfunctions of the pituitary-hypothalamus activity, which leads to hormonal imbalance;
• Obesity. A similar disease develops against the background of metabolic disorders, which also provoke mastopathy. In addition, estrogens are also formed in fatty tissues, which leads to their redundancy and hormone imbalance;
• Bad habits. Alcohol - these addictions are seriously reflected in the hormonal background;
• traumatic factors. With accidental bumps, shocks, compression, the process of fibroadenoma formation can start, which can last for years.

Symptoms

The characteristic first signs of fibrocystic forms of mastoma include swelling, soreness and coarsening of the mammary gland tissues.

This symptom complex is called mastodynia.

Seals in the chest are often painful when palpated, and the pain symptoms become more intense before menstruation and in the second half of the cycle.

Sometimes one seal is found, but the formation of multiple formations is quite possible.

The most common manifestations of mastopathy in women and men are:

1. Feeling tightness in the chest;
2. Palpable nodules in the glandular tissue;
3. Colostrum-like discharge;
4. Pain that tends to get worse when touched;
5. Swelling of the mammary gland.

If mastopathy is cystic in nature, that is, cavity formations filled with fluid form in the chest, then some patients experience swelling and an increase in lymph node structures.

If an infectious process joins the pathology, which often happens with cystic mastopathy and fibromas, then there is an increase in temperature, hyperemia of the skin on the chest, and green-yellow mucus is released from the nipples.

Features of the disease in children under one year

Mastopathy can also form in children. In this case, there is a noticeable swelling of the affected breast, it can increase significantly.

On palpation, the child begins to cry, because such a procedure causes him pain. When pressing on the nipple, a whitish liquid substance is usually released.

Mastopathy is diagnosed in children with the help of ultrasound, mammography in this case is ineffective.

In fact, until the age of 3, mastopathy in children is physiological in nature. Over time, it passes without a trace. After 3 years, it is already considered by specialists as a pathology. Treatment is usually non-hormonal in nature and involves taking fortified drugs, immunomodulatory and sedatives.

Breast diagnostics

Timely detection of the presence of neoplasms, compaction and other abnormalities in the mammary gland tissues is a self-examination, which involves self-palpation of the breast.

As for instrumental methods for determining mastopathy, they include such studies:

• Biocontrast;
• Pneumocystographic study;
• Colposcopy;
• Blood test for hormones, etc.

Why is this tumor dangerous?

The main danger of such a pathological process as mastopathy is the fact that with its long-term development and the absence of appropriate therapy, there is a high probability of malignancy and the formation of a cancerous formation.

How to cure the disease?

The main direction in the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy of the mammary glands is the adjustment of the hormonal level.

The treatment process takes place under the supervision of specialists such as an endocrinologist and a gynecologist.

If there is a pronounced soreness and an increased content of estrogens, then drugs like Faresteron or Tamoxifen are prescribed, which reduce the hormonal effect on the mammary gland structures.

Since menstrual irregularities often occur with mastopathy, oral contraceptives are also prescribed.

Also, drug therapy involves taking antioxidant drugs, which is done to prevent the degeneration of the tumor process into cancer.

Preparations based on zinc, selenium and fortified substances such as ascorbic acid and tocopherol have excellent antioxidant properties. The use of drugs that regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland (potassium iodide, preparations of thyroid hormones), soothing tinctures like motherwort, valerian, immunomodulatory therapy is shown.

If there is a suspicion of a malignant origin of the nodular seal or there is a risk of its malignancy, then they resort to surgical removal. There are many folk remedies, but they are not recommended as the main therapy. To do this, use a decoction of burdock root, the pulp of aloe leaves with honey, tincture on walnut shells, etc.

Treatment prognosis

If the pathology was detected at the initial stage, and treatment was started in a timely manner, then the chances of a complete cure are about 99%.

Typically, these tumors do not have a tendency to malignancy or any complications. However, if after treatment the hormonal background fails, then the probability of a recurrence of the pathology is high.

Contraindications

To avoid the occurrence of various kinds of deterioration in the state, it is necessary to know what should not be allowed in the presence of mastopathy:

1. Can't get sunburnt. Ultraviolet provokes the release of estrogen hormones, increases the sensitivity of mammary gland tissues. Even under an umbrella, scattered ultraviolet will affect the chest;
2. You can not bathe in the bath, or go to the sauna;
3. It is impossible to carry out physiotherapeutic procedures such as massage, all kinds of warming up, etc .;
4. Hypothermia of the chest should also not be allowed, because it is fraught with complication of inflammatory processes;
5. Hormonal contraceptives should also be excluded, because they further unbalance the level of hormones;
6. Eliminate stress, overstrain, nervous disorders;
7. Refrain from drinking coffee, smoked meats and pickles, fried and fatty foods, spicy foods and alcohol.

Prevention

To avoid the development of fibrocystic mastopathy, you need to follow some rules:

• Fully eat and maintain a healthy lifestyle;
• Avoid excessive stress;
• Bring regularity into sexual relations;
• Choosing the right bra
• Do not refuse breastfeeding;
• Quit smoking and alcohol abuse;
• Avoid traumatic factors, UV radiation.

Such simple actions can prevent the occurrence of problems with the mammary gland.

What causes chest pain, this video will tell:

Echo signs of fibrocystic mastopathy are determined using ultrasound (sonography), which is a highly informative, safe, non-invasive and modern method for examining the condition of the mammary glands

Echo signs of diffuse mastopathy are indicators of the disease that were revealed in the process of ultrasound diagnosis of the patient's breast (sonographic method). They may vary depending on the timing of the development of the disease, the age of the patient and the state of health.

The essence of the disease and the causes of occurrence

Fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM) is considered a pathological condition of the breast and a benign formation. Symptoms accompanying the disease:

• seals in the chest;
• cysts that differ from each other in size and shape;
• pain in the chest area;
• discharge from the nipples;
• changes in the contours and size of the breasts.

Important: with bilateral mastopathy, both mammary glands change and are affected, but the changes can be expressed in different ways.

Mastopathy of the mammary glands is common in women of reproductive age. It also occurs in menopausal women.

The main reason for the development of the disease is a violation of the hormonal balance in the body of a woman. Important indicators of the concentration of hormones:

• progesterone;
• estrogen.

The need for ultrasound diagnostics

FCM is treatable if the disease is detected early. Some time ago, mastopathy was not associated with the occurrence of oncological formations in the breast. But modern research in this area allows us to consider this disease as a condition preceding oncological. A mammologist prescribes a study.

Important: FCM is an intermediate stage between a pathological condition and oncology.

For the transformation of a benign formation into a malignant one, a combination of certain factors must occur. In order to prevent complications of the disease and the onset of an oncological condition, it is necessary to contact a specialist as soon as possible and undergo all the necessary examinations.

For ultrasound of the mammary glands, see the video.

Echo signs of the disease

Important: what are the echo signs of fibrous mastopathy and what they will mean, in each case, you need to check with the mammologist.

The patient is able to determine the symptoms of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy on her own, probing the chest, standing and lying down.

Used in medical diagnostics:

• analysis of blood composition for hormonal substances and other indicators;
• mammography;
• ultrasound procedure.

All methods are applied in a complex, guaranteeing the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Important: the diagnosis of fibrocystic mastopathy can occur only after the patient has passed all the studies.

Mastopathy is diagnosed by carefully examining the tissues of the gland using an echographic method, following from the peripheral parts of the gland to the nipple area. The research method is always bilateral, both mammary glands are examined. Even if, the patient only complains about one breast.

With a diffuse form of the disease, the study can show the predominance of one or another tissue, and in this way a diagnosis will be made.

Fibrocystic mastopathy on ultrasound will be determined by the following echo signs:

• thick layer of glandular breast tissue;
• an indicator of the density of breast tissues;
• fibrosis of sections of the milk ducts;
• discrepancy between the condition of the breast, the age of the patient;
• damage to the nipple and its area;
• expansion of the ducts of the gland;
• the presence of cysts.

The study demonstrates that the echo signs of fibrocystic mastopathy differ, depending on the age of the patient.

The older the woman, the smaller the thickness of the glandular layer and the greater the density of the tissues. The highest density figures are reached by the age of 55 women.

Advantages of the method

Ultrasound is the safest, it can be done by young girls and women who are expecting a baby.

Informativity is determined by high resolution. Fibrocystic mastopathy is clearly visible on ultrasound, this method also makes it possible to assess the condition of breast implants, to assess the area of ​​​​inflammation. In addition, the study can show the condition of the lymph nodes located in the immediate vicinity of the chest.

Important: preventive ultrasound examinations are necessary; to monitor the condition of the breast, a healthy woman should be checked once a year.

This method is indispensable for clarifying the diagnosis of fibrocystic mastopathy. An ultrasound examination is necessary to compile a complete picture of the manifestations of the disease.

Knowing the index of the thickness of the tissue layer and the indicators of echo density will make it possible to draw up a plan for competent treatment and achieve a state of remission of the disease. Gives you the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.

For more information about the disease, see the video.

It's important to know! In women who have not given birth before the age of 25-30, fibrocystic disease (mastopathy) does not cause much concern, but closer to 30, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth, 80 percent of women develop a complication of mastopathy. Along with women who have not given birth, many mothers who devote almost all their time to their baby forget about their health or think that this problem is trifling and will pass by itself. Expectant mothers are in an even more difficult situation - during pregnancy and breastfeeding, many pharmaceutical preparations are prohibited. Did you know that mastopathy, if it is not treated in time, making the prevention of the disease, can cause breast cancer. Read about an all-natural remedy for mastopathy (fibrocystic disease), compatible with breastfeeding and pregnancy, read here...

The mammary glands are formed from different types of tissue. Throughout a woman's life, her breasts can change shape and size. When the histological structure is disturbed, cysts, indurations, or swelling may form. The most common disease in this area is FMC of the mammary glands.

FCM of the mammary glands is a disease of a benign nature, the cause of which is most often a gap in the proportions between the docking and epithelial materials. Doctors make this diagnosis if they find seals in a woman's chest.

The disease is more common after 45 years of age, but can occur in childbearing age. With complications, some forms of FCM can transform into malignant neoplasms.

Forms of mastopathy

Pathology develops regardless of age. At first, its course is not actually noticeable for a woman, and sometimes, on the contrary, the clinical picture manifests itself quite clearly: discharge from the nipples, painful manifestations, compaction throughout the breast or only in one place.

Soreness is different from its manifestations before menstruation. If mastopathy is not treated, it can have serious consequences.

Diffuse dishormonal mastopathy

The difference between diffuse mastopathy and other forms is that it affects the entire mammary gland as a whole. Usually more than half of women suffer from this form. The main patients are female bodybuilders who take various hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone.

The cysts formed during the disease change their size during menstruation. They are dense or watery, mobile during the inspection. Various discharges from the nipples, aching, bursting pains are possible. Mandatory monitoring of their growth and other changes is required.

The causes of this disease can be:

Nodular mastopathy

The disease is characterized by the existence of transformations of the mammary glands: nodes, cysts of soft tissues, coarsening of the breast during menstruation, increased sensitivity, liquid discharge, growth of gland lobules. Identification of individual atypical cells is a state of increased risk of cancer.

Therapy for mastopathy of the nodular type is successful only at the beginning of the disease. Further treatment involves the intervention of a surgeon. Unlike diagnosis, in the nodular form of the disease, fingering is prohibited.

Types of mastopathy

Mastopathy is divided into 3 main types:

• fibrous;
• cystic;
• mixed.

fibrous type

If the fibrous tissue grows atypically, then the pathology has a fibrous type. With a certain nature and non-treatment of mastopathy, cells may degenerate into malignant ones.

cystic type

This type of mastopathy is often combined with gynecological diseases that a woman has, including menstrual irregularities. A cyst can form not only in the soft tissues of the breast, but also in the ovaries. Multiple cysts and nodules cause pain and discomfort. Cases of detection of cystic mastopathy in men are rare, but they do happen.

After the end of the menopause, the risk of the disease decreases. If there is no therapy, there is a rather high probability of cell transformation into malignant ones.

mixed view

Mixed fibrocystic breast disease is usually preceded by liver and thyroid diseases, chronic female diseases, abortions, lack of breastfeeding, and stressful conditions. In the presence of enlargement of the lobules and an increase in the ducts.

Palpation reveals a smooth oval or round compaction with fuzzy contours, as well as small grain size and coarsening of the lobules. The distribution of fibrous tissue with cysts is usually present in both breasts, although tenderness may be present in only one.

Reasons for development

The reasons for the development of this disease lie in the violation of the hormonal background: a large increase in estrogen, which leads to a lack of progesterone. This imbalance gradually leads to transformations in the mammary glands.

Symptoms according to the form of pathology

Signs of mastopathy and its manifestations largely depend on the physical and psychological state of the woman. Soreness comes from stagnation of blood. Women usually refer to this as breast engorgement.

Sometimes the pain syndrome is unbearable even from touching clothes.

Soreness and swelling decrease after the end of menstruation. The longer the disease continues, the pain becomes incessant. All this leads to a failure in the emotional state of a woman, creates a state of irritation, aggressiveness, or vice versa, tearfulness.

echocardiography on ultrasound

FCM of the mammary glands is often determined by echogram. Echo-signs vary according to the duration of the disease. The age of the patient also plays an important role in the diagnosis. Ultrasound of the breast in adolescence determines the layered structure, forming an irregular shape of the mass.

mammography diagnostician

When an unknown plan of seals appears in the mammary gland, mammography studies are prescribed to determine the severity. This procedure does not carry out any intervention in the structure of breast tissues, needles or surgical instruments are not used, therefore it is considered safe.

Diagnostics

Some forms of the disease, in which small seals and cysts form in large numbers, are difficult to detect during self-examination. Usually, women start to see a specialist only when unpleasant symptoms appear, such as: chest pain, changes in the menstrual cycle, or discharge from the nipples.

FMK is diagnosed using mammography. If it is present, the picture shows pathological changes in the mammary gland, an increase in lymph nodes, and a focus of diseases. The mammologist will determine their number, nature, volume, uniformity. In the photograph, cystic and fibroadenoma formations have the shape of an oval or circle with clear edges.

If there are such complaints, a qualified doctor will prescribe an ultrasound scan. A biochemical blood test may be required to confirm the diagnosis. If a cyst or tumor is detected, a puncture is prescribed. FCM of the mammary glands on ultrasound images manifests itself in the form of thickening of the walls of the ducts, increased echogenicity of the glandular layer due to the large number of fibrous structures.

Treatment

Treatment of this disease begins with a high-quality diagnosis using mammography and ultrasound, which is more effective on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. If there is swelling, you can take diuretics, to increase metabolism - a complex of vitamins. For pain in the mammary glands, anti-inflammatory therapy is used.

If during the course of the disease, a nervous breakdown occurs, sedatives and antidepressants are prescribed. Much attention should be paid to vitamins. Their use facilitates the condition of the woman as a whole. For pain relief, you can additionally use ointments that help reduce inflammation and swelling.

With a serious running form

FCM of the mammary glands in a neglected form is treated with surgery or puncture. If the diagnosis revealed diseases associated with mastopathy in endocrinology or gynecology, treatment is prescribed along with the recommendations of doctors in these areas.

For greater effectiveness, diseases that cause FCM of the mammary glands are initially treated and hormone therapy is used.

Non-hormonal treatments

Non-hormonal treatments include diet, taking vitamins and anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics that improve blood circulation. The prescribed drug Mastodinone, which does not contain hormones, well reduces neoplasms.

It is also mandatory to take funds containing:

• phospholipids;
• zinc;
• carotene;
• selenium.

The duration of such treatment is approximately 4 months.

With FMK, vitamin therapy is carried out, which includes the intake of vitamins A, E, B, C, P, PP. The doctor prescribes iodine-containing drugs (Iodine-Active, Yodomorin). Due to the psycho-emotional instability of patients, sedatives are used (valerian, motherwort).

Required to take drugs that stimulate the immune system. They are often replaced with herbal remedies (radiola, eleutherococcus). Medicines from the NSAID group form the basis of therapy (Nise, Indomethacin), which is supplemented with diuretics (Lysix, Fitolizin).

hormone therapy

Hormonal preparations can be taken only after a blood test. Drugs are initially prescribed in the minimum dose, since side effects in the form of sleep disorders are possible. In no case should you self-medicate.

Treatment is prescribed by a highly qualified specialist, taking into account all the results of the preliminary examination:

• blood tests;
• mammography;
• palpation.

For a complete cure, hormonal drugs should be used for at least 4 months. Preferably drugs that have a plant base or for external use. Only in severe cases is it possible to use more serious hormonal drugs.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a good help for the treatment of mastopathy. According to the current theory, this treatment is used by applying small doses of the compounds that caused the disease. Means are vegetable and animal based. The components of these preparations are thoroughly diluted.

Homeopathic remedies do not have side effects and are widely used as an addition to traditional treatment. They have a mild effect on the body, are easily tolerated, and allergic reactions do not appear after taking them. It is impossible to take risks using the funds of manufacturers from Asian countries, who often did not undergo medical research in Russia.

Preparations:

• relieve swelling;
• stop pain;
• normalize the hormonal background;
• relieve inflammation;
• significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Diet

Diet is one of the main indicators of the effectiveness of treatment.

The following foods should be excluded from your diet:

• Bread and flour.
• All kinds of sweets, including honey.
• Salinity and smoked meats.
• Fried and fatty foods.

Smoking and alcohol should be excluded. The intake of alcoholic beverages negatively affects the recovery of a woman.

Folk methods of treatment

Tinctures, herbal decoctions, made products for compresses have earned the attention of our grandmothers. The test of time has been carried out, and folk remedies in fact confirm their effectiveness in the treatment of mastopathy. They have no contraindications, do not have an allergic effect on the body. Ointments are combined with most medicines.

Here are some plants that help in the treatment of mastopathy:

What is dangerous mastopathy

It is important to learn about the disease at the very beginning of its development. In order not to fall into the risk zone, every woman should be examined at least twice a year. The examination should be complete, including ultrasound and mammography. Mastopathy has a negative effect on the female genital area, greatly worsens the condition of the thyroid gland.

The nervous system during the illness is greatly depleted, the headaches that appear aggravate this condition, appetite disappears, which subsequently leads to a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. If a woman misses the beginning of the disease process and refuses treatment, there is a very high probability of cancer.

Mastopathy is associated with the genitourinary system. As a result of its development, gynecological diseases appear, libido decreases.

If diagnostic measures are carried out on time, qualified treatment is prescribed on time and the patient strictly observed it, the possibility of a complete recovery without consequences is very high.

Prevention of mastopathy

Regardless of the type and complexity of the disease, there are methods of prevention that can prevent mastopathy of the mammary glands.

They are the following:

Timely treatment helps to completely get rid of the problem. Many who find they have lumps on their chest take no further action. All this leads to an urgent operation, without which advanced cases of FCM of the mammary glands cannot be cured.

After the intervention, the breast becomes deformed, requiring an even more expensive operation. Doctors recommend visiting a mammologist twice a year to avoid complications.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about breast FCM

Features of the disease and treatment of FCM of the mammary glands:

The female breast is not only a matter of pride for the fair sex, but also an object of concern, and one of the main indicators of failures and improper functioning of the reproductive system, as well as a kind of litmus test for the state of a woman's hormonal levels.

This article highlights the main points and nuances of a common disease - fibrocystic mastopathy. This disease occurs in almost every second middle-aged woman, and is a borderline pathology, with the neglect of which, there is a risk of degeneration into an oncological disease.

What is mastopathy?

In addition to this reason, it should be especially noted that mastopathy can occur as a result of failures in the normal functioning of the kidneys and adrenal glands, improper functioning of the liver, and improper functioning of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the production of prolactin in women.

The fact that over the past hundred years the number of women suffering from mastopathy has increased many times due to many factors:

Until the 20th century, a healthy woman of childbearing age was either pregnant or breastfeeding, which, according to many experts, favorably influenced the natural hormonal background of the female body. The invention of various chemical and pharmaceutical agents, abortion at various times, as well as other interventions in the reproductive system, have dramatically negatively affected the hormonal background, and continue to affect each individual female organ.

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy

The most common type of fibrocystic mastopathy is its diffuse subspecies. This form is characterized by an increase in the amount of glandular tissue, and the formation of edema.

According to the symptoms and characteristic course of the disease, it is considered the simplest form of diffuse mastopathy:

Nodular fibrocystic mastopathy

The nodular form of the course of fibrocystic disease is much less favorable.

In this case, in addition to the disorders characteristic of the diffuse form of mastopathy described above, the presence of one or more nodes in the mammary gland, which most often represent fibroadenoma or adenoma, is added.

It is a fairly common benign tumor that affects mainly women of reproductive age, less often adolescence.

This neoplasm can have various sizes, from a pea in diameter to a tumor reaching up to 15 cm.

Fibroadenoma rarely develops into a malignant tumor, according to medical analysts, this happens in only two percent of cases.

The situation is much worse with the nodular form of nodular fibrocystic mastopathy represented by nodes with proliferation of glandular tissue. Atypical hyperplasia is the medical name for this type of nodes. In cases of manifestation of nodes of this nature, mastopathy turns into oncology in every fifth woman

Mixed fibrocystic mastopathy

Mixed fibrocystic mastopathy- This is a collection of nodes, cysts and seals. Most often occurs in women under the age of 35 years. The early stage is very difficult to determine due to the absence of any discomfort in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands, and is most often determined only during an annual examination by a mammologist.

Over time, all formations begin to grow, which leads to compression of the nerve endings, the occurrence of pain, a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the chest area.

Features of bilateral fibrocystic mastopathy

As the name of this form of mastopathy implies, its main feature is the course of the disease in both mammary glands.

A completely natural moment is that with a bilateral course there can be all the same different forms of the course of the disease as with a unilateral one, but still more often women experience bilateral mastopathy with a diffuse nature of mastopathy in the initial stage.

This is due to the fact that the form with the formation of nodes is characterized by the formation of single or multiple cysts or nodes in one breast.

Symptoms

Initially, the symptoms of mastopathy are very mild: pain is weak, neoplasms may not be felt on palpation, and it is possible to detect mastopathy at the very beginning of the course of the disease only with regular mammological examination.

The main symptoms may be aching, with a possible release of milk from the breast.

These failures in milk secretion are called galactorrhea.

Galactorrhea with mastopathy can be of varying intensity:

• from meager and spontaneous,
• to discharge at the slightest touch on the chest,
• up to the presence of blood impurities in these secretions.

On palpation - the main symptom of mastopathy, in which it is necessary to contact a medical institution as soon as possible to establish a diagnosis and start treatment at the very beginning of the disease.

In the initial stages, the symptoms of the disease are very similar to premenstrual syndrome.

So, it is observed:

1. Headache
2. Irritability
3. Nausea
4. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
5. Flatulence
6. Swelling of hands, feet and face.

The most serious symptom, and the reason for urgent medical attention in case of mastopathy, is discharge from the nipples with blood impurities. Most often, these discharges indicate the presence of intraductal formations, papillomas, manifesting and bleeding.

pain

With fibrocystic disease, the pain syndrome may not be based in the mammary gland itself. So, they can give to the shoulder blade, shoulder and armpits, and have varying degrees of strength.

The degree of soreness is determined by various factors, such as:

• the individuality of the pain syndrome of a woman,
• disease stage,
• the size of neoplasms and their location in the mammary gland.

Allocations

with mastopathy, they can have a different composition and intensity.

They can be:

• fickle;
• spontaneous;
• meager;
• spontaneous.

Their nature depends on many factors, and each individual case of the course of the disease.

Sonography

Sonography is nothing more than a study of the mammary glands on devices. Sonography for the detection of mastopathy is carried out using modern sensors with increased resolution up to 10 MHz.

Ultrasound helps:

Ultrasound imaging contributes not only to the fixation and analysis of examinations, but also allows you to track the dynamic changes in the course of the disease. In addition, it is worth noting that echography is a harmless and informative examination.

Diagnostics

The most favorable period for the diagnosis of mastopathy is 5-12 days of the menstrual cycle.

Puncture for fibrocystic mastopathy

are a kind of bubbles filled with liquid. And the liquid they fill, depending on the stage and cause of their occurrence, may be different.

To identify the nature of the fluid in the cysts of the mammary glands, it is used, or, as it is also called, a biopsy of the mammary glands.

This survey can be carried out in various ways. The most common method at the present stage is a puncture with the additional help of ultrasound.

The largest of the cysts is located on the ultrasound machine, a sensor is aimed at it, and the needle puncture enters the center of the neoplasm.

This allows you to get the most informative sampling of the material under study. The results of the puncture in this way are much better, and the time for manipulations associated with the examination is noticeably reduced.

Puncture for fibrocystic mastopathy can be performed both in public medical institutions and in certified private medical centers. After the biopsy, the resulting material is sent for cytological and histological analysis.

Also, a biopsy can be performed to remove fluid from the formations, or to inject drugs directly into the focus of the inflammatory process.

Carrying out a puncture does not provide for any preliminary preparations for the examination, however, in order to obtain a better result, experts recommend not using drugs that have a blood clotting effect, such as aspirin, before it.

Which doctor should I contact?

Visits to the mammologist for consultations and for preventive purposes, in principle, should be carried out annually to identify any pathologies, and in general to detect the disease at the earliest stages.

If any discomfort occurs, or suspicion of mastopathy during self-examination, an urgent appeal to a mammologist is necessary.

If the suspicions are confirmed, the scheme for contacting further doctors, and the general selection of treatment is determined strictly individually.

The attending physician independently determines the consultations and examination of which doctors are necessary in this case, the course of the disease.

Most often, in addition to mammological studies, the patient will need to contact a gynecologist, endocrinologist, neurologist and therapist. This will help to establish all the information about the woman's health, the causes of the disease, and determine further actions for the patient's speedy recovery.

In advanced cases, or if characteristic signs are found, the patient will need to be examined by an oncologist and pass all the necessary tests

Treatment

The methods and intensity of treatment largely depend on the time of detection of mastopathy, the degree to which the disease is located in a particular case. It is worth noting that the surgical treatment of this disease is the most extreme way, moreover, it does not eradicate the cause and focus of its occurrence.

The first step in the treatment of mastopathy is the normalization of the functions of the organs that affect the course of the disease, as well as the normalization of the patient's hormonal background.

The most common method of treating mastopathy is conservative observation with periodic examinations to monitor the development of the disease, and the appointment of a list of drugs that contribute to a speedy recovery.

The main purposes in the treatment of mastopathy:

Preparations

Commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of various types of mastopathy include:

1. anti-inflammatory drugs;
2. drugs that stimulate the outflow of venous blood;
3. antioxidant drugs;
4. preparations with natural extracts that regulate prolactin balance and improve the hormonal balance of the female body.

The treatment regimen is always strictly individual and can be detailed and calculated exclusively by the attending physician, a mammologist or a mammologist-oncologist.

In cases of a severely advanced stage of mastopathy, the mammary glands undergo surgical intervention.

With any disease, the body does not receive the minerals and vitamins it needs, which is why the complex treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy, in addition to taking medications, involves taking vitamin-mineral complexes. When choosing vitamins, you should avoid self-medication and consult with your doctor.

The selected vitamin complex must meet the following criteria:

Vitamin complexes must necessarily contain vitamins of groups A, E, C, D and B.

Also, in addition to taking vitamin-mineral complexes, the body of a woman suffering from mastopathy should receive foods, fruits and vegetables enriched with natural non-synthetic vitamins of these groups. Such as apricots, carrots, cheese, Brussels sprouts, sweet peppers, currants, rose hips, various types of fish, nuts and meat.

Massage

For quite a long time, scientists considered mastopathy a complete contraindication for massage not only of the chest area, but also of the back, but after a series of studies it turned out that massage not only does not harm the health of patients, but can also improve the clinical picture of the disease.

It can also slow down the degeneration of benign neoplasms into oncological ones. However, the decision on preventive massage for mastopathy should be carried out by a mammologist.

The goals of massage for diseases of the mammary glands are:

However, there are a number of clear contraindications for massage with mastopathy:

1. Suspicion of malignancy of neoplasms;
2. The presence of damage to the skin of the mammary glands, both of a traumatic nature, and damage associated with various inflammatory processes;
3. The presence of allergic rashes on the chest;
4. Patient's fever.

It is important to know that massage of the mammary glands should exclude the use of any force, and be carried out exclusively with soft kneading movements, by a specialist who knows the technique and features of massage for mastopathy.

The most effective massage for the cystic form of the disease.

There are also various self-massage techniques that allow you to identify the disease yourself even at the earliest stages. However, when performing a massage at home, a woman must strictly follow all the rules so as not to harm the mammary glands, and also have a clear understanding of palpation.

Mastopathy as a disease involves certain changes in the diet of a woman, and the introduction of a certain diet.

So, cocoa, chocolate and coffee should be excluded from the patient's diet.

The principles of therapeutic nutrition should be introduced, as well as the exclusion of all products containing methylxanthines in one way or another.

The diet of a woman with mastopathy should be rich in vegetables and fruits, which are the main sources of fiber and vitamins.

It is also worth adding fermented milk products, cereals, products that include bran and seafood to the menu as a source of vitamin E.

Removal of fibrocystic mastopathy

Medical removal of fibrocystic mastopathy- this is an extreme, radical way to eliminate the disease.

Mastopathy- the disease is diverse, and has many manifestations and forms of development, so there is no unambiguous answer to the question of whether surgical intervention is necessary in the treatment of mastopathy.

Surgical removal of mastopathy is necessary only in cases where the presence of nodes and glandular tissues, as well as the size of the neoplasms and the degree of neglect, are a direct indication for the removal of foci.

Many doctors consider pregnancy to be the best way to cure fibrocystic breast disease, and even recommend that women become pregnant in order to recover from breast diseases.

The thing is that during pregnancy, a woman’s body releases a lot, which contributes to the treatment of the disease, and the restoration of hormonal balance in the female body.

An important factor is also the fact that during the bearing of a child, the female body receives a kind of impetus to renew cells and improve the functioning of all vital systems.

Statistical studies show that more than 80 percent of women after pregnancy are completely cured of mastopathy. Also contributes to the cure of prolonged lactation.

This is due to the fact that during breastfeeding, the process of renewal of mammary gland tissues is accelerated, and fibrosis and seals resolve on their own.

After the birth of a child, a woman with a history of mastopathy must have a preventive consultation with the attending mammologist, since the risk of lactostasis and congestion in the diseased breast is very high, and can cause further development of the disease.

Mastopathy and menopause

There is no specific age interval at which a woman can begin, just as there is no specific moment at which a woman can develop mastopathy.

However, doctors note that the signs of the manifestation of mastopathy in the fair sex with menopause appear much brighter.

During menopause, they can no longer be confused with signs of pregnancy, or with premenstrual syndrome.

During menopause, women undergo huge hormonal changes, which can cause the formation of mastopathy, and the risk of this disease increases several times.

Treatment of mastopathy during menopause is developed exclusively on an individual basis, and most often it is a combination of various drugs, hormonal and non-hormonal in nature. For the treatment of mammary glands, courses of antioxidants, vitamin A or beta-carotene, homeopathic remedies with proven effectiveness, can also be prescribed.

Mastopathy and IVF

The opinions of specialists about in vitro fertilization in fibrocystic mastopathy are sharply different.

From the opinion that this step can serve as a degeneration of benign neoplasms into an oncological disease, to the opinion that pregnancy that occurs with the help of IVF will normalize the hormonal state of the female body and contribute to a complete cure for the disease.

The danger of in vitro fertilization with mastopathy lies in the fact that during the preparatory procedures for artificial insemination, a woman is prescribed strong stimulating hormonal therapy, which can both cause new pathologies in the mammary glands and increase existing neoplasms.

What is dangerous?

Mastopathy of any kind and at any stage can serve as a favorable environment for the development of oncological diseases, and as you know, breast cancer is the most common and leading cause of death among women.

Therefore, you should be attentive to your health, and conduct annual examinations for diseases of the mammary glands, as well as conduct an independent examination of the breast.

Mammography occupies a special place among clinical, laboratory, and imaging methods that allow detecting non-palpable neoplasms, including malignant ones, and other breast diseases.

Mammography: pictures, technique.

Mammography is a radiation method of research, the most suitable for screening studies of the mammary glands. It is characterized by high sensitivity in the study of glands with a high content of adipose tissue and the ability to visualize microcalcifications well, which makes it possible to detect small carcinomas at an early, prognostically favorable stage.

In addition to high sensitivity and satisfactory specificity, mammography has a number of other advantages: non-invasiveness and cost-effectiveness of the method, ease of study documentation.

Compared to x-ray examinations of other parts of the body, mammography has more stringent requirements for image quality and equipment, which makes mammography one of the most difficult examinations in conventional radiology.

To ensure a common understanding of the x-ray image of the breast, mammograms should always be performed in generally accepted strictly standardized projections. Allocate the main and additional projections. The main ones are mediolateral oblique and craniocaudal projections. The production of images in these two projections should be considered mandatory for any mammography examination.

Considering that mammograms in the main projections with a high degree of reliability allow to identify or exclude a malignant process, additional projections are used to clarify the results or for a more complete visualization of the organ.

The mediolateral oblique view is the most important because it best visualizes the tissue near the chest wall, the axilla, and the upper outer quadrant of the gland. Most cancers are detected on mammograms produced in the mediolateral oblique view.

The craniocaudal view is also the second view for visualizing the axillary region. This area is rich in glandular tissue and should be carefully examined, as it is a common localization of malignant neoplasms.

If the standard view images fully visualize the breast and clearly show or rule out malignancy, additional view mammograms are not required. However, if there is the slightest doubt, mammograms in additional projections should be considered mandatory.

The most important additional projections are:

90º lateral projection;
lateral and medial craniocaudal projections with direct magnification of the image;
tangential projection;
axial projection;

Mammography. The description of the pictures is correct.

The X-ray picture reflects the morphological structure of the mammary gland, which, according to embryonic development, is a derivative of integumentary tissues (skin). From the point of view of anatomy, the mammary gland is a complex alveolar-tubular organ. As a secretory organ, the mammary gland is subject to cyclic changes associated with the phases of the menstrual cycle, which is reflected in the variability of the x-ray picture.

During the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, the stroma of the gland swells, the mammary gland becomes loose and edematous. In the postmenstrual period, the gland tissue undergoes a reverse development, it thickens, and the edema regresses. The dynamics of changes in the epithelium of the mammary glands is associated with the effect on the tissue of the gland of sex steroid hormones: estrogen and progesterone.

Also, the state of the mammary gland, as a rule, reflects the age of the woman, the corresponding hormonal background, which determines the severity of the glandular tissue. There are three main periods in a woman's life:

Childbearing (from 20 to 45 years old)
menopause (from 45 to 55 years)
senile period.

During the childbearing period, the mammary glands are subject to the greatest changes and differ in the amount of glandular tissue, which is characterized as follows:

Pronounced or well-developed glandular tissue;
moderately pronounced glandular tissue - the ratio of "dense structures" that form the mammary gland and adipose tissue is approximately the same;
mildly pronounced glandular tissue - i.e. there is a predominance of adipose tissue over "dense structures".

On radiographs, there are:

Nipple
areola
skin
vessels
connective tissue structures
subcutaneous fat
glandular tissue.

The width of the shadow corresponding to the skin is uniform in all sectors of the gland and is 0.2 cm, slightly increasing in the area of ​​the areola and nipple. The premammary space is represented by adipose tissue with the presence of connective tissue partitions - Cooper's ligaments. The width of the fatty subcutaneous strip depends on the age of the woman and the state of the glandular tissue itself: at a young age it does not exceed 2 cm, it increases with the growth of involutive changes, with complete involution, the fatty “layer” merges with the rest of the gland. Against the background of the adipose tissue of the gland, shadows of the veins are visible. Arteries are usually visible when their walls are calcified. Behind the subcutaneous fat layer, the so-called “body” of the mammary gland is differentiated, presented in the form of a triangle or semi-oval - this is a connective tissue glandular complex with a predominance of connective tissue elements with vessels, lactiferous ducts and lobules, which form a heterogeneity of the structure, expressed by shadows of various shapes, size and position.

Different variants of the x-ray image of the mammary gland help to establish patterns that reflect the gradual change in structural types during the life of a woman associated with the functional activity of the mammary gland. With a high hormonal activity, the glandular tissue is very well developed, with a decrease in the hormonal background, it is much less.

With age, with the natural extinction of physiological functions, involutive changes in the mammary gland develop according to one of two types: fatty (more often) or fibrous. Against the background of fatty involution, the diagnosis of initial changes in the mammary gland is not difficult. It is more difficult to interpret changes against a dense background of fibrous involution, since its structure is heterogeneous due to alternating fibrous and fatty areas.

Mammography pictures (photo).

The figures show mammograms of unchanged mammary glands: skin (long arrow), subcutaneous fat (double-sided arrow), gland body (short arrows), nipple (white arrow).

In the mammogram images presented, the arrows indicate the formation of microcalcifications of various shapes.

The presented mammogram shows an enlarged axillary lymph node (white arrow).

Mammography: description of images (syndromes).

Diagnosis of structural changes in the mammary gland based on the identification of syndromes improves the efficiency of a comprehensive examination of patients and standardizes the working conditions of a doctor.

There are the following syndromes used in the description of images:

Nodular formation in the mammary gland;
nodular formation in the axillary region (in the Zorgiev zone);
diffuse changes in the mammary gland;
hypervascularization - excessive development of veins, their expansion, the appearance of tortuosity;
nipple retraction.

Mammography: pictures of mastopathy.

In domestic literature, there is the term "Mastopathy" to refer to benign changes in the mammary glands. In modern literature, up to 30 synonyms for mastopathy are distinguished. The basis of the diverse changes in the structure of the mammary glands are changes in the endocrine system, and therefore, the diseases are called dyshormonal changes, hyperplasia or proliferative processes.

According to the results of X-ray mammography and morphological studies, the following forms of diffuse mastopathy are also distinguished:

Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component (adenosis); radiographs reveal multiple shadows of irregular shape with a fuzzy contour. Each shadow corresponds to an area of ​​lobular hyperplasia, the totality of shadows forms a heterogeneous, uneven shadow that occupies almost the entire mammary gland;

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component; the x-ray picture is similar to the previous form of mastopathy. The entire mammary gland is intensely darkened, has a narrow strip of enlightenment formed by subcutaneous fat. Unlike adenosis, with this form of mastopathy, the contours of individual sections of lobular hyperplasia are underlined, and not loosened;

Diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy with a predominance of the cystic component; on radiographs against the background of a variegated heterogeneous pattern, which is due to the alternation of adipose tissue, connective tissue and glandular, seals are visible - rounded, oval or with an impression from adjacent cysts. The sizes of seals range from 0.3 to 6-8 cm, their contours are clear, even, with an enlightenment rim, indicating expansive growth. If there are several chambers in the cysts, their contours are polycyclic, sharp;

Mixed form of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy; in the x-ray image, there is a violation of the normal structural pattern, expressed in the alternation of enlightenment and darkening of a rounded, ovoid or irregular shape, combined with randomly located dense fibrous cords;

Sclerosing adenosis; the x-ray picture is similar to the picture of diffuse fibrocystic mastopathy. However, there is a characteristic feature - this is the accumulation of many tiny calcareous inclusions, 50-600 microns in size, regular or irregular in shape, often grouped in a limited area, which makes it difficult to differentiate with the primary manifestations of breast cancer.

Mammography: mastopathy in the pictures

Diffuse form of mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component (adenosis).

Sclerosing adenosis.

Mammography: cyst on pictures.

The formation of cysts in the mammary glands refers to benign changes. Sizes of breast cysts vary from 1-2 mm in diameter (microcysts) to 6-8 cm in diameter (macrocysts); simple and multicentric; single and multiple.

X-ray reveals a darkening area of ​​a round or oval shape; with clear, even contours; often with a rim of enlightenment along the periphery. With multi-chamber cysts, the contours are multicyclic.

Mammography: cyst on the pictures (photo).

This mammogram shows a breast cyst (arrow).

Mammography: breast cancer in pictures.

The sensitivity of mammography in detecting breast cancer is generally 80%. It is most sensitive to carcinomas. With mammographic screening, 25-35% of carcinomas are accurately identified, while other screening methods of research are limited only to ascertaining any signs of carcinomas.

There are two types of cancer:

breast tissue cancer
breast nipple cancer

Common radiographic findings for breast cancer are:

Local thickening of the skin;
unevenness of the inner contour of the skin strip;
a path of cancerous lymphangitis between the skin and the tumor node;
a symptom of hypervascularization is the excessive development of veins, their expansion, the appearance of tortuosity.

Depending on the prevalence, tissue cancer is divided into two forms, nodular and diffuse (common).

Among the radiological signs of the nodular form of breast cancer, I single out direct (presence of a tumor node, calcifications) and indirect.

The radiographic picture of the tumor node also depends on its histological structure.

Tumors of the scirrhous type form a compaction focus of an irregularly stellate or amoeboid shape, with uneven, fuzzy contours and a heterogeneous structure. The periphery of the tumor node is characterized by the presence of spicules, the convergence of the surrounding stranded structures of the mammary gland parenchyma. The presence of microcalcifications in the center or on the periphery of the tumor node. In some cases, an area of ​​enlightenment is determined around the tumor.

A tumor of the medullary structure is radiologically defined as a round, oval or irregularly shaped node with fuzzy, uneven, sometimes polycyclic contours, a heterogeneous structure due to the uneven growth of tumor foci. Often there is a fibrous capsule, which simulates a picture of a benign process.

The X-ray picture of the infiltrative growth of the tumor is distinguished by pronounced changes in the structure of the tissues surrounding it, manifested in the form of heaviness along the periphery of the node, as well as irregularly shaped shadow stripes that form a mesh pattern, clearly visible against the background of adipose tissue. Between the tumor node and the skin or nipple, a cancer path is found in the form of a group of strands, causing local retraction and thickening of the skin, and unevenness of the inner surface of the skin.

Mammography: breast cancer in the pictures (photo).

On the presented mammograms, infiltrative ductal breast cancer is determined (white arrows).

Mammography: interpretation of images.

The radiologist should use the terms recommended by the BIRATS (Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System) terminology in his report.

The structure of the mammary gland. It is necessary to describe all structures of the breast (fatty, inhomogeneously dense, extremely dense), as this affects the sensitivity of mammography.

Tumors. Confirmed when displayed in more than one projection. A suspected tumor found in only one view is described as induration. Description of the tumor includes: localization, measurement of the distance between the tumor and surrounding tissues, size, contour, presence or absence of calcifications.

Description of the shape of the tumor in accordance with BIRATS terminology: oval, round, lobulated, indefinite (incorrect).

The contour is clear, finely lobulated, blurry (fuzzy, partially covered by surrounding tissues).

The density of the tumor - is determined by comparing it with normal glandular tissue of the gland; high, equal to the density of unchanged tissue, low, fat-containing density). Exceptions are: a single dilated duct, an inflamed lymph node, an asymmetric structure of the breast tissue, an asymmetric density of the gland tissue.

Calcifications. Localization, quantity, distribution structure and morphology of calcifications are indicated.

Related changes. Concomitant changes appear during the spread of the tumor process and calcifications, but may be present independently of them. These include: retraction and thickening of the skin, thickening of the trabeculae, retraction of the nipple, axillary adenopathy, disruption of structures, increased vascularity. The final diagnosis is divided into categories: