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Breast breast cancer - how to treat? Signs and symptoms

Mastitis is a pathological changes in breast tissue with fibrocystic in nature. In the chest is the formation of fine-grained seals, which are often painful. Education are benign in origin, but regarded by doctors as a risk factor for cancer, since there is a possibility of malignancy of the process.

Mastitis is the term of a collective, it combines a whole group of pathologies. All of these disorders are associated with changes in mammary glands, in which there is an imbalance of the ratio between connective and epithelial tissue. Who in 1984 classified the breast disease like fibrocystic disease.

Statistics show that the risk of developing this disease increases significantly after the woman crossed the forty-year age limit. In young patients the breast, due to different causes diagnosed in the 30-45% of the total number of diseases of the chest. In addition, women with a history of multiple gynecological diseases, in 70-95% of cases suffering from mastitis too.

The development of the disease depends on neurohumoral regulation. It is known that for the development and growth of the mammary glands respond to many hormones. Most important in this regard are estrogen, prolactin, progesterone and growth hormone. Their ratio in the body depends directly on the condition of the female breast. When there is hormonal imbalance then increases the risk of mastitis.

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Signs and symptoms of mastitis the mammary glands

The severity of symptoms of mastitis depends on which form of the disease in women. Also her emotionalstatus, the presence of co-morbidities and even character traits.

  • Soreness in Breasts can be of varying severity, varies in character and intensity. The initial stages of mastitis is manifested by pain, which arise in the mammary glands just before the next menstruation. Most women don't pay attention to them, considering this phenomenon is a part of premenstrual syndrome. Pain can be dull, aching, pulling, sharp. Sometimes to the chest even impossible to touch. Painful sensations arise due to the fact that in the veins stagnates the blood, surrounding tissues swell, and this leads to breast enlargement in volume. In addition, fibroid growth put pressure on nerve endings, penetrating the mammary glands. When menstruation ends, the pain disappears. As the progression of mastitis, the pain begins to pursue the woman with the tendency to rise before the next menstruation. This affects health: sleep disorders, there is excessive irritability, unmotivated aggression on the background of the lability of the psyche. The pain may radiate to the arm or shoulder. However, up to 15% of women reported that at the initial stage of mastitis pain doesn't bother them. Though they are diagnosed with abnormal formations of considerable severity. Scientists attribute this to the different threshold of pain sensitivity and individual differences of the branching nervous system of the mammary glands in women.
  • Engorgement of the breast in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. This symptom is caused by venous stasis in the vascular system of the mammary glands. Connective tissue can swell so much that the woman of the increase of the glands 15%. The chest becomes Hyper-sensitive, patient sharply react to attempt palpation.
  • Discharge from the nipples of varying intensity. Perhaps their appearance only after the pressure on the nipple. But sometimes the selection can be quite pronounced, and to find them, you do not want to exert any effort. As for consistency, it varies. The color can be white, greenish, brown, bloody, or absent altogether – in this case, the allocation is transparent. Special danger represent the allocation containing the impurities of the blood. They can indicate malignant processes in the gland. However, one should not ignore even clear discharge – when detected you must go to the doctor. Women need to remember that the normal discharge from the nipples are missing (if there is no pregnancy and lactation). Any discharge from the breast in different period indicatethe milk ducts are involved in the pathological process.
  • The appearance of nodes – one or more. If palpation of the breast detected by the seal, it is cause for an immediate appeal to mammologist.

Signs of mastitis can vary depending on its form:

  • Diffuse fibroadenomatosis. Most often this type of mastitis is diagnosed in women at a young age. During the examination found enlarged mammary glands with ngubane. In addition, detectable fine grain. Chest bowl painful, her delicatest strongly expressed. For pain relief a woman can take analgesic drugs.
  • Nodal mastopathy. If diffuse disease of the breast have not been subjected to timely treatment, then it turns into nodular form. During palpation palpation of individual seals or cystic masses. Seals do not have clear boundaries, delicatest not detectable.

Sometimes found large enough nodes, up to 70 mm. The cyst indicates that there is a clear boundary with clear contours, and the Association of education with the surrounding tissues not. Form cysts often oval or round.


The causes of mastitis

All the etiological factors, influencing the development of the disease, in varying degrees, are associated with hormonal imbalances occurring in the body of a woman. First and foremost, is the lack of progesterone, ovarian dysfunction and estrogen level to increase dramatically to very high or relatively high values. Because estrogens promote proliferation of the epithelium by dividing the milky passages and the alveoli of the glands. In addition, estrogens have an effect on increased activity of fibroblasts, which cause the division of the stromal glands.

In the mechanism of development of mastitis is the value of elevated levels of prostaglandins and hyperprolactinemia. Prolactinemia contributes to the fact that breast tissue becomes more susceptible to estrogens.

It is important to understand that even with the current hormonal imbalance breast breast cancer starts to develop rapidly. For the onset of the disease will take several years of constant effects of risk factors and their interaction with each other.

To reasons, able to provoke breast disease, include:

  • Early puberty and early menstruation. Especially dangerous menarche that occurred before a girl aged 12 years. It is capable ofto provoke accelerated hormonal restructuring, which ultimately will affect the state of the mammary glands.
  • Later menopause. As a rule, if menstruating women are terminated at age 55 or older, it negatively affects the breast tissue. The pathological processes provoked by too prolonged exposure to hormones.
  • Violation of the natural course of pregnancy, its interrupt. This leads to the fact that a woman's body there is a sharp decline of hormones and a complete overhaul of a hormonal background. And no matter how it happened, abortion: women have a miscarriage or she had an abortion.
  • The complete absence of pregnancies and births in their lifetime.
  • The rejection of breast feeding or a short period of lactation, with its artificial termination.
  • The hereditary factor. Of particular importance in this respect is the presence of any breast diseases (benign or malignant) mother or female relatives on the maternal side.
  • Age women older than 35 years.
  • The presence of harmful habits.
  • Stress, resulting in endocrine disorders.
  • Any inflammatory process, the location of which are mammary glands.
  • Injury to the chest, not wearing the right size bra is tight or uncomfortable.
  • Diseases associated with iodine deficiency.
  • Wrong reception of hormonal contraceptive pills. Any drug containing hormones, must be assigned exclusively by the doctor after thorough examination.
  • Of gynaecological diseases due to hormonal disorders. They include anovulation, amenorrhea, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, infertility.
  • Thyroid disease and the liver.
  • The excess body weight. The fact that adipose tissue is the basis for storage of estrogen. The longer it is, the more hormones accumulated in the body. And this leads to the corresponding violations.
  • Tumors of the hypothalamus and pituitary.
  • Irregular sexual life. This leads to stagnation in the pelvic organs. Disruptions of blood circulation, in turn, provoke the disruption of the ovaries and, as a consequence, hormonal imbalance.

What is the danger of breast mammary glands?

Mastopathy of mammary glandsis a disease which itself does not pass. It should be treated. The greatest danger of mastitis is a degeneration in breast cancer. Therefore, any form of mastitis, the doctors regard as a precancerous condition, although initially it has a benign nature.

The risk of cancer increases in the case where the observed cystic changes. In addition, great importance is the degree of proliferation of the epithelium of the mammary glands – and intralobular ductal as well as the presence of signs of calcification.

If the epithelial proliferation is pronounced, the risk of malignancy increases to 31%. In the moderate form of proliferation, this risk is of 2.34%, while non-proliferative form of mastitis is 0.86%. That is why diagnosis and treatment of mastitis in modern medicine are considered as secondary prevention of breast cancer. (see also: prevention of breast cancer)

In addition to the risk of malignancy of the process, it is worth noting the likelihood of a background of inflammation and subsequent infection of cystic masses with further swelling. Also, there is a risk of violation of the integrity of the cyst.

How to treat breast disease?

Treatment of the disease is a prerequisite for the detection of mastitis.

Medical tactic depends on some factors, among which:

  • Age women in need of treatment of mastitis;
  • Existing comorbidities – endocrine, extragenital and gynecological diseases;
  • Form of the disease;
  • The desire to maintain reproductive function, or on the contrary, the priority of contraception;
  • The nature of the menstrual cycle.

Conservative treatment of mastitis is possible with the detection of the diffuse form of the disease. Prescriptions take place after consultation with a breast physician and a thorough examination of the patient.

As for fibro-cystic formations, the conservative therapy is possible, but may require and surgery. When confirmed the suspicion of a malignant tumor its removal made necessary.

As the optimal surgical techniques used sectoral resection of a mammary gland. The woman's breast is preserved, and excision of the fibroadenoma itself exposed and part of the glandular tissue. Operationis performed under General anesthesia. Marking performed cuts applied in advance. Everything is done under the control of ultrasound, which allows to minimize the cosmetic defect.

Read more: how to treat mastopathy of the breast?


List of drugs for the treatment of mastitis

The drug, designed to free women from this disease should be prescribed only by a doctor.

Hormones

  1. Drugs-estrogens. Their main objective was to reduce the level of estrogen in the woman's body.

    Most often, doctors prescribe the following medications:

    • Fareston.This drug has a minimal list of contraindications. The result of its application will be visible already after the first 30 days of starting therapy. The treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy can last up to six months. The minimum term is three months. Most often, women complain of side effects related to anti-estrogenic effects of fareston: tides, increased work of sweat glands, vaginal discharge, nausea, skin rashes, depressed mood. Serious adverse effects from taking the drug are rare.
    • Tamoxifen. This drug helps to eliminate pain caused by mastitis, normalizes the menstrual cycle, reduces the risk of cancer. The effect usually occurs after 8-12 weeks from the start of the reception. As for side effects, they are also most often associated with the suppression of estrogen production. In addition to hot flashes, feelings of heat and sweating increase, the women noted an increase in body weight, alopecia, itching in the area of genitals. In addition, in the initial stages of therapy, may increase the volume of soft tissue formations of a breast, accompanied by the appearance of skin erythema. However, after two weeks these symptoms samolikvidirovalsja, so the treatment to interrupt it is not necessary.

  2. Drugs belonging to the group of oral contraceptives. These pills are often prescribed to women whose age does not exceed 35 years. Hormonal birth control pills effectively protect against an unwanted pregnancy and at the same time normalize the menstrual cycle. Against the background of their reception the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease are significantly reduced.

    Among the most popular drugs in this group:

    • Femoden, manufactured in tablet form. In its compositionincludes gestodene and ethinyl estradiol. During the reception, normalizes menstrual cycle, reduces painful periods, reduced risk of anemia.
    • Silest. The drug is also available in tablets. Its active ingredients: ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. While taking this oral contraceptive is suppression of the production of gonadotropins, increases the viscosity of mucus of the cervical canal, normal menstrual cycle.
    • Marvelon and its counterpart Mercilon. The structure also includes ethinyl estradiol, and the second active substance is desogestrel. While taking these drugs is the suppression of ovulatory capacity and normalization of the menstrual cycle. Pain preceding the onset of menstruation, reducing, the bleeding becomes less abundant. (see also: sparse and heavy periods, delayed or absence of menstruation) in addition, data are available on reduction of the risk of developing cancer of the ovaries and of the endometrium in women taking Marvelon or Mercilon.

  3. Drugs-androgens. To get rid of mastitis the mammary gland may be recommended supplementation with androgens. Their therapeutic effect is due to the fact that they are antagonists of estrogen, that is able to inhibit the excessive activity of the latter.

    This files most often recommend to women receiving Danazol. This drug helps to decreased production of gonadotropin, although to date the experiments in this were conducted only with animals. If you evaluate the effectiveness of this drug relative to the treatment of mastitis, the effect will be obtained in approximately 2 women out of three. As a result of therapy is aligned with the mammary gland, decreases the risk of formation of cysts of large size.

    When you assign Danazol doctor should warn the woman about the risk of developing side effects: amenorrhea, sweating, vaginitis, nervousness, puffiness, weight gain and other disorders of the endocrine nature. In addition, the contraceptive effect when taking Danazol low, so you will need additional methods of protection from unwanted pregnancy.

  4. The progestins. Medicines of this group are able to exert an action directed at the suppression of estrogen production and slowing the gonadotropic functions of the pituitary gland. These drugs are recognized as drugs for treatment of mastitis with high efficiency. Taking them increases the chances of success in eradicating the disease up to 80%.Therapy should be course with breaks. Rest time from the reception of progestins determined by the treating physician.

    Most popular in this group are the following medications:

    • Pregna. In the composition of the product contains human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone helps normalize the growth and maturation of female gametes, which are involved in the formation of sex hormones. In the end, the hormones women stabiliziruemost and breast recedes.
    • Monitor. The preparation contains in its composition norethisterone. For getting rid of the symptoms of mastitis, you will need to take the pill, starting with the 16th day of the cycle, and up to the 25th. A monitor is prohibited to use the available oncological disease, therefore before therapy, this diagnosis should be completely excluded.
    • Pregnin. This drug is a synthetic analogue of a progestogen.
    • Orgametril. As the main active ingredient is lynestrenol. It is used for eliminating of nodules in the mammary glands. The trick is to be long-lasting. The minimum period of treatment is 3 months. The drug is banned for use during pregnancy. When it comes therapeutic course of is interrupted.
    • Progestogel. This gel for external use. It is based on micronized progesterone. The main advantage of using this drug is that the woman will not experience side effects, usually caused by oral hormonal means.
  5. The inhibitors of prolactin secretion. These drugs prescribed for abnormal lactation associated with increased levels of the hormone prolactin. The most popular means of this group are:

    • Parlodel. The drug has an effect on cysts of the breast, contributing to their reduction. The number of entities is also reduced, the normal balance between the production of progesterone and estrogen. Muscle function reproduction and reduces the production of prolactin.
    • Bromocriptine. The tool has a direct impact on dopamine receptors. In summary normal menstrual cycle, nodules in the mammary glands decrease in size, the intensity of the pain decreases. However, this drug is prohibited to use in cases of suspected cancer.
  6. Analogues releasing hormone gonadotropin or LHRH. Preparations of thisgroup prescribed to women diagnosed with fibrocystic mastopathy and only in the case when other medicines are ineffective.

Topic: Treatment of mastitis folk remedies – 4 effective ways

Hormonal drugs

Drugs non-hormonal origin in the treatment of mastitis used to reduce the symptoms of the disease and to combat the pathology, if any.

Perhaps the appointment of the following means:

  • Vitamin complexes. When administered simultaneously with medications for mastitis increases the effect of the latter. In addition, properly selected vitamins able to improve overall body resistance, to reduce the likelihood of side effects from hormonal therapy. Most often, when mastopathy doctors recommend to take vitamins E, A and B.
  • Adaptogens. Often when mastitis breast women prescribed Klamin. This tool is made from plant components. It can have a positive influence on the liver, immune system and intestine (has a mild laxative effect). In addition, the drug helps rid organisms of toxins, acting as an adsorbent and antioxidant. Iodine deficiency also can make up for the expense of Klamin. The content of iodine covers the daily needs of the woman's body in this matter. As adaptogen a woman may be recommended to take tincture of Siberian ginseng or Rhodiola liquid extract. Each of these tools needs to be long – the minimum period of treatment is four months, followed by a break for 8 weeks and the course is repeated. The minimum number of courses – 4.
  • Sedatives. They are recommended for acceptance if there is a psychological disorder that was triggered by the breast. For starters, the doctors are trying to do light drugs, such as tincture of motherwort or Valerian.
  • Iodine and potassium. Such tools include the codomain, Iodine asset and the aforementioned Klamin.
  • Enzymes. They contribute to the normalization of the bowel and the growth of beneficial microflora, eliminate constipation. Doctors associated breast disease with dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and the reabsorption of estrogen fromintestine that enters the bile. Among the most popular enzyme products: Wobenzym, Duphalac.
  • Homeopathic drugs. Mastodinon is the most effective tool from this group. This alcohol solution enriched with extracts of various herbs (tiger Lily, cyclamen, chilibuhi, iris), which helps to eliminate symptoms of mastitis. With this tool reduced the level of prolactin in a woman's body, decrease the process of the pathological division of the endometrium, constricts the ducts of the mammary glands. In addition, the pain becoming less intense, subsiding swelling breast. Also the woman might be recommended the admission of Cyclodiene and Remensa.
  • Drugs to normalize the functioning of liver. As you know, interruptions in the work of this body aggravate the course of mastitis just as and hormonal dysfunction has a negative impact on the liver. The woman can be prescribed the following medications-hepatoprotector Legalon, Kars, Essentiale.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are necessary to relieve pain – Diclofenac, Nise, Nimika, etc.
  • Diuretics, which allow you to get rid of edema mastitis. However, most doctors recommend the light receiving diuretics, for example, tincture of rose, teas based on medicinal herbs and so on.
  • Biologically active additives.

In addition to these funds, for the treatment of mastitis a woman may consider taking the following drugs:

  • Master
  • Mastabol
  • Janine
  • The main
  • Cough medicine
  • The Zoladex

Answers to popular questions on mastitis:

  1. Is it possible mastitis to become pregnant? The disease is not a barrier to conceive a child. In mastitis to get pregnant. So if the woman learned that expecting a baby, and she was diagnosed with breast disease is not a reason for abortion. In addition, increased production of progesterone during gestation has a positive effect on the course of the disease up to its complete disappearance. However, it is not always women manage to conceive mastitis. This is not the disease itself, but the reasons that caused it. First, the probability of successful conception reduces hormonal imbalance. Therefore, the best option is to plan pregnancy with fulla preliminary examination.

  2. Is it possible to breastfeed with mastitis? Doctors strongly recommend not to abandon breastfeeding in mastitis. If the disease occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is likely that it is caused by hormonal changes in a woman's body. The rejection of breast-feeding after birth or a short breastfeeding (less than 3 months) may have a negative impact on the course of the disease. In that case, if the pathology had been diagnosed prior to pregnancy but not fully cured until the baby, doctors recommend women to breastfeed as long as possible. However, although it is possible to reduce the severity of mastitis during lactation, guarantees complete cure no one can give. Therefore, medical surveillance and mammography testing are mandatory measures.

  3. Can I do massage of back and breast with mastitis? Massage of the back and breast when mastitis is contraindicated. It should not be done when the pain of the breast, as it will not help get rid of the problem. The breast is a hormonal pathology, and only the correction of a hormonal background can lead to recovery. As for the back, the massage of this zone also should be abandoned. The fact that the impact on cervical-collar region is captured pectoralis major muscle. This, in turn, may lead to serious complications, until the rapid progression of mastitis.

  4. Is it possible to bathe in a bath with mastitis? Bathe in mastitis is strictly prohibited. Any mechanical and thermal influence on the patient's breast can lead to aggravation of the problem.

  5. Is it possible to sunbathe in mastitis? In mastitis tanning should not be, since any thermal effect contributes to malignancy benign. In addition, you should always remember about the risk of skin cancer. Modern medicine have established a clear relationship between cancer of the dermis and exposure to ultraviolet rays. Not to expose your body to additional risk, you need to protect your skin from direct sunlight and be aware of the rules of fun in the sun.