Adenosis mammary glands as a variant of diffuse mastopathy, it is a common pathology.
However, its main danger lies in the fact that there is an increase in proliferative activity (cells begin to rapidly divide), and the coordination relationship between the epithelial and connective tissue components in the mammary gland is disrupted. These 2 processes create the prerequisites for the development of more serious mammological pathologies, incl. and breast cancer. Therefore, the question is what should be the correct treatment for mammary adenosis? , very relevant for women. First of all, it worries those patients who have already encountered this diagnosis, and secondly, those who have the prerequisites for its appearance (complicated heredity, disrupted hormonal levels, etc.).
General Treatment Approaches
To choose the most rational treatment for mammary adenosis, the doctor takes into account three main circumstances:
· type of pathological process, i.e. it is nodular (for example, a cyst) or diffuse (affects the entire length of the breast tissue);
· causes and predisposing factors that led to the development of mastopathy (adenosis);
· predominant histological variant, i.e. which tissue (connective or epithelial) in the breast has undergone the greatest changes.
From a practical point of view, treatment of mammary adenosis is divided into 2 types:
1. hormonal - it is basic (fundamental, pathogenetic);
2. non-hormonal - regarded as an addition to the main therapy.
Non-hormonal treatment of mammary adenosis
Non-hormonal therapy for Mabustin adenosis is a set of measures that are ultimately designed to normalize the hormonal profile of a woman’s body.
Therefore, it is based on the following rules:
· change in eating habits (organization dietary nutrition);
· correction of psycho-emotional status (exclusion of stressful situations);
· normalization of the functional activity of the liver, in which all hormones of the human body are metabolized (inactivated), and due to which they bind in the blood to inactivating proteins (they are synthesized in the liver;
· use of drugs that remove excess fluid from the body (they are called diuretics or diuretics);
· selection of adequate herbal medicine, which enhances the effect of pharmacological drugs, incl. and hormonal;
· taking immunocorrective drugs, which are indicated for identified defects in the immune system;
· pharmacological improvement of microcirculation in the mammary gland.
Hormonal treatment is the most common option
Hormonal therapy is considered basic therapy, because The development of this pathology is based on disrupted endocrine relationships, primarily between estrogens and progesterone. According to statistics, gynecologists and mammologists within hormone therapy Most often, gestagens are prescribed. According to literature sources, their effectiveness in the treatment of adenosis can reach 70%. But not in all cases, which is why there are other classes of drugs used for mastopathy.
Currently, various gestagens are used. Their division is based on the active substance. So, it could be:
· Norethisterone. It can exhibit androgenic activity, therefore it is mainly prescribed to patients who have crossed the 40-year-old barrier. Preparations containing norethisterone are the cheapest of the gestagens. One of its representatives is Norkolut.
· Dydrogesterone. Compared to norethisterone, it is closer to the physiological progesterone produced in the female body. This gestagen can also be prescribed to young patients, because does not have androgenic activity and other undesirable effects affecting fertility (the ability and ability to bear children). The representative containing dydrogesterone is Duphaston.
· Progesterone. Like dydrogesterone, it is close to the natural hormone, but costs less than the first. The pharmacological drug is also called Progesterone. If a woman has liver problems, then this remedy can be prescribed in the form of intravaginal suppositories.
But there are categories of women who have been diagnosed with mammary adenosis, whose treatment must necessarily include the administration of gestagens. These patients include those who, in addition to mastopathy, suffer from:
· adenomyosis (a disease in which the cells of the inner layer of the uterus affect its entire body, i.e. are found in the muscular and serous layer);
· uterine fibroids;
· hyperplastic processes in the internal uterine layer.
Recently, a gel based on Progesterone has been developed, which is applied directly to the mammary gland affected by the pathological process. Its advantage is that there are no systemic side effects of gestagens. This applies primarily to liver failure. This gel is called Progestogel.
Hormonal treatment - rare options
In addition to traditional gestagen therapy, other drugs that alter endocrine levels in the body can be used to treat mammary adenosis. These include:
1. antigonadotropins;
2. GnRH receptor agonists;
3. antiestrogens;
4. monophasic (during the entire administration, all tablets have the same concentration of synthetic hormones, in contrast to biphasic and triphasic) combined contraceptives for oral use (tablets).
The first two groups of drugs from this list began to be used for the first time in Europe in the 90s of the last century. They showed good results, so they became widespread. Their significant drawback is their high cost.
Antiestrogens (for example, Tamoxifen) began to be used earlier - in the 70s. They demonstrate high efficiency, reducing weight up to 80-90% depending on the clinical situation. These drugs have many contraindications, which limits their use. But with a correct assessment of the therapy, it is possible to cure adenosis of the mammary glands.
Oral contraceptives cannot be considered as the main drug for basic therapy in the case of already developed mastopathy. However, they are an excellent preventive measure against mammary adenosis. The risk of developing this pathology is reduced by 50-75%.
Antiprolactins
Antiprolactin drugs (Bromocriptine, Dostinex) are not indicated for all patients for the treatment of mastopathy. They are recommended if available:
· mastalgia - pronounced pain syndrome, localized in the mammary glands;
· galactorrhea - the release of milk from the breast when pressed or spontaneously.
Treatment of diffuse mastopathy with gestagens >>>
However, to prescribe them, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory test to determine the level of prolactin in a woman’s blood. In these two specified conditions, it is usually sharply increased. The prescription of antiprolactin drugs allows it to be normalized, and therefore to relieve pain and stop the secretion of milk (colostrum and other secretions) from the breast.
The anatomical and functional basis of the mammary glands are lobules capable of producing a special secretion for feeding a newborn baby: in the postpartum period, glandular tissue in the breast ensures milk production. Breast adenosis is a condition in which the tissue structure is dominated by an increased number (hyperplasia) of glandular lobules in the absence of lactation. The disease most often occurs in young women who delay childbearing and refuse breastfeeding.
Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the glandular component
Any variant of the hyperplastic process can become the basis for precancer. , in which adenosis occurs in the breast (an increase in the glandular part of the tissue), is a risk factor for diffuse forms of neoplasia of the mammary glands.
Any of the variants of mammary gland adenosis is a borderline state between normal and pathological, occurring in young women (age from 16 to 30 years). It is important to detect the problem in a timely manner to prevent its development dangerous conditions in the chest: the best prevention of adenosis and - pregnancy and long-term breastfeeding.
Area of adenosis in the mammary gland - what is it?
Mastopathy with a predominance of adenosis is in most cases a hormone-dependent condition: hyperplasia of the milk lobules occurs against the background of prolonged action of estrogen hormones. Pathology in the breast can be local: a node in the mammary gland in a young woman is a limited area of overgrown lobules.
Adenosis can be focal, which can become the basis for nodular mastopathy. Many small foci-nodules belong to the group, but can cause the formation of a large tumor. Diffuse variants increase the risk of developing cancer, but only in the absence of treatment and refusal to bear children.
Variants of mammary adenosis
Hyperplasia of glandular tissue can occur at any age and manifests itself in various forms of pathology. The following types of mastopathy with a predominance of adenosis are distinguished:
- diffuse;
- sclerosing;
- fibrosing;
- focal;
- local;
- small-knotted.
The disease can be bilateral, when changes occur in both glands. It is not always the woman who detects the changes on her own: the typical signs of the disease are similar to the usual manifestations of the premenstrual state.
Hello. I was diagnosed with adenosis type. Should you be afraid of breast cancer? Alevtina, 28 years old.
Hello, Alevtina. FCM with a glandular component (adenosis) is a common disease in young women. With timely detection and treatment, the risk of cancer is minimal. The optimal form of breast cancer prevention is pregnancy, birth and long-term breastfeeding.
Detection of pathology - signs and diagnosis according to ICD-10
Every woman should have her breasts assessed monthly, in the first days after the end of menstruation. It is important to notice the initial signs of pathology:
- painful engorgement of the mammary glands, occurring 7-10 days before the expected period;
- change in breast sensitivity – touch causes discomfort or pain;
- aching or nagging pain 2-5 days before the onset of menstruation;
- heaviness and increase in the size of the glands;
- palpation identification of small nodular lesions;
- liquid discharge from the nipples when pressing on the breast.
Some women perceive these symptoms as manifestations of a premenstrual state, refusing to visit a doctor. The presence of typical signs of pathology requires the following studies:
- ultrasound scanning of the mammary glands (young women under 35 years old);
- (X-rays are performed over the age of 35);
- tomography (CT or MRI) at the slightest suspicion of cancer;
- aspiration biopsy (if a node is present).
The mammologist will prescribe diagnostic tests, on the basis of which the specialist will make a diagnosis in the form of an ICD-10 code. Possible options the following conclusions may be drawn:
- N1 diffuse form of mastopathy
- N2 fibroadenosis of glandular tissue
- N3 fibrosclerosis in the chest
- N9 unspecified form of benign mastopathy
For any type of benign changes in the mammary glands, it is important to strictly and consistently follow the doctor’s instructions. The best option treatment of diffuse forms of mastopathy with adenosis - conception of the desired baby, pregnancy and birth of a child with long-term lactation for at least 1 year.
Diffuse adenosis
Hyperplasia of the glandular tissue of the milk lobules in all parts of the breast is a standard form of the disease. Features of this form of the disease include:
- diffuse distribution in both glands;
- absence of clearly demarcated nodes (both on palpation and on ultrasound);
- connection with menstruation - an increase in pain and engorgement before critical days.
Diffuse adenosis is typical for young women who, for various reasons, postpone the birth of a child, and manifests itself with typical premenstrual symptoms. Lack of treatment or complete refusal of pregnancy can cause precancerous conditions to develop in the glandular tissue of the breast.
Sclerosing adenosis
Fibrosclerosis is typical for women over 35 years of age. The main reason is hormonal imbalances caused by age-related changes. Sclerosis is an increase in the thickness of interlobular fibrous tissue in the presence of hyperplasia of the glandular structures of the milk lobules. Symptoms of the disease include:
- nagging or aching pain in the chest, associated or unrelated to the menstrual cycle;
- palpation of small seals without identifying clearly demarcated nodes;
- no nipple discharge.
Sclerosing adenosis is one of the variants of age-related restructuring of the mammary glands, against the background of which it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the breast so as not to miss the occurrence of a tumor.
Hello. How dangerous is sclerosing adenosis of the mammary glands during menopause? Is it possible to develop into cancer? Irina, 51 years old.
Hello Irina. With the advent of menopause, an age-related restructuring occurs in the mammary glands, during which the number of glandular lobules decreases and adipose tissue increases. Adenosis is one of the unfavorable types of diseases in menopause, but the sclerosing and fibrosing types, being a benign pathology, rarely become malignant. It is necessary to be observed by a mammologist to prevent the situation from worsening.
Fibrosing adenosis
The replacement of glandular and muscle tissue with fibrous tissue is typical for older women. Fibrosing adenosis is a typical situation during menopause: the need for glandular lobules disappears, which leads to. Age-related changes are manifested by the following signs:
- local and intermittent chest pain;
- detection of a soft-elastic lesion in the mammary gland of small size;
- palpation of small nodules in the thickness of both glands.
A typical ultrasound picture (minimal amount of glandular tissue, predominance of fibrous strands and islets against a background of adipose tissue) indicates standard benign changes. Apart from observation by a doctor, no therapeutic action is required.
Focal adenosis
Growths of glandular tissue can be in the form of nodes - single or multiple. Having discovered a tumor-like formation, you need to consult a doctor and conduct a full examination to confirm the benign nature of the process. It is advisable to remove a large adenous lesion, proven by the result of a biopsy, because the node can become the basis for malignant degeneration. Mastopathy with a focal form of hyperplasia of glandular tissue includes:
- localized adenosis;
- small nodular adenosis.
In both cases, a woman may be bothered by premenstrual pain, the presence of lumps and heaviness of the mammary glands. Treatment and observation by a mammologist will help prevent dangerous species diseases.
Treatment of mammary adenosis
Correction of breast pathology is selected individually for each woman. Adenosis of the mammary glands requires surgical intervention only in nodular forms of the disease, when there is a real risk of tumor formation. For diffuse forms, the mammologist will prescribe the following treatment measures:
- lifestyle changes with mandatory abandonment bad habits and diet correction;
- cyclic vitamin therapy (optimal for young girls under 20 years old) - taking vitamins determined by the doctor different phases menstrual cycle;
- hormone therapy (correction of endocrine imbalance that provokes changes in glandular tissue) using herbal or synthetic drugs;
- long-term use of sedative herbal preparations.
After consulting with your doctor, you can use folk remedies, of which good therapeutic effect provide the following infusions:
- from horse chestnut;
- from walnut partitions;
- based on boron uterus;
- from burdock roots.
Hello. Is it possible to see adenosis of the mammary glands on an ultrasound? Or is it better to do? Inna, 35 years old.
Hello, Inna. An experienced ultrasound diagnostic doctor will detect a disease in the chest based on typical signs (increased thickness of glandular tissue, dilation of ducts, appearance of small cysts in the chest). Ultrasound of the mammary glands is performed for women under 35 years of age in phase 1 of the cycle (from 7 to 11 days). Mammography helps to make an accurate diagnosis in patients over 35 years of age. Inna, it is better for you to do an ultrasound scan, but if you have any doubts about the diagnosis, you can additionally perform a mammogram.
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Adenosis of the breast early stages development is highly treatable and does not pose a significant risk to women's health. However, with a more advanced course, the disease worsens, and if left untreated, there is a danger of developing into a malignant form.
Let's consider what reasons cause adenosis of the mammary glands, how to avoid its manifestation, and what are the features of the treatment of this pathological condition.
What is mammary adenosis, what exactly can this medical term mean? In accordance with ICD-10, code D24 is one of the types of mastopathy, which is characterized by a predominance of a jelly substance (glandular mastopathy). It is a benign tumor that precedes a precancerous condition.
The development of the disease begins with the spread of connective tissues, followed by the formation of cords and small compactions.
Experts call the main reason for the manifestation of adenosis a failure in the functions of the endocrine system, as a result of which a hormone imbalance develops.
According to doctors, adjusting lifestyle, emotional background and nutrition during pregnancy contributes to the spontaneous disappearance of glandular mastopathy, without the use of medications. For other women, failure to promptly seek medical help increases the risk of transformation of a benign tumor into cancer.
There are several types of breast adenosis:
- Diffuse.
- Local.
- Nodal.
- Focal.
- Sclerosing.
Each form of the disease has its own clinical picture.
Kinds | Features of manifestation |
Diffuse | Nodules are present throughout the entire breast area, but cannot appear in certain areas of the body. |
They do not have clear contours. As the disease progresses, it affects healthy tissue adjacent to the seals. | |
It can affect the milk ducts, which entails. | |
Local | The appearance of compactions in the breast tissues, which have a lobed structure. |
When palpating the breast, large lobules of nodes are easily differentiated. | |
Each lobule is located inside a fibrous capsule. | |
During a hardware examination, yellow myoepithelial cells between the mature lobules are clearly visible. | |
The tumor forms in one part of the breast and does not have the ability to spread over its entire area. | |
Enlarged lymph nodes above the collarbones and armpits. | |
Nodal | The presence of a local or stringy dense formation (pain appears when palpated). |
. | |
Deformation of the mammary gland. | |
The breasts increase in volume, swell, become painful and tender 10-14 days before the onset of menstruation, and the pain radiates to the shoulder blade and shoulder. | |
The formation is formed in the vicinity of the lymph nodes. | |
Focal | Very noticeable asymmetry between healthy and damaged breasts. |
On palpation, single or multiple compactions can be felt. | |
Usually the nodes are localized near the milk ducts. | |
The tumors are mobile and have clear contours. | |
Sclerosing | Only the lobules of the mammary gland are damaged. |
Tissue proliferation is observed. In this case, the myoepithelial and epithelial ones, due to the basement membrane, are not affected, so the seals are located around them. | |
Clear differentiation of breast lobules during examination. | |
Rapid proliferation of fibrous cells in combination with the glandular substance. | |
When palpated, the compactions are small-focal and mobile. | |
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the axillary area may be observed. |
In most situations, breast adenosis is a consequence of a malfunctioning hormonal system. The proliferation of connective tissues is provoked by increased production of the hormone estrogen. In addition, elevated levels of prolactin and progesterone contribute to the appearance of glandular mastitis.
Based on this, we can say that at certain stages of a woman’s life, when sharp fluctuations in hormones occur, there is a danger of adenosis.
As a rule, this pathology is observed:
- In young girls during puberty.
- In women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- For representatives of the fair sex after 30-40 years.
A decline in the synthesis of sex hormones occurs from the onset of menopause, so adenosis is rare in older women.
However, in the presence of certain pathological conditions in the body, even during menopause, the risk of disease manifestation remains:
- Benign growth of the endometrium of the uterus due to high level estrogen.
- Disruption of the ovaries due to improper functioning of the endocrine system.
- Chronic ailments and inflammation of the genital organs.
- Late pregnancy or complete absence of pregnancy/birth (at 35+ years).
- Pathologies of the endocrine structure, such as hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, tumor in the pituitary gland of the brain, etc.
- Long-term breastfeeding (more than a year) without introducing complementary foods into the child’s diet.
- Chronic stress, regular nervous tension.
- Deviations in the reproductive system (abortion, prolonged absence intimate life, use of hormonal contraceptives).
- Reduced immune system capabilities, unfavorable climatic conditions.
The risk of developing adenosis is highest in women with gynecological pathologies of a hyperplastic nature (endometriosis, uterine fibroids, etc.) - almost 100%. During childbearing age, from 30 to 70% of women experience this disease.
Due to the fact that glandular mastopathy can manifest itself in different forms ah, they all have individual symptoms. However, there are also general signs by which specialists can differentiate a preliminary diagnosis.
Among the common symptoms, doctors call:
- 7-14 days before the onset of menstruation, breast swelling and increased sensitivity occur.
- On palpation mammary glands seals are detected.
- I am concerned about itching in the nipples and aching pain in the breast, regardless of the menstrual cycle.
- Breast enlargement and a feeling of heaviness.
- A cloudy brown or green exudate flows from the nipples. At advanced stages of pathology, blood is present in the discharge, which indicates the presence of complications.
- A slight increase in regional lymph nodes and a change in color of the para-areolar zone are clear signs of infection in the breast.
If a woman systematically checks the condition of her breasts, this will help detect the disease in the early stages and take appropriate treatment measures.
If adenosis is suspected, even if a single symptom appears, a woman should not delay visiting a doctor. It is necessary to seek advice from a mammologist or gynecologist, and in some situations, an oncologist.
Diagnostics are carried out in the following sequence:
- Examination and palpation of the mammary glands.
- Laboratory tests.
- Instrumental examination.
From laboratory tests, a biochemical blood test is performed, which helps to identify the cause of deviations and select the optimal therapeutic option.
Among the hardware methods used:
Instrumental studies | Peculiarities |
Ultrasound | The breast and enlarged lymph nodes are examined. The shape of the compaction and the nature of changes in the lymph nodes are determined. The use of ultrasound is practiced in the presence of single nodes that are difficult to palpate. |
MRI or CT | The condition of the breast is assessed and the possible presence of any additional pathological processes is identified. |
Mammography | A breast x-ray can determine the exact location of tumors and the size of the affected area. |
Mammoscintigraphy | Used when a cancerous form of compaction is suspected. |
Biopsy | A tissue sample is taken to determine the presence of cancer cells. |
Features of treatment of a painful condition
Therapy for mammary adenosis is based on an integrated approach. The following treatment methods are used:
- Lifestyle changes.
- Drug intervention.
- Surgery.
- Folk methods.
Adjusting life habits
It is necessary to be treated for an illness not only with the help medications. With mild adenosis, you can do without medications, carefully following medical recommendations:
- Follow a diet plan that is selected individually.
- Avoid excessive consumption alcoholic drinks and smoking.
- Stick to a regimen of rest and activity.
- Exclude stressful situations and other psycho-emotional stress.
- Avoid excessive physical exertion.
- Increase time spent in the fresh air (walks, etc.).
Regarding whether it is possible to sunbathe with breast adenosis, ultraviolet rays can provoke a worsening of the disease. The possibility of using sunbathing depends on the severity of the disease and the individuality of the patient’s body, so it is better to clarify this issue with your doctor.
With the initial development of adenosis, medications are prescribed that have certain medicinal characteristics:
- Sedatives.
- Vitamin complexes.
- Hormonal.
- Homeopathic.
- Estrogen-containing.
- To eliminate the symptomatic picture (pain reliever, antipyretic, etc.).
The prescription of certain drugs depends on the form and stage of glandular mastopathy, for example:
- For mild cases of the disease, contraceptive medications last for at least 6 months. Most often, the doctor prescribes Lindinet 30, which can slow down the growth of the lump, normalize the menstrual cycle, and eliminate the symptoms of the disease.
- In advanced stages and with increased symptoms, gestagens are recommended before the onset of menstruation: Duphaston, Pregnin, Norkolut, Progesterone (oil solution). These medications should be taken according to the instructions, that is, during the luteal phase of the cycle, starting from day 16 to day 25. Duration of treatment is 3-6 months.
- When diffuse adenosis occurs, hormonal agents are recommended - gestagens and combined-action oral contraceptives.
- The prescribed oral contraceptives are similar in their action to Janine, like Zhenegest, Silhouette, etc. They contain dienogest (2 ml).
- Homeopathic medicines, for example, Mastodinon, may also be recommended. However, it only temporarily suppresses the symptoms of the disease, but when combined with hormonal medications, the effect is more stable and long-lasting.
It must be taken into account that replacement therapy often leads to the development side effects Therefore, taking a specific type of medication must be agreed with your doctor.
The method of taking drugs can be: preoral, injection, transdermal. Their effectiveness varies depending on the problem (source of pathology) and mechanism of action.
For any treatment methods for various forms of adenosis, be sure to take vitamins (A, B1, B2, B9, P, E and C), preferably in complex products.
Surgery
The operation is practiced in rare cases - in most situations, gentle methods are sufficient, provided that the patient carefully follows the medication and diet.
The advisability of surgery depends on the type of adenosis:
- Sclerosing with a single node or compactions do not increase - the operation is not performed. Regular monitoring by a mammologist and ultrasound examination once every six months are indicated.
- Sclerosing with multiple pathological foci is eliminated by sectoral resection under local or general anesthesia.
- Focal can be cured exclusively by surgery.
- The local one is not capable of disappearing on its own even with well-chosen hormonal agents, therefore nodular formations are eliminated by excision of the pathological area or the entire breast. A puncture with aspiration is preliminarily prescribed, and the selected material is examined for the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- For fibroadenomatosis, an excisional biopsy is performed to exclude a malignant course of the compaction. In this situation, immediate histology is performed.
After the operation, the pathologically changed area is monitored, and medication and supportive therapy are prescribed.
With the initial development of adenosis, the use of folk healing decoctions and compresses helps to completely get rid of the pathology. In later stages, herbal remedies can only be used as an adjunct to medications.
For internal use, the following home recipes are used:
- Chestnut (horse) decoction. For 5 tbsp. chestnut inflorescences take 1 liter. purified water. Bring to a boil over low heat, pour into a thermos and leave for 8-12 hours. Drink 1 tbsp. every hour throughout the day. The next day, prepare a new decoction. Duration of treatment – 7 days.
- Burdock infusion. 10 g required. pour chopped fresh burdock leaves with boiling water (200 ml). Leave for 3 hours, filter and take 15 ml. 20-30 minutes before meals. The duration of the course is 10 days.
- Collection. Mix 1 tbsp. nettle, plantain and sage and 2 tbsp. wormwood. For brewing, take 1 tbsp. 250 ml mixtures. boiling water, leave for 1-1.5 hours. The drink is drunk during the day, 1/3 of the prepared volume at regular intervals, the course is 1 month.
- Beetroot and honey application. You will need 3 parts raw beets and 1 part honey. Pass the vegetable through a meat grinder (you can grate it on a fine grater), add honey, mix. Apply the resulting paste to the chest in the place where the lump is located (at night). Compresses should be done every other day for 2-3 weeks.
- Simple compresses. It is useful to apply a mashed cabbage leaf (only juicy layers from the middle of the vegetable) or freshly picked burdock to the chest. Their insides can be greased with natural honey, grated carrots and beets can be added, or castor oil can be poured over them - the compositions can be alternated.
- Salt lotion. Dissolve 3 tbsp in a liter of lukewarm water. salt (you can take any), soak a towel or clean cloth in the liquid, then apply it to the sore chest for 5-6 hours. The course is a week.
Possible forecast and presence of danger
With timely detection of adenosis and well-chosen treatment, doctors predict a favorable outcome:
- In pregnant women, the lump disappears in the second trimester.
- If you follow all medical recommendations for a local or diffuse form, there is a good chance of a complete recovery.
- In case of gynecological or endocrine problems, recurrence of the disease is possible even with successfully completed treatment.
- After surgical intervention the formation of glandular tissues completely stops, provided that proper nutrition, maintaining hormonal levels and the absence of stressful situations.
However, it is worth considering that the disease is characterized by a hidden stage of development, therefore pathological process It is often diagnosed already at advanced stages, which significantly complicates therapy and increases the risk of complications:
- Significant change in the configuration of the mammary gland.
- Manifestation of inflammatory processes.
- Degeneration of the compaction into a malignant form.
Prevention of adenosis involves:
- Be attentive to your health.
- It is imperative to maintain the first pregnancy followed by breastfeeding for at least 6 months.
- Warn unwanted pregnancy through contraceptive medications, which should be selected by a doctor, which will help prevent hormonal imbalances.
- Refuse abortion.
- Perform breast self-exams regularly.
- Do not miss scheduled examinations with a gynecologist and mammologist (at least once a year), and in case of violations endocrine system– 2 times a year, including an endocrinologist.
Breast adenosis is a specific form of mastopathy, which is characterized by the presence of a glandular component in large quantities. Most often, this disease develops in females around the age of 30 or at the end of the prepubertal period. Also, adenosis of the mammary gland can form during pregnancy and go away on its own by the third trimester.
Reasons for formation
The main reason that influences the formation of the disease, even if it is sclerosing adenosis of the mammary gland, should be considered hormonal disorders. We are talking about the excessive production of hormonal components, which, as already noted, is most active during pregnancy and puberty. With such changes in the activity of the body, there is an increase in the ratio of estrogen in the blood, as well as prolactin and a decrease in the production of prolactin. About in this text.
As is known, the previously presented algorithm is characteristic of mastopathy, while adenosis is characterized by another feature. It lies in the duration of such changes in hormonal status. Mammologists pay attention to the fact that:
- the formation of adenosis in the vast majority of cases is preceded by processes that are associated with hyperplastic changes in the pelvic area;
- most often we are talking about endometrial hyperplasia, dysfunctional disorders of the ovaries with the formation of cysts;
- most rarely, mammary adenosis is provoked by fatty liver degeneration.
It is necessary to highlight in a special category such processes of a pathological nature that occur in the endocrine gland and are associated with a genetic predisposition to the formation of this disease. More on that later.
Symptoms of the condition
The symptoms of this disease directly depend on its type.
Thus, mammologists distinguish a diffuse form, sclerosing, apocrine and some others. In general, the manifestations are no different from ordinary mastopathy, which manifests itself in slight swelling of the breast. It is noticeable, in the vast majority of cases, just before the start of the menstrual cycle, which is accompanied by an increase in the degree of receptivity of the mammary gland. About what is characteristic.
Additional, more eloquent symptoms indicating mammary adenosis include pain in the nipple area or itching, pain in the affected area of the chest. In addition, a woman may develop noticeable and significant neoplasms that can even be palpated. Small, numerous nodules can be identified, because the disease can also be of a small-nodular nature.
Throughout the development of the disease, a woman is accompanied by specific symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness and tension in the breast area. In addition, the manifestations are complemented by a change in the shade of the skin around the chest. Speaking about the advanced stages of adenosis development, mammologists point to even more vivid and unambiguous symptoms, in particular, discharge from the nipple area and an increase in the size of the lymph nodes. About development.
With this disease, it is important to take into account that the symptoms develop, steadily progressing. That is, if at the initial stage the manifestations were insignificant, then later they will turn out to be extremely pronounced.
An important step before starting treatment is the differentiation that sclerosing adenosis must undergo, as one of the most dangerous forms of diseases associated with the mammary gland.
Briefly about the sclerosing form
The reason for the development of this type of adenosis should be considered hormonal disorders, as well as other long-term health problems that have a direct impact on the mammary gland area. Distinctive features this disease should be considered:
- pain syndrome, which is characterized by pulling sensations;
- palpation identifies a mobile neoplasm, which has a clear shape with a fairly dense consistency;
- treatment is carried out exclusively through sectoral resection, which, in turn, is carried out under the influence of local or general anesthesia.
Speaking more specifically about the symptoms, it is necessary to pay attention to their significant degree of severity compared to other forms of adenosis. It is also recommended to pay close attention to diagnostic measures for this disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
Sclerosing adenosis, like any other form of the disease, must be carefully diagnosed. First of all, we are talking about studying the medical history and palpation. However, this is not enough, and therefore it is necessary to carry out not only various tests that are associated with the presence of certain components in the blood, but also others that make it possible to determine the presence of certain hormones. Also important is a cytological examination, which makes it possible to determine the degree of malignancy of the neoplasm.
At the same time, there is a need for instrumental examination methods. We are talking about ultrasound, mammography, radiothermometry and other techniques that not only determine the general condition of the mammary gland, but also make it possible to accurately determine which tumors have formed. In order for the diagnosis of a disease such as mammary adenosis to be 100% correct, it is recommended to undergo re-diagnosis after the first stage of the recovery process.
This approach will make it possible to monitor the degree of its success, as well as other criteria, in particular, whether there is a likelihood of relapse.
Speaking more specifically about treatment, mammologists draw attention to the fact that it largely depends on what type of condition has developed in the woman. In general, it is recommended to carry out conservative therapy, which is much more gentle on the female body. It involves the use of hormonal components: oral contraceptives and other drugs, additional use is also acceptable vitamin complexes and mineral supplements, which make it possible to strengthen all body functions. ABOUT .
If conservative therapy turns out to be ineffective or adenosis develops quickly and unpredictably, then there is a need for surgical intervention. In the vast majority of cases, this involves the removal of tumors, as well as parts of the mammary gland; much less often, it turns out to be limited to just resection of lumps. The latter is explained by the fact that adenosis develops quite quickly, and therefore sudden increases in size are likely. ABOUT .
Many have never heard of such a pathological condition as “mammary adenosis.” Your doctor will tell you what it is and how to treat the disease. Unfortunately, many women at different ages were forced to face this problem.
Sclerosing adenosis of the mammary gland, as a rule, affects the breasts of women over 35 - 40 years old. However, cases have been recorded when pathology was diagnosed in quite young girls. Occasionally, changes begin at the time of pregnancy (first trimester of pregnancy).
Any processes of proliferation or development of glands like hyperplasia are called adenosis. Some experts use a similar term to designate pathological conditions of any tissue that is similar to glandular formations.
Diffuse or focal adenosis of the mammary glands is always associated with pathological transformations of the myoepithelium. Lobules develop or glandular tissue grows, similar to fibrocystic changes.
Location and form of pathology
Depending on where the inflammatory reactions are observed, there are two types of adenosis:
- Local (only one specific area is affected);
- Diffuse (neoplasms are located chaotically throughout the gland).
There are also forms of the disease, each of which will have its own impact on the patient’s well-being, as well as the occurrence of key symptoms:
- Tumor-like type. There is a single compaction, fairly mobile, of small size. The structure is usually lobular or disc-like. There are no allocations. The skin is not hyperemic, the lymph nodes are not enlarged or swell within normal limits;
- Damage to the terminal ducts, which is expressed by groups of lobules formed not in accordance with the anatomical norm. The ducts steadily begin to expand, epithelial formations fill the space. It is often possible to identify internal papillomas. The apocrine epithelium also undergoes a number of pathological transformations. Pathology manifests itself painfully. Adenosis of the sclerotic type or focal, which is represented by pathological formations of flows without lobules, is also classified as this form;
- Apocrine adenosis. The appearance of nodes located along each lobule is observed. The epithelial tissue contains cellular formations with large nuclei or nucleoli, which are supplemented with granules with eosinophils;
- Tubular adenosis. The flows are rich in microcalcifications and two layers of epithelium;
- Adenomyoepithelial type. An extremely rare form of pathology. Duct structures of different shapes are lined with columnar epithelium. The formations are located chaotically. The epithelium grows. Metaplasia can be identified in places.