fibrotic changes. Diffuse fibrotic changes in the mammary glands

Fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands: what is it, forms (adenomatous, fatty), symptoms and treatment + photo

The article is in the Mastopathy subsection (which is part of the Diseases section)

The female breast, which is a source of inspiration for the male representatives and plays an important role in raising offspring, can sometimes bring many different troubles to its "mistress" - both large and small. Fibrous mastopathy can be considered one of these problems. Every woman should know in detail how this pathology can threaten her health.

What is fibrous mastopathy

Fibrous mastopathy is a pathological condition of the mammary gland, in which regressive changes occur in it, expressed in the proliferation of connective (fibrous) tissue. Unfortunately, doctors state a constant increase in cases of this disease. Today, pathology is observed in almost every second woman.

The diagram shows a site of growth of fibrous (connective) tissue

Such transformations in the mammary gland must be treated with extreme caution. However, this does not mean that the disease will certainly lead to the development of oncological neoplasms. Just every woman needs to carefully and responsibly treat her health in order to prevent undesirable consequences.

Forms of the disease

Mammologists use several classifications of mastopathy. So, there are three main forms of the disease:

• mastodynia, or mastalgia, in which pain occurs in the mammary glands;
• diffuse mastopathy (fibrous - the appearance of seals in the connective tissues of the gland, fibrocystic - cysts are also noted among the seals);
• fibroadenomatosis, or localized mastopathy - the presence of single oval-shaped mobile nodes, which are most often painful to the touch.

There is also a commonly used division of pathology into the following forms:

• diffuse (glandular fibrous, fibrous, fibrocystic and glandular cystic mastopathy- depends on the predominance of the type of tissue);
• nodular or focal (cyst or fibroadenoma).

Glandular fibrous mastopathy is most often formed during the period of active production of female hormones, that is, at a young age. The rapid synthesis of sex hormones contributes to the active growth of glandular tissue. This process can capture the entire gland, or it can occur locally, in which case separate nodules are formed.

Fibrous and fibrocystic mastopathy also depend on the production of hormones. After the epithelium, prepared for a probable pregnancy, begins to die in the uterus during the next menstruation, cell death also begins in the mammary gland. However, if the uterine layer that has become unnecessary is removed from the body, dying breast cells can provoke an inflammatory process. Subject to violation hormonal background(deficiency of progesterone and excess of estrogen), the process of growth of fibrous tissue begins. The most active formation of fibrous nodes and cysts occurs before the onset of menopause, when the body undergoes hormonal storms”, and after the onset of menopause, as a rule, new formations do not appear.

Separately, fibro-fatty involution should be mentioned, which is considered by most experts not as a pathology, but as an age-related regression (involution is a process opposite to evolution) of breast tissues, in which functional breast cells are replaced by adipose tissue. This replacement process begins with the onset of menopause, when the synthesis of sex hormones stops in the woman's body.

If mastopathy develops in one mammary gland, it is considered unilateral, and in both - bilateral. Unilateral are more often nodular or focal forms of pathology.

What causes can lead to the development of pathology?

The main reasons for the development of fibrous mastopathy can be considered:

• hormonal imbalance;
• hereditary factors;
• inflammatory diseases of the genital organs - adnexitis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids;
• few or no pregnancies;
• late first pregnancy (after 30-35 years);
• a large number of abortions - both artificial and miscarriages;
• problems during breastfeeding- mastitis, rough pumping, nipple injuries;
• a short period of breastfeeding or its absence;
• breast injury;
• lack of regular sexual life;
• menstrual irregularities;
• prolonged stress, depression, neuroses;
• uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs, including contraceptives;
• endocrine diseases - diabetes, hypothyroidism;
• liver failure;
• bad habits that lead to hormonal imbalance - alcohol abuse, smoking, etc.

Symptoms and signs

Pain in the mammary gland is one of the signs of mastopathy

Fibrous mastopathy can manifest itself as follows:

1. Painful sensations in the chest, which may increase before menstruation and weaken after them. The pain can be felt both by itself and with pressure on the chest or even with a light touch to it. Pain may also be present in the armpit and shoulder area.
2. Feelings of fullness, swelling of the mammary gland.
3. Deformity of the nipples, for example, retraction.
4. Discharge from the nipple, often serous or colostrum-like, less often bloody.
5. The presence of painful seals in the chest.
6. Increase in breast size.

If you have at least some of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Mastopathy can be successfully treated, but it is careless to hope that it will pass on its own.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of all types of mastopathy is extremely important, since the presence of this pathology several times increases the risk of developing oncological neoplasms against this background. Malignant transformation of mastopathy can last for a long time - up to 20 years. Therefore, a woman diagnosed with mastopathy should be under the constant supervision of a specialist.

First of all, the mammologist conducts an external examination and palpation of the mammary gland and nearby lymph nodes- axillary, supra- and subclavian, cervical, after which it is sent for hardware diagnostics.

Until recently, the main and most accurate method for diagnosing fibrous mastopathy was considered to be an x-ray examination of the mammary gland - mammography. The accuracy of this diagnostic method is quite high in the presence of a large amount of fatty tissue in the mammary gland and, if necessary, to differentiate between cystic and fibrous formations.

Mammography allows not only to diagnose mastopathy, but also to detect cancer in the early stages.

However, when examining young women with high density mammary glands, the effectiveness of mammography raises certain doubts. In addition, the use of X-rays to examine patients under 40 years of age is not recommended due to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Especially if such patients are subject to constant monitoring. In this case, ultrasound examination (ultrasound), which is safe for the woman's body, becomes the main diagnostic method. Modern ultrasound equipment is highly accurate and is able to effectively detect small nodules with a size of no more than 2 mm in diameter.

Breast examination using an ultrasound machine is a safe procedure

Echo-signs of mastopathy, detected by ultrasound, will help to differentiate different forms of the disease:

1. Diffuse form - multiple small fibrous seals or cysts, evenly distributed throughout the gland;
2. Fibroadenomatosis - single dense formations with clear boundaries;
3. Cystic form - cavities filled with liquid contents that change shape when pressed;
4. Fibrocystic form - both cavities with liquid and seals with clear boundaries are present at the same time.

• puncture (fine-needle aspiration) of fibrous or cystic nodes, followed by histological examination selected material;
• laboratory blood test, including breast cancer marker CA-15-3;
• computed (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - an accurate scan of the breast, which allows to detect the slightest malignant tumors at the earliest stages.

Treatment

Medical

For the treatment of mastopathy are widely used:

• medicines prepared on the basis of vegetable raw materials (Mastodinon, Wobenzim);
• hormonal preparations containing progesterone (Dufaston, Utrozhestan, Tamoxifen);
• combined oral contraceptives (Danazol, Zoladex) - for the purpose of temporarily canceling ovulation in order to avoid hormonal fluctuations.

In addition, the patient is undergoing a course of maintenance therapy, which includes vitamins, mild sedatives and immunomodulators. If a woman experiences pain, she is recommended to take analgesics.

By agreement with the doctor, absorbable compresses with Dimexide can be used, but this can only be done in the firm belief that a complete examination has been carried out, and the risk of developing oncology at this stage is completely absent. For a compress, it is enough to dilute the drug with water in a ratio of 1: 4, moisten a cotton flap in it and attach it to the chest for half an hour, covering it with polyethylene or compress paper on top.

Surgical

All types of diffuse mastopathy are usually treated with conservative methods. Nodal forms of pathology may be subject to surgical treatment if drug therapy has not yielded tangible results, and the compaction does not show a tendency to improve. After removal of the fibrous formation, hormonal therapy is performed to prevent relapse.

Folk remedies

It should immediately be emphasized that the use of funds traditional medicine does not mean that you can self-medicate. Before doing anything, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination and agree with the mammologist the possibility of using certain herbal remedies. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you can get harm, and sometimes cause irreparable damage to health.

• Alcohol tincture of celandine. Pour the chopped sprig of pre-dried celandine into a half-liter jar and fill with vodka. After two weeks, strain the infusion and pour into a dark glass container. Keep the infusion in the refrigerator. Within 15 days, the drug is taken on an empty stomach, adding to a small amount of milk, starting with a drop and bringing it up to 15 drops, and then moving in the reverse order, ending with one drop. It must be taken into account that the celandine - poisonous plant, so if your health worsens, the treatment should be stopped or the number of drops should be reduced. The course is repeated every three months.
• Flax-seed. Flaxseed is a phytohormone that helps to correct hormonal balance. You need to take one to two tablespoons daily for a month. In addition, this tool will help to establish a regular work of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Elder juice. Elderberry juice should be taken daily, one tablespoon in the morning and evening half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 2–3 months.
• Beetroot compress. Grate the beets on a fine grater, apply on a cotton flap and apply to the chest at night, covering with compress paper or a piece of polyethylene.
• Cabbage compress. You can simply put a fresh cabbage leaf in your bra. There is another way: turn the cabbage into a pulp, add a little kefir, apply it on a cloth prepared for a compress, and apply it to your chest at night.

Natural products for the treatment of mastopathy in the photo

You can not only make compresses from beets, but also take its juice inside. You can make medical inserts for a bra from white cabbage. Elderberries contain malic and ascorbic acid, carotene, rutin, B vitamins. Flaxseed is used not only for problems with gastrointestinal tract, but also for the treatment of mastopathy Celandine is a poisonous plant, so precautions must be taken

Since nutrition has a significant impact on metabolic processes and hormonal levels, diet is also considered as a component complex therapy. The diet should include foods containing a sufficient amount of vitamins and coarse fiber:

• vegetables;
• fruits;
• whole wheat bread;
• bran.

The consumption of fatty and meaty foods should be limited, as they increase the level of estrogen in the blood and reduce the level of androgens.

It is also necessary to get rid of bad habits - drinking alcohol, smoking, playing sports and having a regular sex life. Good sleep is of great importance. In addition, it is necessary to simultaneously treat diseases of the genital organs.

Prognosis of the disease and possible consequences

With timely and adequate treatment, mastopathy can be completely eliminated, but in the future it will be necessary to monitor the condition of the mammary gland.

by the most undesirable consequence mastopathy can be considered breast cancer. A cancerous tumor can form against the background of a pathology, or a fibrous node can eventually degenerate into a malignant neoplasm.

In addition, in the presence of large cysts, there is a risk of suppuration of their contents. In this case, mammologists advise to puncture the cyst, choosing a liquid filling from it, after which the cyst walls collapse. In case of inflammation, a special medicine can be injected into the cyst cavity. Surgical removal cysts are subject only in rare cases.

Preventive measures

A woman should try to avoid severe stress and chest injuries. During lactation, you should follow the rules to avoid mastitis.

The main rule of prevention is regular self-examination of the mammary glands. To do this, in the first 7 days after the end of menstruation, it is necessary to carefully feel each breast in the supine position and carefully examine it in the mirror with your hands behind your head. In addition, it is also necessary to palpate the armpits and the collarbone area.

Breast self-examination should be done regularly

If you find areas of hardening, redness of the skin, asymmetry of the mammary glands, deformity of the nipples or discharge from them, if you feel pain and tension in the mammary glands, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast self-examination - video

Fibrous mastopathy is a disease that occurs in a large number of women - almost every second. The main rule is to consult a doctor in time and immediately begin treatment, which will reduce the risk of possible consequences of the disease, which can be very dangerous.

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womensmed.ru

What is fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands: causes, signs and treatment

Mastopathy has many variations that complicate diagnosis and treatment.

One of the most common forms is fibro-adenomatous mastopathy, characterized by the appearance of tumors and seals. different sizes.

In order not to be mistaken in the treatment regimen, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible and conduct a detailed diagnosis that allows you to determine the good quality of the neoplasms.

In the article we will talk about fibrous mastopathy, what kind of disease it is and what features of treatment.

Mastopathy is the general name for a group of diseases that occur on the basis of hormonal imbalance. The ovaries produce an increased amount of estrogen, while the amount of progesterone falls.

Breast tissue undergoes changes, seals appear in them. The nature of these tumors is benign, but they cause women a lot of anxiety.

To know that this is fibrous mastopathy, the signs should be as follows:

With fibrous mastopathy, pain, discomfort and heaviness occur due to venous blood stagnation and compression by fibroadenomas nerve endings.

IN initial stage disease, only a slight heaviness and swelling of the breast can be felt, which appears in the middle of the cycle and stops with the onset of menstruation.

Mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component - what is it? With the development of mastopathy with a fibrous component, pronounced movable seals appear in the mammary gland, which can be felt independently. They can be constant or change their size depending on the menstrual cycle.

There are the following types of mastopathy:

1. Glandular fibrous. In the glandular tissues of the mammary gland, seals of various sizes are formed.
2. Glandular cystic. It is characterized by the appearance in the breast tissue of cavities (cysts) with a colorless liquid.
3. Fibrocystic. In this case, both tumors and cysts form in the mammary gland. They may affect one breast but are usually found in both.

Each of the options presented can be expressed in nodal or diffuse form. The first is characterized by the formation of large tumors or cysts localized in one part of the mammary gland.

In the case of diffuse cystic or diffuse fibrous form, fibroadenomas and cysts are smaller, they are distributed throughout the chest and are more often detected during medical examination.

What causes fibrous mastopathy? Read below.

There are many reasons for this disease.

Fibrous mastopathy - causes:

• problems with the liver, ovaries, thyroid or pancreas;
• frequent childbirth;
• numerous miscarriages or abortions;
• early or too late menopause (before 35 or after 55 years);
• chest injury;
• long-term use of hormonal drugs;
• refusal to breastfeed or too long feeding (longer than 12 months).

Fibrous mastopathy is a disease in which women are at risk different ages. Fibroadenoma can be found in very young women and adult ladies, it occurs in adolescents, infants, and even men.

However, tumors are most often diagnosed in women who have recently given birth to a child or had an abortion, as well as in the premenopausal period.

These conditions are characterized by an increased release of estrogens, against which both benign and malignant neoplasms can occur in the mammary glands, uterus or ovaries.

What is fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands - photo:

Diagnostic options

For the timely detection of fibrous fibroadenomatosis of the mammary gland and other changes in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands, mammologists recommend regular self-examinations. They need to be done at the beginning of the cycle, gently feeling all segments of the chest.

If you find various seals, you should consult a doctor to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

For a more accurate study, mammologists practice:

Sometimes patients are additionally prescribed a blood test, it is recommended to undergo an examination by a gynecologist or endocrinologist.

Features of treatment

Fibrous mastopathy is treated with medications of varying degrees of exposure. At an early stage, light non-hormonal preparations for fibrous mastopathy with plant extracts are prescribed.

They relieve pain, heaviness and other uncomfortable sensations, improve general state and enhance the body's defenses.

Fibrous mastopathy - drugs for treatment:

• Fitolon;
• Klamin;
• Mamoklam;
• Mastofit;
• Mastodinon.

Effective drugs for fibrous mastopathy in the form of tablets, drops, medicinal decoctions and teas. Means have a minimum of contraindications and are canceled only in case of individual intolerance to the components.

With pronounced seals with a tendency to increase and grow, hormonal preparations are prescribed in the form of tablets, injections, suppositories.

These drugs can suppress the activity of estrogens by increasing the amount of progesterone.

For resorption of tumors used:

With severe fibrous mastopathy and a lack of prolactin, patients are prescribed:

In some cases, patients receive injections based on steroids. This treatment is usually prescribed for women under 40 years of age. To suppress the activity of estrogens, testosterone injections are prescribed.

hormone therapy Works well with a variety of outdoor products. These can be creams and gels with natural progesterone, as well as lighter ointments and balms with herbal extracts: Projectogel, Mastophil, Healer.

What to drink with fibrous mastopathy?

With fibrous mastopathy, herbs need to be taken tonic and soothing:

• chamomile;
• calendula;
• burnet;
• yarrow;
• dog-rose fruit;
• hawthorn fruit.

Various compresses work well. For example, from grated potatoes or raw beets, relieving pain and heaviness. An excellent effect is given by cabbage and burdock leaves, which are applied to the chest to reduce pain symptoms.

A very important point is a change in lifestyle.

It is important for patients with mastopathy to increase physical activity, giving preference to:

• walks in the fresh air;
• charging;
• swimming;
• non-traumatic sports.

You need a good night's sleep and a balanced diet, excluding foods that can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

The diet for fibrotic mastopathy is based on a decrease in the total caloric content of the diet. It is very important not to gain excess weight, as excess adipose tissue contributes to an increase in the amount of estrogen in the body.

It is recommended to abandon fatty meats, lard, butter, hydrogenated vegetable fats. It is advisable to exclude from the menu fried foods, fast food, a variety of snacks and canned food that contribute to fluid retention in the body.

With fibrous mastopathy, vitamins should be included in the daily diet. The basis of the menu should be fresh, stewed or baked vegetables: root vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, cabbage.

To improve digestion, fiber is included in the diet:

• whole grain cereals;
• legumes;
• bran.

Low-fat dairy products, fish and soy dishes, a variety of fruits and berries are useful.

It is necessary to quit smoking and completely eliminate alcohol:

• strong alcohol;
• carbonated long drinks;
• cocktails;
• guilt;
• beer.

Ethyl alcohol in any concentration provokes an increase in estrogen, further disrupting the hormonal background. There is a direct relationship between alcohol and tumor diseases in women.

Disease and pregnancy

Mammologists are unanimous - fibrous mastopathy during pregnancy is not an obstacle to childbirth and breastfeeding. Sometimes, during pregnancy, the hormonal imbalance disappears, in some cases the disease worsens for a short time, but then its symptoms weaken.

Especially useful is breastfeeding, which promotes the natural resorption of fibroadenomas and cysts.

However, breastfeeding for more than 12 months can be a factor in relapse, this issue is best discussed with your doctor.

He should also report fibrous mastopathy and pregnancy, as he will have to adjust the treatment regimen by abandoning hormonal drugs.

Now you know what fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands is. But, can it develop into cancer? Fibrous mastopathy, according to mammologists, does not degenerate into malignant tumors.

What is dangerous fibrous mastopathy? Despite the fact that the neoplasm has a benign genesis, fibrous mastopathy is dangerous! Hormonal imbalance is itself a risk factor. Next to ordinary fibroadenomas, cancerous tumors can arise, which will differ little from benign formations.

An increase in the amount of estrogen can provoke other forms of cancer, in particular, of the ovaries and cervix.

Oncologists are sure that all women with a tendency to increase estrogen fall into the risk zone. This female hormone protects the body from osteoporosis and heart attack, but it also serves as a provocateur for various tumors.

Even after a cure for fibrous-type mastopathy, patients from the risk zone should be especially attentive to the condition of the breast and consult a doctor at the slightest discomfort.

You can find more information on this topic in the Diffuse mastopathy section.

nesekret.net

Is it possible to cope with diffuse fibrous mastopathy?

Unpleasant sensations in the mammary glands were experienced at least once in a lifetime by almost every representative of the fair sex. They are a sign of such an unpleasant disease as mastopathy. This disease is characterized by an unnatural growth of breast tissue. It is customary to talk about nodular (one or more nodes are formed in the glands) and diffuse mastopathy (changes are found in most of the mammary glands). Approximately one third of the total number of cases of the disease is diffuse fibrous mastopathy.

Some information about the disease

With diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component, the skeleton of the breast grows, which is explained by the pathological division of the connective tissue lobules. At the same time, there is a process of active division of cells that line the ducts of the breast. This first causes their narrowing, and then the complete closure of the lumen. Thus, with this form of the disease, fibrosis of the epithelial tissues of the mammary glands occurs. In parallel with this, multiple or single cystic formations. In some cases, growths and dysplasia of the breast lobules are observed, as well as the formation of seals, combined with the development of cicatricial tissue changes (connective fibrosis).

If the violation of the structure of the tissues of the mammary glands affects both breasts, they speak of bilateral fibrous mastopathy.

Causes

main reason development of diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is a violation of the normal ratio of hormones in the patient's body. For some reason, the amount of estrogen begins to significantly exceed the amount of progesterone. In addition, the patient may experience an excess of prolactin. There are certain risk factors, the presence of which can provoke the development of mastopathy:

• gynecological diseases;
• disease endocrine system;
• liver disease;
• heredity;
• abortions;
• mammary gland injuries;
• stressful situations;
• lack of a full sexual life;
• disorder reproductive system;
• bad habits;
• lack of pregnancy and childbirth;
• exposure to direct sunlight.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that make it possible to suspect diffuse mastopathy in a patient with a predominance of a fibrous component:

• Pain sensations. They are usually quite pronounced and are detected by palpation of the mammary glands.
• The presence of painful formations in the breast tissues. They differ in small size, round or oblong shape and elastic consistency. Often, such seals almost completely disappear by the end of menstruation, and at the beginning of a new cycle they reappear.
• An increase in the volume of the mammary glands, the appearance of a feeling of fullness.
• Severe premenstrual syndrome.
• Discharge from nipples. They can be either whitish in color (if the patient has an excess of prolactin), or yellow or pink. The appearance of a greenish discharge indicates the possibility of a purulent infection. Allocations are both redundant and stingy.

Discomfort in the mammary glands (one or both) with this form of the disease is felt constantly, regardless of the monthly cycle.

Diagnostics

The key to a successful fight against any disease is its correct diagnosis. Diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component can be detected using a number of examinations:

• Self-examination. This method is the most simple and accessible to every woman. Every month after the end of menstruation, a woman needs to have an examination of the mammary glands. They should be felt both in the prone position and standing in front of the mirror, turning Special attention on the symmetry of the glands, the color of the skin of the area near the nipple and the entire breast as a whole, the appearance of seals, discharge from the nipple. Finding any of the mentioned signs, a woman should seek the advice of a doctor.
• Visit to a mammologist. It is best to coincide with the 7-10th day of the cycle, which will avoid a possible diagnostic error. The doctor conducts an external examination of the mammary glands. At the same time, he assesses how symmetrical the contours of the chest are, what is the condition of the patient's skin, and also finds out the condition of the nearest lymph nodes. An examination of this kind is carried out both in the supine and in the standing position of the patient. On palpation of the mammary glands, the doctor can find signs of diffuse tissue compaction and homogeneous oblong formations.
• Mammography (chest X-ray taken in several projections). This procedure makes it possible to identify any pathological changes in 90-95% of cases. With the help of mammography, even small formations can be detected. In the picture, the seals look like shadows, characterized by irregular shape and fuzzy edges. A woman needs to undergo such an examination between 6 and 12 days of the cycle.
• ultrasound. This examination is absolutely safe and can be performed on ladies of any age, as well as lactating or pregnant women. Ultrasound allows you to determine the state of the tissue structure of the glands, to find out what nature the formations have, their localization and size. In addition, the procedure makes it possible to get acquainted with the state of the lymph nodes. The disadvantage of ultrasound is that it does not detect formations less than 1 cm.
• Biopsy of seals and subsequent cytological examination of the obtained samples. To carry out this procedure, the doctor takes the altered tissues with a needle.
• Ductography. Such a study is necessary to study the ducts of the mammary gland and is a type of mammography. It is used in the presence of discharge from the nipple.
• Cytological examination discharge from the nipples.
• Blood analysis.
• Consultation with an endocrinologist, gynecologist and psychotherapist.

Treatment

Treatment of diffuse fibrous mastopathy, like other types of this disease, is carried out only comprehensively and under the guidance of a specialist. He chooses the tactics of dealing with this disease, focusing on the age of the patient, the hormonal state of her body, the presence of concomitant diseases, the degree of development of the disease. The fight against this form of mastopathy usually includes the use of a number of means:

• Hormonal drugs. Since mastopathy is caused by an imbalance in the patient's body of hormones, the doctor may prescribe various medications that stabilize the hormonal background. As analogues of progesterone, "Duphaston" and "Utrozhestan" can be prescribed. To combat fibrous formations, Tamoxifen is used (it is a strong antiestrogen). Women in menopause are often prescribed Levial ​​(a hormone replacement drug). It must be remembered that such medicines can only be taken as directed by a doctor and after passing the necessary examinations. Such treatment is prescribed individually for each patient. Self-medication can lead to extremely negative consequences.
• Immunostimulating agents. Their action is aimed at increasing the immunity of the patient.
• Sedative drugs. As already mentioned, stress often becomes the cause of the disease, therefore, in order to normalize the psychological state of the patient, the doctor can prescribe preparations of valerian, hops, and motherwort.
• Hepatoprotectors. For example: "Legalon", "Essentiale", "Heptral", "Hofitol" and others. Their task is to normalize the functioning of the liver, since it is one of the main organs that provide hormonal metabolism.
• Vitamins. Complexes are usually prescribed, including vitamins A, C, E and group B. Their intake improves the metabolism in the mammary glands and stabilizes the liver. One of the most commonly prescribed drugs is Triovit. It includes not only vitamins E, C and A, but also such a microelement as selenium.
• Immunostimulating agents (adaptogens). Preparations of this series are used to increase the overall resistance of the patient's body.
• Phytopreparations. Good results were shown by the use of such means as Klamin, Mastodinon, Fitolon. The most effective drug in this group is Mastodinon. Included in it active substances restore the imbalance between estrogens and progesterone, normalize the second menstrual phase. Produced from brown seaweed "Klamin" includes a whole complex of biologically active substances, and also contains many trace elements (potassium, iodine, silver, calcium and others).
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for cupping pain and can be used for a limited time.
• Diuretics. Since one of the symptoms of the disease is swelling, the doctor may prescribe mild diuretics.
• Means of traditional medicine. One of helper methods in the fight against the mentioned type of mastopathy is the use of traditional medicine. These are various infusions and decoctions taken orally, as well as compresses and applications for external use.

Fighting the disease also includes following a certain diet. Women should give up chocolate, coffee, hot spices and cola. According to research, the methylxanthines contained in these products provoke the development of fibrous tissues. That is why the rejection of them in most cases significantly reduces pain and a feeling of fullness in the mammary glands. But you need to increase the amount of foods rich in fiber. At the same time, you need to drink a sufficient amount of liquid (this can be non-carbonated mineral water or herbal teas).

A good result was shown by the use of physiotherapy treatment. Electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy and other procedures help to cope with the disease. Also, women suffering from diffuse fibrous mastopathy should try to give up bad habits (alcohol and smoking), healthy lifestyle life and sports.

In the absence of results of conservative treatment, fibrous seals can be removed surgically. However, it is worth noting that the operation for diffuse fibrous mastopathy does not give an effect, since it does not eliminate the factors that caused the mastopathy. Scars resulting from surgical intervention, can cause problems when diagnostic procedures in future.

The prognosis for diffuse mastopathy with a predominance of the fibrous component is favorable if the patient complies with all doctor's prescriptions and leads a healthy lifestyle. However, it should be remembered that a neglected disease can lead to the degeneration of pathological foci into malignant ones. That is why all beautiful ladies should be attentive to the condition of their breasts, treat concomitant diseases in a timely manner and periodically visit a mammologist.

vashmammolog.ru

Fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands

What is fibrous mastopathy? This is a pathological proliferation of the connective tissues of the mammary glands, when a benign tumor predominantly fibrous. Changes affect the interlobular connective tissue, which, growing, reduces the ducts of the mammary glands, up to complete blockage. By itself, fibrous mastopathy of the mammary glands does not pose a threat to life and health, but there are cases of degeneration of a benign fibrous node into a malignant neoplasm.

Currently, fibrous mastopathy occupies one of the first places among the pathologies of the mammary glands, in one form or another it is diagnosed in 60% of women aged 18 to 65 years. The disease requires careful attention to one's own health. It is necessary to regularly undergo a preventive examination by a mammologist, if necessary - courses of conservative treatment, or remove an overgrown tumor.

Forms of fibrous mastopathy

modern medicine classifies 3 main forms of fibrous mastopathy:

1. Mastalgia (mastodynia). It is characterized by the presence of pain syndrome.
2. Diffuse mastopathy. It distinguishes 2 forms: fibrous (seals in the connective tissue of the gland) and fibrocystic (between the seals there are cysts filled with fluid).
3. Fibroadenomatosis (FAM) - localized nodes, oval in shape, which easily move under the fingers, most often they are painful to the touch.

By the nature of the neoplasm, fibrous mastopathy is of the nodular (focal) type, characteristic of fibroadenomatosis, and of the diffuse type, when large areas of connective tissue and glandular epithelium are involved in the process. With diffuse mastopathy, according to the type of tissue covered by the pathological process, there are: glandular-fibrous, fibrous, fibrocystic and glandular-cystic forms.

In young women, the fatty fibrous form of mastopathy is more common, which is associated with the activity of sex hormones - estrogens, progestogens and progesterone. For older women, cystic mastopathy is more common. Such a tumor has clear boundaries and a soft void. It occurs against the background of the extinction of the reproductive function.

Fibro-adenomatous mastopathy can develop in one breast (unilateral) and simultaneously in both (bilateral). The nodular or local type of mastopathy develops mainly as one-sided.

Causes of pathology

The main cause of fibrous mastopathy is an imbalance of sex hormones. The mammary glands are classified as target organs, which are actively affected by hormones, causing tissue modifications. This process begins immediately after the onset of puberty, when the gland begins to increase in size. It continues until the onset of pregnancy and the start of breastfeeding.

If, as a result of external or internal factors, an imbalance of hormones occurs, then pathological changes can occur in the tissues of the mammary glands in a year, as a result of which fibrous and cystic formations develop. Fibrous mastopathy after 60 years is characterized by a sharp increase in the release of estrogen and a drop in the level of progesterone in the blood.

Hormonal imbalances can be caused by:

• chronic fatigue and stress;
• pregnancy and childbirth;
• inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system;
• chronic liver diseases;
• diseases of the endocrine glands;
• irregular sex life;
• frequent childbirth or refusal to have children;
• abortions;
• breast injury;
• heredity;
• bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol;
• abuse of sunbathing with exposed mammary glands;
• infections and others.

In general, fibrous mastopathy is an occasion to reconsider your lifestyle, daily routine and nutrition. This is a bell that the body lives at the limit of loads.

Symptoms of fibrous mastopathy

At the first stage pathological changes in the connective tissue of the mammary glands, the disease does not manifest itself at the physical level. It is necessary to be alert when there is an increasing feeling of discomfort in the chest.

The main symptoms of the disease include:

1. Pain in the chest that worsens during the premenstrual period. Sometimes it occurs with an awkward movement or touch, in severe cases it even causes pain. soft fabric bra. It happens that she gives in the shoulder blade.
2. There is a feeling of fullness in the chest due to swelling caused by overgrown tissue.
3. When pressed, a clear or yellowish liquid is released from the nipples.

In young women, diffuse mastopathy is more common, which tends to manifest itself differently in different phases of the menstrual cycle. Pain and swelling increase in the premenstrual period, when there is an increased release of estrogen and become dull after menstruation. Nodular forms also depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle, they either increase in size or decrease. This applies to the main diagnostic features fibrous mastopathy.

Diagnosis of the disease

If disturbing symptoms appear, a woman after 60 years of age should contact a specialized specialist - a mammologist.

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Diagnosis of the disease includes:

1. Visual examination by a doctor.
2. Mammography.
3. Ultrasonography.
4. Biopsy of affected tissues.

Visual inspection is best done 7 days after last day menstruation, with a calm hormonal background. The specialist evaluates the condition of the mammary glands according to such indicators as:

• symmetry of the breasts;
• appearance skin;
• contour and relief of the mammary gland;
• bulge of the nipples;
• condition of the axillary lymph nodes.

Inspection

It is carried out in a standing position, with arms raised up. The doctor palpates the mammary gland, highlighting areas of compaction and nodules. If the condition of the axillary lymph nodes does not cause concern - they are soft and elastic to the touch, no more than 1 cm in size, then fatty fibrous mastopathy is preliminarily diagnosed.

Mammography

Visual inspection is not a 100% basis for a definitive diagnosis. The woman is heading for a mammogram. This is one of the varieties of X-ray diagnostics. In the pictures, the mammologist sees changes in the structure of the connective tissue and glandular epithelium and can assess their nature - heterogeneous, stranded, with areas of foci and cystic inclusions. If in doubt, a tissue biopsy procedure is prescribed, which is carried out under ultrasound control. If there is a discharge from the nipple, then ductography is indicative, which helps to detect deformations of the milk ducts and small cysts.

ultrasound

Ultrasound is also the gold standard. It is carried out immediately after the end of menstruation. During the diagnosis, small cysts can be seen that are not palpable on palpation. Also on ultrasound, you can carefully examine the condition of the lymph nodes.

Other diagnostic methods used are: lymphography, mammography with a contrast agent (diodon, sergodin), radioisotope diagnostics, thermography.

For the final assessment of the nature of neoplasms (benign or malignant), a blood test is taken for the presence of a specific marker CA 15-3.

After the diagnosis is established - fibrous mastopathy, the woman is prescribed appropriate treatment. If fibrotic changes are small, then treatment is not prescribed. The patient is registered and a mammologist once every 6 months conducts a diagnostic examination of the state of the mammary glands.

Methods of treatment of fibrous mastopathy

The choice of treatment methods is directly related to the stage of development of the disease. The most commonly used conservative treatment medicines. Its basis is the stabilization of the hormonal background, which led to the development of pathology. There are currently two groups pharmacological preparations, which allow you to normalize the level of sex hormones and their balance in the blood serum:

• oral contraceptives;
• sex hormone substitutes.

For the treatment of fibrous mastopathy, drugs with derivatives of progesterone, gestagens, testosterone, estrogen-gestogenic drugs, antiprolactin complexes, antiestrogens are used.

Hormonal drugs

Assign small courses, under the constant supervision of the attending physician. Their systemic use is effective only in complex cases of the disease. Hormonal drugs cannot be prescribed and canceled on their own, this is fraught with serious consequences, up to the development of an oncological process. They have many side effects - a change in the timbre of the voice, weight gain, male-type hair, menstrual irregularities.

hormone therapy

Appointed in combination with others medicinal substances- immunomodulators, vitamin complexes, herbal remedies, sedatives, iodine preparations.

Much attention is paid to the treatment of concomitant pathologies - gynecological, nervous and endocrine, as well as liver diseases.

If nodular fibromatous mastopathy is not treatable, and fibrocystic formations increase, it is prescribed surgical treatment. The surgeon removes the affected sector of the mammary gland, directing the tissue for histological examination. The operation is gentle, after it no noticeable cosmetic defects are formed.

Therapeutic diet

Treatment of fibrous mastopathy after 60 years requires adherence to certain nutritional rules. There is a pattern between the consumption of high-calorie foods and hormonal imbalance. Estrogen production is enhanced by fatty (animal fat) dishes and red meat. It is necessary to switch to a low-calorie type of nutrition, which is based on vegetable fiber, legumes and whole grain cereals. A large amount of vegetables and greens in the diet will help normalize estrogen levels and reduce hormonal stimulation of the mammary glands.

Nutrition during treatment should be varied. The diet should include seasonal fruits, vegetable fats. It is especially useful to eat seeds and nuts - sources of healthy fats and trace elements.

It is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamins A, C and E daily:

• Vitamin A has antiestrogenic properties, inhibits the growth of the connective tissue of the mammary gland, and normalizes the level of prolactin.
• Vitamin E affects the production of progesterone.
• Vitamin C increases the body's defenses and prevents tumors from degenerating into malignant ones.

Doctors advise limiting the intake of table salt, especially in the premenstrual phase of the cycle, when fluid is retained in the body. This will reduce pain in the chest and get rid of the feeling of fullness.

If you are reading these lines, we can conclude that all your attempts to combat chest pain were unsuccessful ... Have you even read something about medicines designed to defeat the infection? And this is not surprising, because mastopathy can be deadly for a person - it can develop very quickly.

• Frequent chest pain
• Discomfort
• experiences
• Allocations
• Skin changes

Surely you know these symptoms firsthand. But is it possible to defeat the infection and not harm yourself at the same time? Read the article about effective, modern ways to effectively deal with mastopathy and not only... Read the article…

Fibrous mastopathy after 60 years of age needs to follow preventive measures - it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, follow a diet, normalize sex life and, of course, undergo preventive examinations and follow all doctor's orders.

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2018 Women's Health Blog.

Transferred SARS, polluted ecology at the place of residence, harmful working conditions and other negative factors can cause fibrotic changes in the lungs. What is it - the concept of pulmonary fibrosis stands for an irreversible change in healthy lung tissue into scar tissue, which makes it difficult for the respiratory function of the organ.

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis

The development of fibrotic changes is characterized by a loss of elasticity of the walls of the alveoli, which disrupts the circulation of oxygen and other metabolic processes in the lungs. The mechanism of replacement of normal tissue with connective tissue, coarser in structure, is launched.

The resulting connective (scar) tissue in the lungs is called fibrous.

Observing one or a combination of these symptoms for a long time period, it is necessary to undergo medical examination, because an advanced form of the disease can lead to disability and, even worse, to death.

The danger of the disease lies in the absence of symptoms at an early stage of the disease or with a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bdamage to the respiratory system. Signs of misconduct respiratory system appear at the stage of progression of fibrosis. The symptoms of fibrosis are:

• chest pain, wheezing;
• cough not associated with a cold, at first dry, then with viscous sputum;
• shortness of breath during physical exertion, and later - in a calm state;
• tachycardia;
• swelling of the extremities;
• pallor or cyanosis of the skin;
• decrease in tone and ability to work;
• increased sweating.

Types of fibrous changes in lung tissue

Depending on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdistribution, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:

• unilateral fibrosis, when one lung is affected;
• bilateral- both sides of the organ are affected;
• focal(local) - damaged area of ​​lung tissue (focus);
• diffuse- the most serious case, in which there is extensive damage to both lungs.

Localization of fibrosis in the lungs determines the following classification:

• fibrosis of the roots of the lungs;
• root damage to the respiratory system;
• apical when connective tissue grows in the upper part of the lungs.

Depending on the severity, fibrotic changes are divided into:

• pneumofibrosis- moderate presence of connective tissue in the lungs;
• pneumosclerosis- lung compaction is observed due to volumetric replacement of healthy tissue by scar and connective tissue;
• cirrhosis- the most severe option, when healthy tissue is totally replaced by connective tissue with concomitant damage to blood vessels and bronchi.

A classification is also introduced according to the causes of the disease:

• idiopathic fibrosis - difficult to diagnose and treat, since it is impossible to establish the source of the disease;
• interstitial- a broad category of disease, which is based on specific negative factors.

Past respiratory disease can cause linear pulmonary fibrosis.

Causes of pulmonary fibrosis

The proliferation of connective tissue can cause the following reasons:

According to statistics, about half of the reported cases of fibrotic changes are idiopathic in nature.

Methods for diagnosing fibrotic changes

Diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis is a laborious process that includes a comprehensive examination of the patient. To exclude diseases with similar symptoms, the following methods are used:

Diagnostics is carried out in several stages.

Only after a thorough examination, treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of fibrotic lung disease

progression of fibrotic changes affect well-being, quality and life expectancy. Yes, the process of replacing the elastic tissue of the lung with coarse cicatricial tissue is irreversible and it will not be possible to cure the pathology. However, all actions should be aimed at suspension pathological process, otherwise the result of an indifferent attitude towards oneself may be cancer or a complete failure of the respiratory system.

Lung cancer is diagnosed in patients with fibrosis 12 times more often than in people with a healthy respiratory system.

First of all, it is necessary to show the will, giving up bad habits, and step back from external negative influences that caused the development of fibrosis. medical practice uses drug treatment pharmaceutical products in conjunction with physiotherapeutic procedures, and only in severe cases is surgery prescribed.

Medications include glucocorticosteroids (eg. Prednisolin), cytostatics ( Cyclophosphamide or Azathioprine) and an antifibrotic agent ( Veroshpiron). Treatment with this complex gives positive dynamics, however, due to possible side effects, you should regularly undergo an examination with your doctor.

Physiotherapy extends to procedures such as oxygen therapy and breathing exercises. These methods contribute to an increase in lung volume, improve air and blood circulation in the lung tissue.

Extensive areas of affected tissue require surgical intervention. Partial removal of the modified lung is successfully applied both on the left and on the right. In total fibrosis with loss of respiratory function, lung transplantation is recommended, after which patients live, according to data, for at least 5 years.

Traditional medicine for fibrosis

After diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis how to treat it- the main question of the patient. The skepticism of traditional medicine towards the treatment of folk remedies is understandable, but there are still several recipes for improving the condition with such a complex pathology.

Measures to prevent fibrotic changes in the lungs

It is not always possible to avoid fibrotic changes in the lung tissue, but it is possible to reduce the risk of developing this disease thanks to preventive measures:

• when working in hazardous conditions, remember the precautions and means of protection against dust and toxins;
• do not forget about walking for at least 30 minutes;
• moderate physical exercise increase the volume of the lungs and contribute to the saturation of tissues with oxygen;
• you can use some medicines, including antiarrhythmic ones, without damage to health for a limited time period, after which a break is required;
• periodic examination is necessary after suffering pneumonia or tuberculosis;
• Finally, quit smoking.

Fibrosis of the lungs is not a sentence, a sensitive attitude to one's condition will reveal such a serious illness. Modern medicine is able to reduce the damage caused to health and improve the quality of life of a person diagnosed with fibrotic changes.

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The diagnosis of "pulmonary fibrosis" for many patients means the beginning of a difficult struggle with the disease, requiring great effort.

How dangerous is this disease, is it really that effective medicine from it is not invented, and what is the life expectancy with this disease - these questions concern the patient in the first place.

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Life expectancy at different stages of the disease

Pulmonary fibrosis has several stages and forms of flow, which directly affect the prognosis of the disease, quality and life expectancy. Doctors tend to divide the disease into early and late stages, in which the symptoms present differ in intensity.

• The early stage is characterized by a slight deterioration in the general well-being of a person. Most often, respiratory failure of the first or second degree is diagnosed, the patient complains of shortness of breath, prolonged weakness and apathy, night sweats, pain in the joints in the morning. Laboratory research show small changes in the composition of the blood, changes are clearly visible on x-rays of the lungs.
• The late stage is manifested by severe, prolonged shortness of breath, increased respiratory failure to the third or fourth degree. There is cyanosis of the skin, the mucous membranes acquire a bluish-ashy color. Changes in the shape of the fingers increase, the nails become convex, the fingers resemble drumsticks in shape.

Fibrosis, depending on the course and duration of the disease, is divided into chronic and acute.

• The acute type of the disease develops rapidly, complicated by hypoxemic coma, and acute respiratory failure, which lead to death;
• the chronic form has a slow course, gradually reducing the duration of activity. This form of the disease is divided into: aggressive, focal, slowly progressive and persistent.

The increase in symptoms in the aggressive type of chronic pulmonary fibrosis is much slower than in acute form diseases. Persistent chronic fibrosis is characterized by a gradual, continuous increase in the intensity of symptoms. The most gradual development of the disease is observed with slowly progressive chronic fibrosis.

In what cases is an unfavorable outcome possible?

• The acute form is relatively rare, in only twenty percent of patients. It is characterized by a sudden onset with rapidly increasing symptoms. The degrees of respiratory failure quickly replace each other, the patient suffers from severe shortness of breath. Acute progressive fibrosis is practically untreatable conservative therapy, the patient dies after a couple of months.
• Chronic fibrosis of an aggressive form sharply reduces the duration of the necessary movements and leads the patient to death within a year, with conservative treatment. Shortness of breath and heart failure aggravate the patient's condition, since the symmetrical growth of fibrous tissue in the lungs cannot be controlled by the administration of drugs.

Chronic persistent pulmonary fibrosis allows a patient with a similar diagnosis to live no more than three to five years.

Surgical treatment, lung transplantation in this pathology in half of the cases gives the patient a chance to continue life. Statistics show that timely surgery helps to extend the duration of activity by about five years.

weight loss, subfebrile temperature point to serious problems in the lungs. For the timely organization of therapeutic events, find out how the early one is carried out.

Working in a factory with constantly polluted air can lead to the development of silicosis. on measures to prevent this disease.

In what cases is a favorable outcome possible?

slowly progressive chronic illness characterized by a fairly smooth, prolonged development of the disease. The patient, with adequate treatment and the absence of comorbidities of cardio-vascular system may live ten or more years.

Doctors can give a favorable prognosis when diagnosing focal fibrosis in a patient. If the disease does not progress, then symptoms that worsen the quality and life expectancy and lead to the death of the patient are not observed.

How to improve the condition and prognosis of life

Therapeutic measures in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis are aimed at restoring normal breathing and gas exchange, stopping the pathological process of growths of fibrous formations and stabilizing disorders associated with the respiratory system. Methods are divided into:

• drug therapy;
• non-drug therapy;
• rehabilitation measures;
• surgery.

The main goal of drug therapy is to reduce the formation of growths in the lungs and increase life expectancy. The cessation of the pathological process gives hope to patients, since concomitant therapy for disorders of the heart and respiratory system has only an auxiliary effect.

Since the drugs used to treat fibrosis have a negative effect on the body, reducing immunity, patients are prescribed annual influenza vaccination, and it is also recommended to administer the pneumococcal vaccine once every five years. The treatment is long, carried out under the obligatory regular supervision of a physician.

Non-drug treatment includes oxygen therapy, which is carried out both in a hospital and outpatient setting. Inhalation of oxygen allows to normalize gas exchange, reduces shortness of breath and allows you to increase physical activity. As prescribed by the doctor, plasmaphoresis and hemosorption are performed.

Rehabilitation measures are needed to prevent metabolic disorders associated with the disease. To improve the quality and duration of life help:

• Therapeutic exercise, walking and jogging in the fresh air;
• sleep in the open air is especially recommended for pulmonary fibrosis, as is being in nature;
• - one of the most powerful restorative agents for pulmonary diseases;
• high-quality, nutritious nutrition, excluding the use of products that contain preservatives and chemicals. The body must be supported, nutrition should be sparing, light, high-calorie and rich in vitamins;
• reception of various vitamin complexes recommended by the doctor.

Unfortunately, this is a serious disease, which in most cases leads to the death of the patient. But compliance medical advice, the desire to stop the disease, the desire to increase life expectancy, become the factors that help a person in the fight against a serious illness.

The video shows a set of 13 breathing exercises.

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Fibrosis is a disease that is manifested by accelerated collagen synthesis and the appearance of connective tissue. More often fibrosis is observed in the mammary gland, liver, lungs, prostate gland. The cause of fibrosis is a chronic inflammatory process, so the body tries to isolate the focus.

Types and causes of pulmonary fibrosis

Due to the replacement of healthy cells with connective tissue, there is a decrease in their elasticity. This prevents the flow of oxygen into the circulatory system and complicates the work of the lungs and blood vessels. The walls of the pulmonary vesicles cease to stretch during inhalation, and subside during exhalation.

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the rapid replacement of healthy cells with scar tissue. When spreading, the pathology affects the bronchi, lymphatic and blood vessels sometimes adjoining organs.

According to the affected area, fibrosis is divided into the following types:

Local fibrosis is a consequence of the growth of scar tissue as a result of dystrophy or inflammation. In this case, a small area is affected. The lung tissue is denser and the volume of the lung is smaller. Changes do not affect gas exchange. A person may not notice the disease.

With diffuse fibrosis, the organ becomes dense and smaller in size. The gas exchange process is disrupted. There are many collagen fibers in the affected area, microcysts appear.

Depending on how the connective tissue grows, there are:

The pathological process is irreversible, doctors can only reduce the manifestation of symptoms, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.

Experts identify the following causes of fibrosis:

Sometimes doctors cannot determine the exact cause of the disease. Then the disease is classified as idiopathic fibrosis. It is believed that it occurs after damage to the epithelium of the alveoli, due to smoking, viral infections, chronic aspiration, hereditary predisposition.

Signs and diagnosis of the disease

It is rather difficult to diagnose pathology at the initial stage, since the disease during this period does not have specific symptoms or they do not cause concern to the patient. Vivid manifestations of the disease are observed only in 20% of patients. The first signs of fibrosis include cough and shortness of breath. The cough is dry, gradually turns to wet and becomes more frequent. Shortness of breath is noted at first only during physical exertion, with the progression of the disease it is observed at rest.

Signs of pulmonary fibrosis are:

• slight hyperthermia;
• development of lung diseases;
• symptoms of heart failure;
• breathing is rapid and shallow;
• fingers and oral mucosa become cyanotic.

The last symptom occurs in the later stages of the disease. In severe cases, the disease can spread to other organs, most often the heart. Thickening of the fingers may occur, the nail plate becomes convex. The veins in the neck increase, and swelling of the extremities is observed.

In the absence of adequate therapy, pathology can contribute to the appearance of emphysema, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and cancer.

When making a diagnosis, the doctor takes into account clinical, laboratory, radiological data. In order to understand how impaired the activity of the lungs, tests are carried out that measure the force of exhalation, blood oxygen saturation, and lung activity during exercise.

For the diagnosis of fibrosis, radiological methods are also used:

A biopsy of the affected organ may be required. Bronchoscopy allows you to examine lung tissue, and determine the percentage of damage.

Treatment of the disease

First of all, it is necessary to exclude the provoking factor. So, if the cause of the disease is being in a hazardous occupation, then it is necessary to change jobs. In the presence of inflammatory diseases respiratory system or pathological proliferation of scar tissue throughout the body, the primary pathology is eliminated.

The goal of therapy is to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Conservative treatment gives a result only in the first stages of the course of the disease.

Appointed:

• taking medications;
• oxygen therapy;
• breathing exercises;
• salt-free diet.

In drug therapy, steroid drugs are effective, which eliminate the symptoms of the disease. A course of bronchodilators, mucolytics, glucocorticosteroids is needed. If to fibrous bands bronchitis or pneumonia has joined in the lungs, then a course of antibiotics is required. To prevent heart failure, the patient is forced to take cardiac glycosides. Vitamin therapy is prescribed to maintain immunity.

Medicines have side effects, therefore, must be prescribed by a doctor and taken strictly in the indicated dosage.

If conservative treatment does not lead to relief of the patient's condition, then they resort to surgical intervention. It is possible to remove a non-functioning area of ​​the lung. In extreme cases, an organ transplant is performed.

Massage can help relieve cough symptoms. It strengthens muscles, enhances blood and lymph flow, improves drainage function. At a severe stage, massage is contraindicated. Oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, helps reduce shortness of breath and improve overall condition. The therapy can be carried out at home.

Breathing exercises improve blood circulation, normalize pulmonary ventilation, and prevent blood stasis. Exercises are done on abdominal, thoracic and full breathing. Moderate exercise is beneficial. Doctors recommend anaerobic outdoor activity, such as running, cycling, or walking.

Prevention of pulmonary fibrosis consists of such points as:

• to give up smoking;
• application individual funds protection when working in dusty areas;
• timely treatment of respiratory diseases;
• when taking medications that can lead to the development of the disease, periodically monitor the condition of the lungs.

Fibrous bands in the lungs are cicatricial changes that can appear as a result of a cold with signs of pneumonia. If no other pathologies are found in the lungs and there are no breathing problems, then treatment is not required.

Age-related changes in the breast occur in every woman. Most often, involutive restructuring includes fibrosis of mammary gland tissues: a benign process does not adversely affect a woman's health, but can cause unpleasant manifestations and symptoms. It is necessary to be observed by a doctor, following the prescribed diagnostic studies: in most cases it is not necessary to treat or use surgical methods therapy.

What is breast fibrosis

Anatomically, the mammary gland is a glandular and adipose tissue that is held together by Cooper ligaments (connective tissue structures that act as a framework).

Fibrosis of the mammary glands is a natural involutive process during which the glandular tissue in the form of milk lobules is replaced by connective tissue strands and fibrous structures. Normally, every woman has a moderate involution, which does not adversely affect the mammary glands.

Severe fibrosis in women can cause pain and discomfort, therefore, in each case, it is necessary to seek help and perform the studies prescribed by the doctor. Depending on the results of the diagnosis and the identified problems, the following 2 main variants of the pathology are distinguished:

1. Local (focal);
2. diffuse fibrosis.

When performing a mammogram, the doctor can determine the following types of disease:

• linear;
• periductal;
• perivascular;
• stromal;
• heavy.

Symptoms may be absent - not always the manifestations of involutive processes bother a woman. Often, breast fibrosis is detected by chance during preventive mammography, which must be done at least 1 time in 2 years.

Local (focal) breast fibrosis - what is it

Any dense formation in the breast indicates a high risk of oncology. The focus of fibrosis is a nodular neoplasm of a benign nature, but this can only be found out after a complete examination.

Localized fibrosis is a limited local process in the mammary gland, which can become the basis of malignant degeneration: the doctor knows what the tumor looks like, what the node is dangerous for, and what are the differences between fibrosis and cancer. You should contact a specialist if you experience the following symptoms:

• detection in the chest of a dense nodule of any size;
• painlessness of education;
• node mobility;
• breast deformity.

After the examination, the doctor can identify the following types of pathology:

• fibrosis;
• single cyst;
• polycystic node;

Diffuse fibrosis of the mammary gland

The most favorable variant of age-related changes is a diffuse distribution of connective tissue structures throughout the mammary gland. The absence of nodes and tumor-like formations provides a low risk of oncology: diffuse fibrosis rarely causes malignancy, but can provoke the following unpleasant symptoms:

• pulling sensations in the chest;
• diffuse pain in the mammary glands (without specifying a specific location);
• tissue engorgement before critical days;
• irregularity of tissues on palpation;
• change in the shape of the breast.

After the examination and exclusion of oncology, it is important to continue monitoring with the doctor, visiting a specialist at least once a year.

Linear fibrosis of the breast

Examination for pathology of the mammary glands includes the following studies:

1. Ultrasonic scanning;
2. aspiration biopsy;
3. Tomography (MRI according to indications).

With the help of mammography, a linear variant of fibrosis can be detected, which looks like a variety of thin lines on the pictures, and affects the following:

• interlobular spaces;
• intralobular spaces;
• intraductal structures.

Linear fibrosis of the mammary glands is a favorable type of changes in the breast, requiring observation and symptomatic therapy.

Periductal and perivascular fibrosis - what is it

In addition to adipose tissue and the connective tissue framework, the milk lobules are the basis of the breast, tissue fibrosis around which leads to a periductal type of fibrosis. The vascular network in the mammary glands provides tissue nutrition: the deposition of fibrous tissue around the arteries and veins leads to the formation of perivascular fibrosis of the mammary glands.

Both options are relatively safe types of involutive changes that do not require surgery or the use of aggressive methods of treatment.

Stromal fibrosis

A typical variant of the age-related restructuring of the mammary glands in menopausal women is the predominance of fibrous structures over glandular and adipose tissue. Stroma is a shorthand for all anatomical structures in the breast that do not secrete milk. Stromal fibrosis is a structural redistribution of tissues due to menopausal changes (the stroma is much larger, there are very few milk lobules), which requires preventive monitoring by a specialist.

Severe fibrosis of the breast

A rare variant of the distribution of fibrous structures is stellate or striatal fibrosis. With this type of changes in the mammary glands, the doctor sees radially divergent rays of fibrous tissue on mammographic images. The provoking factors for the formation of strands include:

1. medical or cosmetic surgery;
2. Radiotherapy (after radiation therapy);
3. Post-traumatic changes;

Pronounced and coarse connective tissue strands are a protective reaction of breast tissues to any type of damage.

It is not necessary to treat or operate on severe fibrosis: it is quite enough to visit the doctor regularly for preventive purposes.

Fibrosis of the mammary gland - ultrasound

With the help of ultrasound scanning, you can assess the condition of the mammary glands and make a preliminary diagnosis. Common signs of fibrosis on ultrasound include:

1. Reducing the amount of glandular tissue and fatty lobules;
2. Thickening of the Cooper ligaments with the formation of fibrous cords;
3. Detection of interlobular linear structures.

Ultrasound will help to identify the first signs of involutive changes, but an accurate diagnosis can be made on the basis of x-rays and biopsy. In difficult cases and according to indications, the doctor will prescribe magnetic resonance imaging, with which you can confidently exclude or confirm breast cancer.

Treatment of breast fibrosis

For each woman who has fibrosis in the breast, the treatment is selected individually. Indications for surgical intervention are:

1. Focal fibrosis with a high risk of malignancy;
2. Inability to exclude breast cancer;
3. Breast deformity requiring cosmetic surgery.

With diffuse and involutive variants with a minimal risk of oncology, the doctor will advise the following types of correction:

• diet with restriction of fats and carbohydrates;
• weight loss;
• rejection of bad habits;
• soothing therapy;
• treatment of common diseases of internal organs.

Hormone therapy is used extremely rarely - indications for taking serious drugs can be endocrine disorders that provoke changes in the breast, or a cystic type of mastopathy, detected against the background of fibrosis of the mammary glands.

Folk remedies for the treatment of breast fibrosis

For symptomatic therapy can be used folk remedies, which solve the following problems using safe and affordable methods:

1. Elimination of pain;
2. Correction of hormonal balance;
3. Increased immune defense;
4. Sedative (calming) effect.

It is optimal to use an integrated approach to treatment, using local effects on breast tissues (compresses, ointments) and general therapy with herbal infusions and plant-based tablets. Treating fibrosis of the mammary glands with non-traditional methods should be after examination by a doctor and exclusion of oncology. It is important to remember that folk remedies will not remove the fibrous node and will not save the woman from the risk of a malignant tumor, so you should regularly consult a doctor for a preventive examination.

Hello. During mammography, I was found to have involutive changes in the mammary glands with fibrosis. How dangerous is this and what should be done to avoid surgery? Anastasia, 51 years old.

Hello Anastasia. Involution is a natural age-related changes in the breast, in which the glandular tissue is replaced by fibrous and fatty tissue. Do not be afraid - diffuse fibrosis is not life-threatening and does not require surgery. If a focal form (a node in the chest) is detected, a complete examination should be carried out in order to exclude a dangerous pathology. It is necessary to contact a specialist (mammologist, surgeon) with pictures in order to receive the necessary recommendations on lifestyle, nutrition and the use of preventive treatment.

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