Fibrosis of the breast means excessive proliferation of connective tissue in the structure of the gland. The cause of fibrosis, as well as other diseases of the mammary glands, is primarily considered a hormonal imbalance. It is known that an elevated level of estrogen not only promotes the proliferation of glandular cells, but also causes fibroblast activity. Namely, these cells form a connective tissue.
Varieties of breast fibrosis
The areas of proliferation of fibrous tissue in the gland may be different in location. But this does not have a significant effect on treatment tactics. Local breast fibrosis is the initial stage of the disease, which can later progress to more common forms. Up to diffuse fibrosis of the breast, which is accompanied by the defeat of the entire thickness of the gland.
Peripheral fibrosis of the mammary gland is said to occur when the proliferation of connective tissue around the milk ducts is observed. At the same time, due to the pulling of the ducts by the fibrous tissue, their cystic transformation is quite likely. Linear fibrosis of the breast with ultrasound of the breast is the areas of compaction along the walls of ducts, interlobular septa and ligaments of the gland.
But focal fibrosis of the breast is often necessary to differentiate from a malignant neoplasm. Often to clarify the diagnosis, a puncture biopsy is necessary.
Clinical manifestations of mammary fibrosis
Among the symptoms of breast fibrosis, the presence of densification is primarily a concern. Usually it is with this complaint that the campaign to the doctor is connected. But if the fibrous formation is located deeper, in the thickness of the gland, then it can not be probed. Also, a significant sense of discomfort is caused by a feeling of heaviness and pain in the gland in the middle of the menstrual cycle. And even mild fibrosis of the breast can cause severe discomfort in the glands in the premenstrual period.
Treatment of breast fibrosis
Treatment of fibrosis involves conservative therapy and surgical intervention. Tactics for the treatment of breast fibrosis will depend on the following circumstances:
- localization and prevalence of the process;
- the cause of the disease;
- individual physiological characteristics of the organism.
As a conservative therapy, it is advisable to use the following medicines:
- hormonal preparations with the purpose of correction of the arisen disturbances;
- painkillers;
- homeopathic preparations that promote the normalization of the hormonal background;
- decongestant (diuretic) drugs;
- drugs, a direction to stabilize psychological balance and have a calming effect;
- hepatoprotectors for the normalization of liver function;
- multivitamin complexes.
It should be noted that the treatment of focal breast fibrosis should not begin with hormonal drugs.
Compliance with dietary recommendations plays an important role. A decrease in the main symptoms of fibrosis of the breast stroma in the premenstrual period was noted with the exception of coffee, strong tea, chocolate and cocoa from the diet. These drinks contain a large amount of methylxanthines, which stimulate the formation of fibrous tissue.
Surgical treatment of diffuse and localized fibrosis of the breast is rarely used. Typically, surgery is appropriate for the purpose of removing individual nodes, in the presence of cosmetic defects, as well as in case of suspected malignant process.