Mammalogy: diseases — симптомы, диагностика и лечение

A breast cyst is a round formation filled with fluid. This is one of the most common findings during breast ultrasound in women 35–50 years old: cysts are formed due to dilation of the ducts under the influence of fluctuations in hormone levels. They can be single or multiple, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters, sometimes enlarge and become painful before menstruation, and often disappear after menopause. Simple cysts are benign and do not turn into cancer. However, any new lump in the breast should be shown to a doctor: only an ultrasound can distinguish a cyst from a solid tumor and determine whether additional diagnostics are needed.

Lactostasis is stagnation of milk in the breast area of ​​a nursing woman. It occurs when milk is removed from part of the lobules worse than it is produced: due to improper attachment, missed feedings, pressure from tight underwear or excess milk production. The tissue around the ducts swells, painful compaction appears, and sometimes redness. The state of health usually does not suffer much, and if the temperature rises, it does not last long. Without the right measures, stagnation can turn into mastitis and abscess. The main thing is to continue to feed, gently relieve the swelling and do not knead the breast with force. In most cases, lactostasis goes away in 1–2 days.

Hypogalactia is insufficient production of breast milk. It is important to understand: true hypogalactia is rare; more often, a woman only thinks that there is not enough milk. Causes for concern include soft breasts, lack of hot flashes, the baby being restless at the breast, or a small volume when pumping - but none of these signs reflect the actual amount of milk. Lactation works on the principle of supply and demand: the more often and effectively the baby suckles, the more milk is produced. Therefore, the main help is to establish attachment and frequency of feedings. Adequacy is assessed by two objective criteria: weight gain and number of urinations.

Mastalgia is pain, heaviness or painful sensitivity of the mammary glands. This is one of the most common reasons for visiting a mammologist. Most often, the pain is cyclical: it increases in the second half of the cycle under the influence of sex hormones and disappears with the onset of menstruation. Non-cyclical pain does not depend on the cycle and can be associated with cysts, inflammation, sprains or taking hormonal drugs. Sometimes it’s not the gland that hurts, but the chest wall—the muscles, ribs, cartilage. Isolated pain is rarely a sign of cancer, but persistent local pain, thickening or skin changes require evaluation. A correct diagnosis allows you to calm down and find relief.

Cracked nipples are painful sores and abrasions on the nipple and areola that most often appear in the first weeks of breastfeeding. The main reason is not sensitive skin or frequent feedings, but an incorrect latch on the breast: when the baby takes only the nipple, and not a significant part of the areola, the tissue is injured with each suck. Less commonly, a short frenulum of the baby’s tongue, incorrect weaning, excessive hygiene and a fungal infection play a role. The cracks heal well when the attachment is corrected, and it is usually not necessary to stop feeding - in most cases this only worsens the situation.

Mastopathy is the collective name for benign changes in breast tissue: proliferation of connective tissue, formation of small cysts, engorgement and pain. This is a very common condition, and the main thing you need to know is that mastopathy itself is not a precancer and does not turn into cancer. However, it makes the breasts “uneven” to the touch, and against this background it is easier to miss a truly significant formation - so regular examination is important.