Fibroadenosis and Fibrocystic Disease
Definition
- Fibroadenosis: It is a non-neoplastic, benign condition characterized by the proliferation of fibrous tissue and cystic changes in the breast.
- Fibrocystic disease: Also known as fibrocystic breast changes, it is a common condition in which breast tissue becomes dense, lumpy, or rope-like, and may be painful.
Difference between Both Conditions
- Fibroadenosis is a benign proliferation of fibrous tissue, whereas fibrocystic disease is characterized by cystic changes in the breast tissue.
- Fibroadenosis is more common in younger women, while fibrocystic disease occurs in women of all ages.
Hormonal Etiopathogenesis
- Estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in the development of fibroadenosis and fibrocystic disease.
- Fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy can trigger the development of these conditions.
- The exact mechanism is not clear, but it is believed that hormonal changes lead to the proliferation of fibrous tissue and cystic changes in the breast.
Clinical Features
- Pain: Breast pain is a common symptom of fibroadenosis and fibrocystic disease.
- Nodularity: The breast tissue becomes lumpy or rope-like, making it difficult to distinguish between cysts and normal breast tissue.
- Lump: A palpable lump or mass may be present, which can be tender to the touch.
- Breast tenderness: The breast may feel tender or sore to the touch.
Investigations
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a popular imaging modality for diagnosing fibroadenosis and fibrocystic disease.
- Mammography: Mammography is also used to diagnose these conditions, but it may not be as effective as ultrasound.
- Clinical examination: A thorough clinical examination is necessary to diagnose these conditions.
Management
- Reassurance: In many cases, no specific treatment is required, and reassurance is sufficient.
- Medical care: Pain relief medication and hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies such as Belladonna, Pulsatilla, and Calcarea carbonica may be effective in managing symptoms.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines
- Belladonna: For breast pain and tenderness.
- Pulsatilla: For breast pain and nodularity.
- Calcarea carbonica: For breast pain and cystic changes.
Complications
- Breast cancer: Although rare, breast cancer may occur in women with fibroadenosis and fibrocystic disease.
- Breast infection: Infection of the breast tissue may occur, leading to abscess formation.
- Breast trauma: Trauma to the breast tissue may occur, leading to pain and swelling.
Treatment
- No specific treatment is required for fibroadenosis and fibrocystic disease.
- Pain relief medication and hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
Important Points
- Fibroadenosis and fibrocystic disease are benign conditions.
- Hormonal fluctuations play a crucial role in the development of these conditions.
- Ultrasound and mammography are effective imaging modalities for diagnosing these conditions.
- Homeopathic remedies may be effective in managing symptoms.
- Breast cancer and breast infection are rare complications of these conditions.