GALACTOCELE
Definition:
- Galactocele is a milk retention cyst that occurs in lactating women due to obstruction of the milk ducts.
Types:
- Lactational galactocele: the most common type, which occurs due to milk duct obstruction during lactation.
- Non-lactational galactocele: less common, which may occur in non-puerperal women due to trauma or ductal obstruction.
Causes:
- Obstruction of milk ducts
- Intraductal papilloma or tumor
- Trauma to the breast
Clinical Features:
- A palpable, fluctuant mass in the breast
- The mass is usually painless
- May be tender if the cyst becomes infected
- Nipple discharge may be present
Imaging Findings on Ultrasound:
- A well-defined hypoechoic mass is seen in the breast
- The mass may have a thin wall
- Milk can be seen within the cyst
Aspiration as Treatment:
- Aspiration of the cyst under sterile conditions
- The cyst is usually drained by inserting a needle into the cyst
- The contents of the cyst are aspirated with a syringe
- The cyst is then irrigated with saline
Homeopathic Treatment as Supportive Care:
- Arnica montana: for pain and inflammation
- Belladonna: for inflammation and redness
- Bryonia: for pain and inflammation
- Carcinosin: for cancerous growths
- Calcarea phosphorica: for galactocele in lactating women
- Lycopodium: for galactocele in non-lactating women
- Phytolacca: for inflammation and pain