MASTALGIA

Mastalgia

Definition

Mastalgia refers to pain or discomfort in the breast tissue. It is a common condition that affects many women.

Types

Cyclical Mastalgia

• Definition: Cyclical mastalgia is a type of mastalgia that is associated with the menstrual cycle.
• Causes: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle.
• Clinical Features:
  • Breast tenderness and pain
  • Breast swelling
  • Breast lumpiness
  • Nipple tenderness
• Investigations: Hormone levels, breast ultrasound

Non-Cyclical Mastalgia

• Definition: Non-cyclical mastalgia is a type of mastalgia that is not associated with the menstrual cycle.
• Causes: Fibrocystic changes, hormonal imbalances, stress, trauma.
• Clinical Features:
  • Breast pain
  • Breast lumpiness
  • Breast swelling
  • Nipple tenderness
• Investigations: Hormone levels, breast ultrasound, mammography

Relation with Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, play a significant role in the development of cyclical mastalgia.

Clinical Evaluation and Reassurance

Clinical evaluation involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and investigation of breast tissue to rule out any underlying conditions.

Medical Management

Medical management of mastalgia involves the use of pain relief medications, hormonal therapies, and lifestyle modifications.

Homeopathic Management for Cyclical Mastalgia

Homeopathic management of cyclical mastalgia involves the use of homeopathic remedies to alleviate symptoms and regulate hormonal imbalances.

Homeopathic Remedies

• Pulsatilla: For breast tenderness and lumps
• Calcarea carbonica: For breast pain and swelling
• Sepia: For menstrual cramps and breast tenderness
• Belladonna: For breast pain and inflammation
• Ignatia: For breast pain and emotional distress
• Graphites: For breast pain and lumpiness

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines

• Arnica montana: For breast pain and inflammation
• Chamomilla: For breast pain and irritability
• Lachesis: For breast pain and swelling
• Phytolacca: For breast pain and lumpiness
• Silica: For breast pain and inflammation

Complications

Complications of mastalgia include breast cancer, fibroadenoma, and cysts.

Treatment

Treatment for mastalgia involves a combination of medical management, lifestyle modifications, and homeopathic remedies.

Clinical Anatomy

The breast is composed of glandular tissue, fat, and connective tissue. Blood supply to the breast is provided by the internal mammary artery and the thoracoacromial artery. Nerve supply to the breast is provided by the intercostal nerves and the thoracodorsal nerve.