What are mammary glands in women. The structure of the mammary glands, their shape and size, possible developmental anomalies. bust care

Breast located between the II and VI ribs along the vertical axis and between the edge of the sternum and the median axillary line along the horizontal axis. On average, the diameter of the mammary gland is 10-12 cm, and its thickness is 5-7 cm. The breast tissue extends to the axillary region, where it is located in the form of the so-called Spence axillary outgrowth.

The form mammary gland may be different, but usually domed, conical in nulliparous women and somewhat saggy in those who have given birth. The mammary gland consists of three main structures: skin, subcutaneous tissue and glandular tissue. The latter consists of parenchyma and stroma. The parenchyma is divided into 15-20 segments converging radially towards the nipple.

milky ducts, extending from each segment, are 2 mm in diameter, expanding in the region of the lactiferous sinuses up to 5-8 mm in diameter; 5-10 large lactiferous ducts open on the nipple, and another 5-10 ducts serve, in fact, as blind pockets. Milk is discharged through the ducts from a lobe consisting of 20-40 lobules. Each lobule consists of 10-100 acini, or alveolar-tubular secretory units. The stroma and subcutaneous tissues of the breast contain fat, connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

breast skin thin and contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands and eccrine (sweat) glands. The nipple in nulliparous women, located at the level of the fourth intercostal space, is abundantly innervated by the endings of sensory nerve fibers, contains sebaceous and apocrine sweat glands, but is devoid of hair follicles. The areola is pigmented, 15-60 mm in diameter. The tubercles of Morgagni, located along the periphery of the areola, are elevations formed by the openings of the ducts of the Montgomery glands.

Glands of Montgomery are enlarged sebaceous glands capable of secreting milk; it is an intermediate form between sweat and mammary glands. The mammary gland is surrounded by tissues of the fascia, which continues into the superficial fascia of the abdomen (Camper's fascia). The posterior surface of the mammary gland is adjacent to the deep fascia covering the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. The connection of these two fascial layers forms fibrous bundles (Cooper's ligaments) that suspend the mammary gland.

The main blood supply is carried out through the internal and lateral thoracic arteries. About 60% of the mammary gland, mainly its medial and central parts, are supplied with blood by the anterior perforating branches of the internal mammary artery. About 30% of the breast, mainly the upper outer quadrant, is supplied by the lateral thoracic artery. The subepithelial, or papillary, plexus of the lymphatic vessels of the mammary gland is connected to the subepithelial lymphatic vessels covering the entire body.

These valveless lymphatic vessels connect with the subcutaneous lymphatic vessels and flow into the subareolar plexus of Sappei. Lymphatic vessels of the nipple and areola flow into this plexus, along the way connecting with vertical lymphatic vessels, similar to those that connect subepithelial and subcutaneous plexuses throughout the body. Lymph flows from the superficial to the deep plexus and from the subareolar plexus through the lymphatic vessels accompanying the lactiferous ducts to the perilobular and deep subcutaneous plexuses.

Lymph flow from deep subcutaneous and intramammary lymphatic vessels moves centripetally to the axillary and internal mammary lymph nodes. It is believed that about 3% of the lymph from the mammary gland flows through the chain of lymphatic vessels that accompanies the internal mammary artery, while 97% goes to the axillary lymph nodes. Drainage of lymph along the internal mammary chain can be observed after injection of the dye into any quadrant of the mammary gland.

Axillary lymph nodes can be divided into apical, or subclavian, which are located medially to the pectoralis minor muscle; lymph nodes of the axillary vein accompanying the axillary vein from the pectoralis minor muscle to the lateral wall of the armpit; interthoracic lymph nodes located between the pectoralis major and minor muscles along the lateral pectoral nerve; scapular group located along the subscapular vessels; central lymph nodes located under the lateral edge of the pectoralis major muscle and under the pectoralis minor muscle.

On the other hand, according to the ways spread of metastases, in order to determine the pathological anatomy and metastasis, axillary lymph nodes are divided into conditional levels. Level I lymph nodes are located lateral to the outer edge of the pectoralis minor muscle, level II lymph nodes lie under the pectoralis minor muscle, level III lymph nodes are medial to the inner edge of the pectoralis minor muscle. Before the operation, the position of the lymph nodes of these groups should be accurately marked using markings.

Diseases of the mammary glands

The mammary glands of a woman, forming the beauty of her body, sung by artists of all times and peoples, perform an important function of lactation when feeding a baby. For him, mother's milk is the most complete and sometimes difficult to replace food. Being an external organ, the mammary glands are well accessible to visual observation and control. In this regard, every woman can easily notice changes or initial symptoms of breast diseases herself. There are several of the most common diseases of the mammary glands that every woman should be aware of for their timely detection, as well as reasonable behavior in relation to these diseases.

First of all, it is necessary to delimit the norm from pathology (diseases). In biology and physiology, the norm is not some clear standard or rigid parameters. The diversity of nature is based precisely on the extreme variability of the biological norm. The norm is usually more diverse than the pathology. Thus, in women, as a rule, there is a large variability in the size and configuration of the mammary glands. Often, women go to the doctor about the asymmetry in the size of the mammary glands. This is also a variant of the physiological norm. Absolute symmetry does not exist in nature and paired organs differ slightly from each other, and sometimes these differences, in particular in the size of the mammary glands, can be more pronounced and noticeable. The shape and degree of protrusion of the nipples can also vary. In a healthy woman, the nipples may be flat or even inverted. And this can only interfere with breastfeeding. In this case, you can use special breast pumps or breast pads that replace the baby's nipple.

The shape of the nipple can also be corrected or restored with a simple plastic surgery. The size, shape, consistency (density to the touch) of the mammary glands can change significantly with age, as well as during pregnancy, lactation and after them.

The most pronounced changes in the mammary glands occur during pregnancy, when, under the influence of certain hormonal changes in the body of a woman, glandular tissue grows in the mammary glands, the latter increase in size, become denser. In this case, there is a pronounced pigmentation of the nipples and areolas (a circle around the breast nipple). To a lesser extent, regular changes in the mammary glands occur in women during the menstrual cycle. These monthly changes in women also proceed differently. Some do not feel or notice them at all, others may experience a feeling of heaviness, engorgement or even pain in the mammary glands. These sensations are usually short-lived (1-3 days). They occur more often before menstruation or in the middle of the menstrual cycle and are due to cyclic hormonal reactions in a woman's body. All of the above changes and sensations in the mammary glands are normal, physiological and should not cause anxiety and unrest in women.

Along with this, diseases can develop in the mammary glands, different in causes and nature of the course. At the same time, they often have very similar symptoms, and their differentiation, establishing the correct diagnosis often require medical qualifications and the use of some laboratory and instrumental research methods. Nevertheless, it is useful for every woman to have certain ideas about some diseases of the mammary glands and their most characteristic symptoms, in order, if necessary, to correctly navigate the situation and seek help from a medical institution in a timely manner. Consider the main, most common diseases and pathological changes in the mammary glands.

Mastitis is an acute inflammation of the mammary glands. In most cases, mastitis develops in the postpartum period while breastfeeding. The cause of the disease is the penetration of microbes through dilated milk ducts or cracks (skin damage) of the nipples into the breast tissue. Subsequently, edema in the glandular tissue makes it difficult for the outflow of milk, thereby contributing to congestion and the progression of the inflammatory process. At the same time, the mammary glands become painful, swell, the skin over the mammary glands sometimes turns red, and the body temperature rises.

Much less often, mastitis can develop outside the postpartum period. The reasons may be infection in the tissues of the mammary glands, as well as their hypothermia.

Treatment of mastitis is simple and effective, but requires medical qualifications and urgency. There are serous and purulent mastitis of varying degrees of development. All this leads to certain differences in treatment tactics. Only a doctor can figure this out, so attempts at self-treatment on the advice of friends and acquaintances in the form of various compresses, applying various objects can lead to serious complications. But the prevention of the development of mastitis is completely in the competence and capabilities of the women themselves. This requires compliance with simple hygiene rules for the care of the mammary glands. In particular, in the postpartum period, daily washing of the mammary glands with warm water and soap is shown, followed by gentle rubbing with a towel.

To prevent stagnation of milk in the mammary glands, it is also important to observe the breastfeeding regimen and express the remaining milk in a timely manner.

A breast abscess usually develops as a complication of untreated or advanced mastitis. A limited purulent infiltrate is formed, which gradually increases in size, softens in consistency, and becomes sharply painful. An abscess can also develop in women who have never given birth or breastfed, when the infection penetrates into the breast tissue from various skin and subcutaneous inflammatory foci, such as eczematous changes, boils, small sores, nipple cracks, traumatic injuries. An abscess usually requires surgery.

Plasma inflammation of the mammary glands is a special type of inflammatory changes characterized by general soreness, swelling of the mammary glands, reddening of the skin and periodic purulent or brownish discharge from the nipple. Individual symptoms in different patients can be expressed to varying degrees. Acute plasmatic inflammation can become chronic, in which individual symptoms weaken or disappear, but discharge from the nipple remains. To establish the correct diagnosis and effective treatment in these cases, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor, surgeon, gynecologist, oncologist.

Tuberculosis of the mammary glands. With tuberculosis, changes can also occur in the mammary glands. Usually there are multiple or single nodular formations - "abscesses" in the breast tissue, which can ulcerate, break out, forming fistulas. Tuberculosis requires urgent therapy with certain chemotherapy drugs under the supervision of a TB doctor.

Traumatic injuries of the mammary glands are associated with various mechanical influences: bruises, blows with various objects, compression, wearing tight or rubbing bras. These effects can cause prolonged pain, inflammation and subcutaneous hemorrhages in the mammary glands. At the same time, in some cases there is no need for any treatment, in others, a certain therapy is indicated. However, in all cases, if certain changes and symptoms do not disappear within a few days, you should seek the advice of a doctor in order to relieve your own anxiety and, if necessary, receive appropriate treatment that prevents the transition of certain acute traumatic injuries. into chronic.

Cyclic mastodynia. As already mentioned, a healthy woman in the mammary glands may experience slight pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle or a few days before the onset of menstruation. However, such cyclic pains in the mammary glands can intensify and disturb not for 1-3 days, but for 1-2 weeks or longer. Such symptoms are already caused by certain disorders in the hormonal and water metabolism in the body, swelling of the breast tissue and, of course, require medical advice. In some cases, it is possible to remove or reduce pain in the mammary glands by only limiting the daily intake of salt and fluid in the premenstrual period (salt - no more than 3 g and liquid - no more than 1 liter). In addition, compliance with such a water-salt regimen in the last week before menstruation is a preventive measure for a number of pathological changes not only in the mammary glands, but also in the uterus and appendages. In the treatment of cyclic mastodynia, various types of vitamin and hormone therapy are also effectively used, aimed at normalizing hormonal metabolism in a woman's body.

Galactorrhea is the secretion of milk or colostrum outside the period of breastfeeding. Small discharge may remain for a long (up to several years) period after the termination of breastfeeding or after an abortion. Usually, over time, these discharges stop without any treatment. But medical supervision is essential. In some cases, a cytological examination of discharge from the nipples is necessary (taking smears on a glass slide and examining them under a microscope). With abundant and long-lasting discharge, a certain drug therapy is indicated that suppresses the hypersecretion of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates secretion in the mammary glands.

Mastopathy is one of the most common diseases of the mammary glands, although the impression of the widespread occurrence of mastopathy somewhat exceeds its true frequency among women. The reason is that some forms of mastopathy are difficult to distinguish from the possible variants of the normal state of the glandular breast tissue. Therefore, sometimes the diagnosis of mastopathy also becomes healthy women, until additional studies and follow-up examinations allow the doctor to remove it. Under the diagnosis of mastopathy, a whole group of pathological conditions in the mammary glands that differ from each other in a certain respect are usually combined. These are fibrosis (proliferation of connective tissue), cysts, mixed fibrocystic changes of both diffuse and focal nature. All these changes in the mammary glands are the result of certain shifts in the hormonal balance in a woman's body, which in turn can occur under the influence of a variety of reasons: abortion (after abortion and miscarriage), violations in sexual life, violations in the mode of breastfeeding, overdose solar radiation (even healthy women should avoid many hours of sunbathing), repeated mechanical injuries of the mammary glands, severe mental trauma, etc. Hormonal abnormalities and the mastopathy caused by them can also occur secondary as a result of diseases and dysfunctions of the ovaries, thyroid gland and liver.

Manifestations of mastopathy can be different. The disease is characterized by the appearance in the mammary glands of formations of various sizes and densities, fine-grained to the touch, often painful. Inflammatory phenomena may be absent.

By the nature of the lesion, diffuse and nodular (focal) forms are distinguished.

With the so-called focal form of mastopathy, single seals of larger sizes can be observed with the surrounding breast tissue unchanged. Seals are usually round or plaque-shaped, relatively mobile, elastic consistency. With mastopathy, there may be pain and other discomfort in the mammary glands, both associated and unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Mastopathy can also be asymptomatic, imperceptible to the patient. These cases of mastopathy are usually detected only during preventive examinations.

The tactics of treating mastopathy are different depending on the causes of its development, the form and severity of changes in the mammary glands. In some cases, with minor changes, observation by a doctor without treatment with periodic follow-up examinations is sufficient, since self-healing is possible, i.e., the reverse development of pathological changes in the mammary glands. In other cases, successful treatment of such background diseases as inflammation of the appendages, diseases of the liver, thyroid gland, vegetative neurosis, simultaneously leads to the disappearance of pathological changes in the mammary glands.

Medical methods of treating mastopathy are aimed at normalizing the hormonal balance in a woman's body. In focal forms of mastopathy, in addition, surgical removal of nodular seals is indicated, since they rarely respond to therapeutic treatment, and, most importantly, these seals can mask precancerous changes, and therefore their timely removal is the prevention of breast tumors. The operation consists in removing only one seal or a limited area (sector) of the mammary gland with a seal. Nodular formations in mastopathy often tend to gradually increase in size, so it is advisable to remove them in a timely manner while they are relatively small. The postponement of the operation is associated with the possibility of growth of induration and, accordingly, an increase in the volume of partial resection of the mammary gland.

Fibroadenoma is a benign neoplasm in the mammary gland, representing a nodular growth of fibrous connective tissue. Fibroadenoma is often the result of a chronic course of untreated mastopathy, but can also occur without previous disease of the mammary glands. Unlike malignant tumors, fibroadenomas develop in women predominantly of a young age, up to 40 years. There are cases of the development of these formations in girls in adolescence. Usually the formation has a very dense texture, round or oval shape and clear, even contours. The size of fibroadenomas can be very different: from the size of a pinhead to a chicken egg and more. Fibroadenomas are insensitive to drugs, therefore, they require surgical treatment - sectoral (partial) resection of the mammary gland.

In girls 11-16 years old, with the development of the body, with the onset of regular menstruation, spontaneous (without treatment) regression of fibroadenomas is possible. However, in these cases, it is necessary to observe a doctor with periodic control examinations of the mammary glands.

Lipoma is a benign tumor originating from adipose tissue. It can develop in various parts of the body, including the mammary gland. The neoplasm has a characteristic soft elastic consistency, a spherical smooth surface. Usually these are harmless formations that do not cause complaints from patients and concerns from doctors. In most cases, with relatively small sizes, they do not require treatment. However, to differentiate a lipoma from other, more serious changes in the mammary glands, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

Intraductal papilloma - a benign formation, similar to known skin papillomas, grows in the ducts of the mammary gland. The most characteristic symptom is discharge from the nipples. Allocations can be very scarce (1-2 drops per 1 day) and plentiful. They can appear when pressing on the mammary gland or randomly, when a woman notices them from the marks left on the inside of the bra. The discharge can be of different colors: yellow, greenish or brown and bloody. Other symptoms: pain or discomfort in the mammary glands, small seals behind the areola of the mammary gland may or may not be present. Treatment of papillomas is their surgical removal.

Paget's disease is a peculiar disease named after the English surgeon and pathologist F. Paget, who described this disease in the last century. The disease is characterized by eczema-like lesions of the nipple and areola of the mammary gland. The skin over the nipple and areola becomes inflamed, becomes crimson, ulcers form, which either get wet or dry out, becoming covered with crusts. In all cases, an urgent appeal to a specialist doctor is necessary to clarify the diagnosis by taking smears from the surface of the sores, their cytological examination under a microscope and determining the type of treatment. An inattentive attitude to such changes and postponing a visit to the doctor is dangerous with the possibility of developing tumor changes.

Cancerophobia. It should be said about one more, not so rare, pathological condition, when, in the absence of objective changes in the mammary glands, a woman is concerned about the fear of the presence or possible occurrence of a tumor in her. This state of long-term overwhelming fear of developing cancer, called cancerophobia, belongs to the category of mental disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorders. At the same time, as a rule, a person is physically and mentally healthy. However, obsessive thoughts about the possibility of developing a terrible cancer in him or even the belief that the tumor has already appeared in the body, only doctors cannot recognize it, poison the entire existence of such persons, disrupt their normal life activity and, secondarily, can even lead to pathological changes. Cancer from self-hypnosis, of course, will not develop, but such individuals may actually feel worse, lose appetite and body weight, and experience pain. These self-hypnotic symptoms further reinforce the belief in the presence of cancer and increase fear.

The most common cause of cancerophobia is a combination of emotional experiences on the occasion of cancer among close relatives, friends with insufficient or incorrect knowledge about cancer and increased susceptibility of the individual. Sometimes the culprit for the development of cancerophobia in a patient may be the doctor himself or another medical worker who violates certain professional and ethical rules of conversation with the patient, forgetting that a word can hurt more and more painfully than a knife. Carcinophobia in relation to breast cancer, expressed in varying degrees, often occurs in women and, of course, disrupts their normal mental and even physical well-being. Most effectively, cancerophobia can be removed by a confidential conversation with a doctor. If there is no satisfaction from the first conversation, you can consult another specialist. Having become familiar with the method of self-examination of the mammary glands, you can conduct an examination of your mammary glands yourself (a description of the method of self-examination is given below). I would only like to warn women against reading special medical literature. And the point here is not the complexity of the text and the incomprehensibility of the terms, especially since many people understand everything quite well. The trouble is that when reading such literature without a certain professional and moral preparation, subjective and inadequate emotional reactions are inevitable, which are determined by the degree of our interest in the subject, impressionability and other character traits, and sanitary culture. In addition, an unprepared reader, unfamiliar with the relationship between norm and pathology, does not take into account that in the specialized literature, as a rule, only pathology, only diseases are described. Subconsciously comparing with himself or correlating the description of various phenomena and symptoms to himself, he chooses not between the norm and the disease, but only between diseases.

The changes and diseases of the mammary glands listed above are the most common, although they do not cover the whole variety of possible abnormalities and pathological processes in the mammary glands. It should also be noted that often different diseases have the same symptoms and a similar pattern of external manifestations. On the other hand, each individual case of the same disease proceeds in different patients to a certain extent in different ways. Doctors even have a postulate stating that there are no identical patients. All this often complicates the objective assessment and final diagnosis of changes in the mammary glands, requiring qualified specialist advice, the use of instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods. An accurate and timely diagnosis allows you to determine the correct tactics in the behavior of the patient, the doctor and conduct effective treatment. The latter is important for any disease, both mild and severe, if only because a mild, "trifle" disease, with improper behavior and treatment, can lead to serious complications. The wait-and-see attitude is especially dangerous: “I’ll see what happens next,” “If it doesn’t go away on its own, then I’ll go to the doctor.” This position often leads to the fact that time for easy and simple therapeutic measures is missed, and severe complications develop that require complex, sometimes traumatic methods of treatment.

The mammary glands consist of 15-20 lobes, each of which is divided into several small ones. The lobes are connected to the nipple through the lactiferous ducts, which pass into the milky pores located at the most convex point of the nipple. The rest of the space is filled with glandular tissue, and adipose tissue is located on the back wall of the gland.

The process of lactation depends largely on the hormonal background: hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, gonadotropins and some others stimulate the formation and secretion of milk. With an insufficient amount of them, the lactation process is disrupted, which can lead to the development of a disease of the mammary glands.

Fact! Insufficient milk production during breastfeeding can often be the cause of stress, chronic fatigue and postpartum depression.

Mastopathy

Mastopathy is one of the most common diseases of the mammary glands in women. It has many types, each of which, to varying degrees, can lead to the development of a malignant tumor.

The reasons

Hypothyroidism - insufficient production of thyroid hormones due to lack of iodine - provokes breast pathologies

The main reasons for the development of this disease of the mammary glands in women:

hormonal imbalance, which may be accompanied by liver disease or diabetes;
genetic predisposition;
bad habits - alcohol, smoking;
lack of daily routine;
problems with the health of the genital organs;
malfunction in the digestive tract, as a result of which useful substances are absorbed in insufficient quantities;
hormone therapy;
age-related diseases;
surgical intervention in the area of the mammary glands, including plastic surgery;
irregular sex life, frequent change of partners;
poor environmental conditions;
frequent exposure to direct sunlight.

Fact: both women and young girls are susceptible to breast diseases. Most often, nulliparous or non-breastfeeding women get sick.

Kinds

Depending on the type of mastopathy, various methods of diagnosis and treatment are prescribed. Based on the list below, it is clear what types of this breast disease are:

diffuse. It is the initial stage of mastopathy, its foci are located in the upper lateral part of the glands. It is characterized by girdle pain in the upper body. It has several types:

diffuse fibrous - glandular tissue is replaced by connective tissue, discharge from the nipples appears, nodes are formed that are noticeable on palpation, but do not cause pain when pressed;
diffuse cystic - the formation of cysts of various shapes and sizes, the general pain is less than in the fibrous form;
fibrocystic - tissue growth that can develop into cysts;
glandular cystic - the formation of cysts with calcium deposition in the glands, often leads to the development of malignant tumors;
glandular-fibrous - partial proliferation of glandular tissues.

Nodal. Occurs after diffuse. This form manifests itself in the form of the formation of nodes of compacted tissue in the gland. The pain sensation is stronger, the discharge from the nipples can be mixed with blood. The pain does not depend on the phase of the cycle.
Nodular fibrous. Develops after a diffuse fibrous form; there are unbearable pains when touching the chest. It is characterized by a clearly visible asymmetry of the mammary glands, bloody discharge from the nipples.
Nodular cystic. Occurs with the progression of the diffuse cystic form as a result of the growth of cysts and an increase in their number.

Fact: mastopathy is a benign disease of the mammary gland, but is most susceptible to degeneration into a malignant formation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The very beginning of the development of mastopathy can be asymptomatic. The first symptom of this disease of the mammary glands in women is a slight soreness of the glands that occurs before menstruation. With a long course of mastopathy, pain is constantly present, swelling appears, seals are found on palpation, and discharge from the nipples appears. The nipple itself is covered with cracks, becomes less convex.

You can diagnose mastopathy yourself with the help of self-examination. The doctor, in addition to a medical examination, conducts an ultrasound scan to identify the nature of the seals, and then determines what kind of breast disease it could be.

Treatment

The treatment of this breast disease is prescribed according to the symptoms described by the patient, the causes that caused it, and the results of the diagnosis.

Drug treatment includes the use of hormonal or non-hormonal agents. The first group of drugs is aimed at normalizing the level of hormones in the presence of their failure, and the second may consist of vitamin-mineral complexes, diuretics that reduce swelling, anti-inflammatory drugs and improve blood circulation.

Important! Self-medication is strictly prohibited, since the selection of the wrong drugs can accelerate the development of the disease and lead to cancer.

Surgical treatments for this breast disease in women are most often used for extensive cystic or fibrous lesions, as well as for possible rupture of cysts.

Tumors of the mammary glands

Tumors that can occur in the mammary glands are divided into benign and oncological. Benign neoplasms are not harmful, but require constant monitoring by a mammologist to control the possible degeneration of the tumor.

Risk groups for developing oncology

The exact causes of breast cancer in women have not been established, but the groups of people most susceptible to this disease have been identified. They are characterized by:

overweight;
inflammatory processes in the genitals;
hypertension;
insufficiency of liver functions;
thyroid disease;
mastopathy;
smoking and alcoholism;
atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of cancer of the gland

Symptoms of breast cancer are noticeable even with an external examination: the nipples become more inverted, the color and shape of the areola changes, rashes appear and the structure of the skin of the breast changes (wrinkling appears). Often the symptoms are similar to the initial symptoms of mastopathy.

Important! If the color of the areola changes, it is necessary to consult a specialist and diagnose for the presence of diseases of the nipples of the breast.

Symptoms depending on the stage of cancer:

Stage I - a formation no more than two centimeters in diameter is probed;
Stage IIa - the formation can increase to 5 centimeters, does not grow into the tissue, but can be attached to the skin. Breast wrinkling appears, its elasticity is lost in a certain place;
IIb stage - the size of the tumor does not change, the first metastases appear (no more than two);
Stage III - an increase in the tumor, retraction of the skin near its location, the appearance of retraction of the nipple is possible;
Stage IV - the maximum growth of the tumor, the spread of metastases.

Important! Initially, metastases are located only on the chest, but later they can form anywhere in the body by spreading through the blood vessels.

Diagnostics

One of the most accurate methods for detecting breast cancer is a mammogram. Additionally, ductography (injection of a contrast agent into the ducts of the glands) and ultrasound are performed. With a possible course of cancer, a complete examination of the body is carried out.

Treatment

Treatment of breast cancer in women is carried out individually. In the first stages of the disease, surgical intervention can be performed with the preservation of the gland in combination with radiation therapy. At more advanced stages, chemotherapy is prescribed, various surgeries are performed. Patients with a disturbed hormonal background are prescribed treatment with hormonal drugs.

The anatomy of the mammary gland in women should be known to every woman. This body begins its development from puberty, the peak of which falls on 13-15 years. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what the female breast consists of, what appearance is considered the norm, and when there is a reason for concern. To maintain health, it is important to understand what the breast looks like, what are its main functions and what anomalies exist.

The extent to which the correct structure of the mammary glands affects how this organ fully performs its functions. In an adult woman, the breast consists of the body of the gland itself, adipose and connective tissue. In addition, the ducts, nipples and areolas, and other components play an important role.

Glandular and adipose tissue

The glandular tissue or parenchyma is attached to the muscles of the chest by connective tissue. It is divided into several lobes, which are located radially to the nipple. Their number may differ in the left and right breasts, for each woman it is individual. The norm is from 8 to 20 lobes of the mammary gland. In cross-section, the mammary glands resemble a vine with many clusters.

How much glandular tissue the mammary gland contains, and how much fatty tissue, depends on many factors. The amount of glandular is especially affected by the hormonal background of a woman. In youth, the amount of this particular tissue usually predominates, and fatty tissue increases over the years. This explains the fact that girls have firmer breasts than older women.

Adipose tissue envelops the entire glandular tissue, its amount changes with weight loss and weight gain. The mammary or mammary glands often lose weight first when a woman goes on a diet. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to supplement proper nutrition with exercises in the gym, paying special attention to strengthening the pectoral muscles.

How much adipose tissue is in the breast depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the presence of pregnancy, lactation, and other features of women's health. After the onset of menopause, the glandular tissue begins to turn into fatty tissue, so the elasticity of the breast is lost, it decreases in size.

ducts

Ducts are continuations of small glandular ducts in lobules. They are called galactophores, in one breast their number is from 8 to 15. The main function of galactophores is the formation of the milk sinuses, in which breast milk is accumulated, which is necessary for lactation.

The diameter of the duct is about 2 mm. The galactophore runs from the top of each large lobe, and near the nipple it passes into the lactiferous extensions. During breastfeeding, these expansions open up and milk flows out. Sometimes not one, but several ducts may come out of a large lobe.

Nipples and areolas

The structure of the nipple is different in women who have given birth and those who have not given birth, as well as the appearance. They have nerve endings, the exit of the ducts, so they are considered a sensitive part of the female body. Many women are interested in how nipples should look, because their appearance is different for different women.

In fact, there is no clear norm, papillae can be light or dark, large or small, inverted, depressed. Around the nipple is the areola - a colored area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. They can also be of different colors and sizes. In nulliparous girls, the color of the nipples and areolas is usually pinkish-cream, in those who have given birth, it is darker.

blood supply

The network of blood vessels located in the mammary glands is well developed. The blood supply is provided by three large arterial vessels:

branches of the internal artery
lateral artery
medial artery

The tissues of the organ receive fresh, purified blood from the thoracic and intercostal arteries (through branches in them). The saphenous veins connect with the vessels of the neck, epigastric region, and brachial vein. The vascular networks of the left and right mammary glands are also interconnected.

lymph nodes, nerves

The mammary gland is connected to the central nervous system by branches of the intercostal and supraclavicular nerves. Their greatest accumulation falls on the nipples and areolas of the nipples, and they are located close to the surface of the organ. That is why this area is considered an erogenous zone.

Lymphatic fluid accumulates in the lymph nodes that are located in the armpits, subclavian zone. The lymphatic system in the female body is complex. If a lymph node enlarges in the armpit, this may be a sign of a violation of the outflow of lymph in different parts of the body, including in the mammary gland.

muscles

Around the mammary glands are muscle tissue. It is noteworthy that there are no muscles in the breast itself, a small amount of them are present in the nipples, but they are used exclusively for lactation and during sexual arousal. This confirms the fallacy of the idea of “pumping up your chest” while playing sports. Physical exercises can strengthen the pectoral muscles, but they are not located in the glands, but next to them.

Appearance

The way breasts look is important for every woman. Firstly, this is an aesthetic issue, because the mammary glands attract the attention of men. Many seek to take care of this organ so that the chest is pleasant to the touch and outwardly beautiful. Secondly, it is a matter of health.

Changes associated with the development of serious diseases can occur in the internal composition of the female breast. A woman who takes care of herself will pay attention to any external changes in the mammary glands, which will help to respond in time and consult a doctor. This helped many to avoid various pathologies, including diagnosing oncology in the early stages.

The form

There are four types of mammary glands:

discoid - small, wide at the base
hemispherical - the same height and width
conical - high, much greater in height than in width
mastoid - similar to conical, only slightly lowered, the nipple "looks" down.

Normally, the chest should be at the level of either 3-6 or 4-7 rib pairs. At the same time, the form is an individual feature and does not affect either the functions of the mammary gland or the predisposition to pathologies.

The size

Breast size is an individual indicator that depends on heredity, nutrition and weight, and other factors. It can change throughout life: during and after pregnancy, lactation, with a sharp weight loss, weight gain. The location and size of the left and right breasts may be asymmetrical, which is not considered an anomaly. 15 hormones affect the volume of the breast, some of them are:

Estrogens - are responsible for the beginning of the growth and development of the body, for the branching of the ducts.
Progesterone - is responsible for preparing for the lactation process.
Prolactin is an important hormone involved in the growth of glandular cells, the production of milk protein, and other processes.
Androgens - with their excess, the volume of glandular tissue decreases.

Functions

The main function of the mammary glands is to produce breast milk and supply it during lactation. Changes in the structure, size, shape of this organ are most often associated with the bearing of the fetus and its feeding. Immediately after conception, processes begin to occur in the breast that prepare the organ to perform its main function, and its deformation begins.

From the first month of pregnancy, the growth of glandular tissue, branching and elongation of the ducts, the production and accumulation of milk occur. Due to these processes, the breasts increase significantly in size. After the end of lactation, it decreases again. With repeated pregnancy, all these processes are repeated again.

anomalies

There are acquired diseases of the mammary glands, most of which can be cured with timely detection. Unlike them, anomalies are not amenable to any therapy. They are both congenital and acquired. The only way out in their presence is surgical intervention. The most common anomalies are:

Macromastia is an increase in the size of the glands that occurs after endocrine disorders that occur after pregnancy, lactation.
Polymastia is the development of more than two mammary glands, which may be located on the abdomen, in other places.
Polythelia - an increase in the number of nipples, additional papillae are located along the nipple lines, often on the stomach.
Amastia - the complete absence of one or two breasts, with this anomaly, breastfeeding is impossible, and there are often problems with pregnancy.

Thus, the female breast requires special attention. The internal structure of the organ is complex, the amount of glandular and adipose tissue can constantly change. Special changes begin in the period after conception and end with the completion of lactation. It is the feeding of the fetus that is the main function of the breast. Sometimes there are anomalies that require surgical intervention, all other diseases require attention and urgent treatment.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The tumor consists of undifferentiated malignant cells that replace glandular tissue. The urgency of the disease increased in the late seventies of the last century. The disease was characterized by a predominant lesion of women over the age of fifty. A feature of modern oncopathogenesis is a disease in childbearing age.

How long do people live with breast cancer?

This question is of interest to all patients admitted to the oncology dispensary. It is asked in order to find out the truth, even if it is terrible.

Any doctor knows that predictions of the outcome of the disease should be approached with caution. There are known examples of inhibition of carcinogenesis of advanced stages and accelerated development of breast cancer detected in the early stages.

However, a patient with an early operable form of oncology is more likely to recover, if we abstract from:

individual characteristics (age, the presence of concomitant diseases, support and understanding of relatives and friends, attitude to the struggle for life);

efficiency and timeliness of treatment.

There are known cases of preservation of the mammary gland in the detection of pathogenesis in the early stages of the disease. Oncologists sometimes decide to remove the breast. It's annoying, but not fatal. The support of loved ones is important.

In pathogenesis with metastases to other parts of the body, the prognosis is cautious, it is necessary to fight, because it is possible to suppress the growth of pathological cells even at this stage.

The first signs of breast cancer

Women often face breast problems in the form of nodular or extensive seals and other signs that are frighteningly similar to oncology. Fortunately, not all formations are malignant.

Pain and tightness in the chest are accompanied by:

Refrain or refuse to use:

Products containing soy (added to sausages, sausages, some vegetable products);

Canned, smoked meat of any kind (ham, ham);

Moderate consumption of sugar, salt;

Canned juices.

Useful information: Few people know that regular beta-carotene (provitamin A) reduces the likelihood of developing mastopathy and breast cancer by 40%!

Disability in breast cancer

The duration of treatment for breast cancer is about four months, then the issue of working capacity is decided. A favorable factor for the restoration of working capacity is the most complete elimination of the symptoms of the disease, confirmed by all studies.

Extension of the period of incapacity for work is possible after passing a medical and social examination. Based on its results, the issue of assigning disability is decided in relation to the patient.

There are disabilities according to the degree of preservation of viability:

III degree - the smallest loss;

II degree - moderate loss;

I degree - a pronounced limitation.

For each degree of disability there are objective criteria, confirmed by clinical, laboratory and hardware studies. In the case of an extremely hopeless condition, a sick woman is prescribed palliative care.

Education: completed residency at the Russian Scientific Cancer Center named after N.I. N. N. Blokhin” and received a diploma in the specialty “Oncologist”