Breast fibroids are also known as mammary dysplasia, fibroid breasts or fibrocystic breast disease. The fibroids are non-cancerous rubbery nodules that cause occasional pain and swelling near the surface of the breasts. They are usually caused due to the changes in the hormones during the menstruation cycles. Accumulation of fluid in the cells also causes this condition. Though not a very dangerous situation, in some women breast fibroids can develop into breast cancer. So they have to be evaluated frequently by using mammograms.
According to the studies, the breast fibroids are developed due to the hormonal changes that directly affect the breasts. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone directly affect the breast tissue, cell multiplication and cell growth due to their fluctuations. Other hormonal imbalances include that of prolactin that is responsible for lactation, insulin, growth factor and thyroid hormone. The hormones produced in the breast cells send signals to the neighboring cells that are responsible for cell growth and division. If the process is hindered in any way the cell growth is stopped and results in breast fibroids.
About 1/3 of the women have breast fibroids after the age of 30. They may suffer from some kind of pain and discomfort that can interfere with their day to day activities and reduce the quality of life. In some cases the women suffer from severe pain too. Some women who have breast fibroids are at a risk of developing breast cancer. So, if you find some of the symptoms of the fibroids it is better to consult your doctor immediately and get proper treatment. How will you identify the condition? There are various symptoms associated with this disease.
The symptoms of breast fibroids can worsen during the menstruation or just before it. When menstruation stops the pain and other symptoms disappear. Usually, women who suffer from breast fibroids experience a feeling of heaviness in their breasts, pain, burning sensation, swelling and sensitiveness. Breast tenderness come and go often, there can be itching on the nipples and changes in sensation. Some women may also find lumpy and irregular areas on their breasts. Nipple discharge is also found in some people. Nipple discharge is a sign of cancer and other serious conditions. So fix an appointment with your doctor immediately if you find this and take the treatment immediately.
Breast fibroids can be treated using a combination of various therapies. You may have to include dietary changes, take medications and undergo a surgery too. A low fat diet is usually beneficial for such women. Caffeine should also be avoided. Other foods to be avoided include fatty dairy foods, concentrated starches, meats and foods with refined sugars. During menstrual period it is better to avoid sugary, fried, preserved, smoked and salty foods. To reduce the severity of the symptoms use of oral contraceptives are recommended. If oral contraceptives are not effective, use synthetic androgens. The last resort or treatment for removing breast fibroids is surgery. Consult the doctor for getting expert advice and treatment if you have the symptoms. By following the advice you can get rid of the condition quickly.