The female breast is called “mamma” in medical terminology, both breasts are “mammae”. Among the most common diseases of the breast are mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) mastopathy fibroadenoma fluid secretion from the nipple breast cancer
- Mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland)
- Mastopathy
- Fibroadenoma
- Fluid secretion from the nipple
- Breast Cancer
The Mastopathy
Mastopathy describes benign changes in the connective tissue structure of the breasts, which usually occur on both sides and in women between 35 and 50 years of age. Mastopathy is the most common disease of the female breast, the cause is probably an imbalance in the hormonal balance. The most common symptom is breast pain, which occurs before menstruation.
During palpation of the breast, small nodular changes are noticeable, which are often found in the upper outer quadrants. Further clarification is then provided by mammography and, if necessary, ultrasound examinations of the breast. Click here to go to our main page: Mastopathy
The Mastitis
Inflammation of the mammary gland occurs most often after birth and the beginning of breastfeeding, as the mammary gland is “activated” by breastfeeding. Two out of every 100 breastfeeding mothers suffer from this form of mastitis, known as mastitis puerperalis, which is usually caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. In most cases, it occurs on one side only and is characterized by swelling, redness and pain.
If the inflammatory reaction is pronounced, a fever may also occur, possibly the lymph nodes in the armpit of the affected side are swollen. The mother can and should continue breastfeeding, there is only a slight risk of infection for the baby. It is important to empty the breast regularly to prevent milk congestion.
For further therapy, moist alcohol compresses (have an antibacterial effect) and quark compresses are recommended. The treatment of a pronounced inflammation of the breast is carried out with antibiotics. If an abscess should form in the breast due to the bacteria, the pus must be relieved by puncture or small incision (under local anaesthetic).
Inflammation of the mammary gland can occur, although less frequently, independently of birth and puerperium. In such cases, the triggering pathogens are usually germs of the normal skin flora, the course is milder but more chronic. Treatment is attempted with prolactin inhibitors (inhibit the formation of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production) and antibiotics. It may be necessary to surgically remove chronic inflammation foci.
