Benign Breast Disease
Description
This involves a lump of the breast, usually in the female. However, even if it is classified as a tumor, or neoplasm, it is benign, or non-cancerous.
At least 80% of all lumps are benign, although the high risk of breast cancer today makes breast self-examination and physician consultation (also, possibly, mammograms) obligatory.
Early detection is the best protection against becoming a statistic (breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged between 35 and 54).
The most common lump is due to fibroadenosis, or fibrocystic breast disease, or chronic mastitis. This consists of one or more fluid-filled sacs (cysts). It is often associated with tenderness during PMS.
Another common finding, usually a single lump, is a fibroadenoma. This is usually round, firm, painless and can be moved around beneath the skin.
A lipoma is a collection of fat cells.
The tumor (or neoplasm) will be localized within a fiberous capsule of regular shape and will not invade surrounding tissue or metastasize to distant sites via the lymph system.
Menstruating women may find that their breasts become lumpy during PMS but recover afterwards. This does present a problem for detecting a significant lump.
Lactating women may also experience mastitis, an inflammation due to infection, which can develop into an abscess.
Causes
Breast disease would appear to be hormonally driven, by estrogen in premenopausal women and relating to adrenal function in post-menopausal women. An imbalance of male:female hormones is also responsible for gynecomastia in males. In recent years this has been a common side-effect of steroid drugs in athletes. Other related factors include: early menarche, nulliparity and late menopause, together with estrogen replacement therapy.
Estrogen metabolism may be impaired, or there may be over-stimulation, termed: "hyperestrogenism". Basically, there is a failure to metabolize as much estrogen to estriol. The elevated estrogen also depresses the progesterone levels. This imbalance can impact the mestrual cycle, prolonging menses and increasing bleeding. The hepatic conversion of estrogen may be impaired if B vitamins are deficient.
Gonadotrophin stimulation may also result from other endocrine problems, including low iodine intake, affecting thyroid function.
There are also genetic links, demonstrated by the high incidence within certain families.
Because of the incidence of breast disease in affluent countries, diet may be a factor, including the higher proportion of animal fats and the higher level of body fat of women.
Industrial countries also expose women to various chemical toxins.
Other risk factors include: diabetes, hypertension and chronic cystitis.
Signs & Symptoms
The left breast seems more vulnerable than the right. However, both breasts must be regularly examined.
A visual check can identify any gross change in symmetry of the breasts, or the skin surface (although the latter will also be palpable).
However, by the time the lump has progressed this far, it may be too late for less invasive procedures and even the most drastic may fail to check the cancer. Early detection is the key.
Detecting small lumps, the size of a lentil, is possible in skilled hands. Who can know your breasts better than you?
The sensitivity of palpation may be enhanced through the medium of soap and water, hence the advice to examine in the shower. Another technique uses a silk cloth on dry skin.
You are searching for any irregularity or inconsistency.
Overt signs, usually in the later stages and mostly associated with breast cancer, may include: puckering of the skin and nipple discharge.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Women's Health
---------------------------------
General Supplements
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| B complex | 25 - 100mg |
| Bioflavonoids | 1,000-2,000mg |
| Fish oils | 1 - 4 gms |
| Iodine* | |
| Vitamin A | 10,000 - 25,000iu |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 800iu |
| Indole 3 Carbinol* |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note:
All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
There are two approaches: avoidance and supplementation.
There is general agreement about a low fat diet, in principle. There is clear evidence that avoidance of coffee (as well as other products containing methylxanthines: chocolate, tea, colas) can be beneficial.
Supplementing with vitamins A and E has reduced pain and lumps have regressed. They seem to benefit lipid and hormone metabolism. This may also benefit from supplements of fatty acids, notably evening primrose oil.
Mineral iodides have also been useful.
B complex vitamins are indicated to support liver function for both estrogen metabolism and their lipotropic action.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Fibroma: | Galium |
| Geranium tinct. | |
| Mastodynia | Cimicifuga racemosa tinct. |
| Mastitis | Arnica montana tinct. |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Angelica sinensis
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
False Unicorn root
Fennel
Licorice
Vitex
Breast Pain (German Commission E)
Bugleweed
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Phytoestrogens are capable of exerting estrogenic effects, although their activity is minute by comparison (a ratio of 400:1). Consequently, phytoestrogens have a dual purpose:
If estrogen levels are low, phytoestrogens increase the estrogen effect. However, if estrogen levels are high, phytoestrogens will occupy some of the receptor binding sites, thereby diluting estrogen levels.
We now have access to herbs from cultures around the world, including: dong quai (Angelica sinensis) from China and black cohosh from Native America. Other herbs include:
| Fennel | (Foeniculum vulgare) |
| Licorice | (Glycyrrhiza glabra) |
| Unicorn root | (Aletris farinosa) |
| False Unicorn root | (Helonias opulus) |
| Vitex | (Vitex agnus castus) |
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Breast congestion:
Fennel Essence,
Geranium Essence.
Related Health Conditions
Abscess
Breast Cancer
Cystitis
Gallstones
Chronic Cystic Mastitis
Pregnancy
PMS
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