Benign Breast Disease

DESCRIPTION
Characterised as the formation of non-cancerous breast lumps, benign breast disease (BBD) is most commonly due to fibroadenoma, fibrocystic breast disease, or chronic mastitis. Fibroadenomas occur most often in young women, and are composed of dense epithelial and fibroblastic tissue, forming a lump that is round, firm, and easily moved around with the fingertips. Women with fibrocystic breast disease have a tendency to form multiple cysts (fluid filled sacs) that are palpable in the breasts. Finally, chronic mastitis is described as an Inflammation due to an Infection, possibly forming an Abscess.

Many factors may contribute to benign breast disease, including high levels of oestrogen, early menarche, late Menopause, oestrogen replacement therapy, animal fats in the diet, and genetics. While the lumps formed from benign breast disease do not spread throughout the body, women should be especially attentive to breast care, by examining their breasts every month for changes.

HERBS
Angelica (4)
Black Cohosh
Liquorice
Vitex

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLIMENTS
B Complex
Bioflavonoids (1)
Fish Oil
Iodine
Vitamin E (3)
Vitamin A (2)

REFERENCES
1. Bracke M, et al: Effect of catechins and citrus flavonoids on invasion in vitro, Clin Exp Metastasis, 9(1), Jan-Feb 1991, p 13-25.
2. Band PR, et al: Treatment of benign breast disease with Vitamin A , Prev Medicine, 13(5), Sept 1984, p 549-554.
3. Wald NJ, et al: Plasma retinol, Beta Carotene and Vitamin E levels in relation to the future risk of breast cancer, British Journal of cancer, 49(3), Mar 1984, p 321-324.
4. Okuyama T, et al: Anti-tumor promotion by principles obtained from Angelica keiskei, Planta Medicine, 57(3), June 1991, p 242-246.