An abnormal accumulation of fat in a woman’s breast is caused by a condition known as macromastia. Social anxiety is a possibility for those with this condition, especially if it shows up as one breast getting bigger than the other. Check out all you need to know about this medical condition.
What Is Macromastia?
A disorder called macromastia causes the breast tissue to become unnaturally large in size. A woman’s breasts typically include 85% connective tissue and breast cells and 15% fat. The breasts develop unnaturally when there is an increase in the quantity of fat cells in the breast tissue, this is known as macromastia.
Rarely, an imbalance in the hormones that cause breast development and growth throughout puberty will increase breast size. Hypermastia is another name for the disorder. Greater than usual breast size, with or without discomfort, is a sign of macromastia.
By the time they are over 50 years of age, around 5% of women have macromastia. An underlying medical problem, such as an endocrine disease, is often the cause of major macromastia, an uncommon ailment. For this reason, it’s crucial to see a doctor if someone observes any changes in the way their breasts seem.
Symptoms Of Macromastia
It can hurt to have incredibly big breasts on an emotional and physical level. The following are some of the most typical signs of breast hypertrophy;
- Sores or infections on the skin surrounding your breasts, particularly underneath them
- Pain in your neck and back from your breasts dragging you down
- Poor posture
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Breasts discomfort
- Marks left by the bra straps that hurt and itch on your skin
Causes Of Macromastia
Although the exact aetiology of macromastia is unknown, experts believe the following factors may be involved:
- Hormonal changes (Eg: during pregnancy or puberty)
- Drugs such as bucillamine and penicillamine
- Autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and lupus
- Extreme fatness
- Genetics
Diagnosis Of Macromastia
In order to figure out macromastia and other possible disorders, it is imperative that someone who notices any changes in the appearance of their breasts contact a doctor.
In addition to doing an examination, the doctor will review the patient’s medical background. If a physician suspects macromastia, they may order imaging tests (MRIs or ultrasounds) or blood tests to rule out other possible disorders.
As macromastia is a rare disease, it is important to recognize the indicators. It’s advisable to get medical help if any symptoms exist in order to rule out macromastia.
While experiencing this during and after breastfeeding is not unusual, if it continues outside of breastfeeding, it may be a sign of other health issues, such as an infection or fibrocystic disease.
However, if this development persists after puberty, it may suggest the likelihood of macromastia. Breast tissue naturally grows during puberty. The development is accompanied by swelling, redness, itching, and pain, which is indicative of mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue. Infection, fibrocystic illness, or ductal carcinoma in situ might be indicated by a breast discharge.
Treatment Of Macromastia
There isn’t a single Macromastia therapy that works for everyone. You should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each. Your doctor may suggest breast reduction surgery or medication to treat macromastia, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the size of your breasts.
Your doctor may suggest a mastectomy if your macromsia is severe or recurrent. Treatment choices should be made in consultation with your healthcare professional.
Some drugs have the potential to inhibit breast tissue growth. One of the following drugs might be recommended by your doctor:
- Tamoxifen
- Medroxyprogesterone
- Danazol
- Bromocriptine
This is all that is required in certain cases to stop breast tissue from growing. It must be used in conjunction with breast reduction surgery in other situations.
Surgery Of Macromastia
Macromastia may be treated by breast reduction surgery. Your breasts are incised by a surgeon, who then removes any extra skin, fat, and tissue. They will use stitches to seal the incision after the desired breast size has been achieved.
It could be necessary to realign your areola or nipple to match the changing dimensions of your breasts. Several hours are spent during the procedure, and you might have to spend the night in the hospital.
In situations with macromastia that are severe or recurring, a mastectomy could be advised. Here, your breast is removed entirely by a surgeon. You should talk to your healthcare professional about the dangers associated with mastectomy procedures.
Recovery Of Macromastia
In the initial days following breast reduction, you should anticipate some degree of stiffness, bruising, and edema, just as with any surgical treatment. Antibiotics are prescribed by your healthcare professional to prevent infection and as pain relievers.
It is planned to inspect the beats and take out any sutures at a follow-up session. In almost a week, the majority of people recover enough to start doing light activities again. After the swelling goes down, your breasts will reach their ultimate dimensions.
A little space could still be visible, despite the fact that most surgeons aim to leave as little trace as possible. Following a mastectomy, recovery might take up to one month. Your age, health, and other variables will all affect how long it takes to heal.
Tips of Living with Macromastia
- Stay positive: It’s important to remain upbeat even if macromastia may cause emotional upheaval. You will be able to go towards your best self and adapt to the changes more skillfully as a result.
- Support System: It’s important to have a strong support system, especially for people who are dealing with macromastia. Through online support groups and experience sharing, anyone thinking about breast augmentation may engage with others.
- Avoid Stress: Two practices that people may use to reduce their stress levels in life are yoga and meditation.
- Regular Exercise: One of the numerous health advantages of exercise is that it slows the growth of breast tissue.
- Eat Well: Nutrition has a major role in overall health and well-being. Certain foods can be consumed to stop or reduce breast tissue growth.
- Regular Self-Examination: To look for breast abnormalities, women should check their own breasts on a regular basis.
- Check Mammograms: Early detection of breast cancer can be achieved by getting regular mammograms.
- Professional Assistance: Getting professional treatment for the emotional turmoil can help you better manage the emotions that come along with the changes and deal with them.
Conclusion
Macromastia may cause serious medical and psychological problems. If you have really large breasts, there are operations that can help reduce the pain. Tell your healthcare professional about your feelings and symptoms in an honest, open manner.
You may work together to choose the best plan of action for macromastia treatment that will enhance your quality of life. The disease can be managed in a number of ways. To prevent macromastia, the body’s hormone balance must be maintained. It is also essential to maintain cleanliness.
References
- Bloom SA, Nahabedian MY. Gestational macromastia: a medical and surgical challenge. Breast Journal. 2008;14(5):492–495.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18657144/ - Okobia MN, Bunker CH, Okonofua FE, Osime U. Knowledge, attitude and practice of Nigerian women towards breast cancer: a cross-sectional study. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2006;4:p. 11.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1397833/
