Role of vitamin E in management of mastalgia without a palpable lump

Abstract

Background: Mastalgia also known as mastodynia/mammodynia/mazoplasia is defined as a dull ache or heaviness in the breast. It is a common and troubling condition occurring in about 60-70% of women at some stage of their lives. Mastalgia without a palpable lump poses a significant problem to the surgeons. Mastalgia can significantly affect the quality of life in some women. The major question that worries the patient is the risk of malignancy. Reassurance plays a key role. This study was done to assess the role of vitamin E in treating mastalgia.

Methods: 700 patients who presented to surgical OPD with chief complaint of mastalgia between August 2013 and August 2015 in a tertiary care hospital were examined. 660 of these patients had a palpable lump. 40 patients who complained of pain in one or both breasts but without a palpable lump were included in the study. Severity of pain was marked on pain grading scale. Biochemical tests for lipid peroxidation i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) which are markers of oxidative stress were assessed on first visit. Women complaining of mastalgia but without a palpable breast lump were treated by administration of vitamin E (cap. evion) 200 mg once daily for 3 months and reassessed both clinically and biochemically.

Results: Women treated by vitamin E for 3 months showed a decrease in severity of pain as measured by numerical pain rating scale. Biochemical analysis showed significant decrease in oxidative stress markers MDA and SOD.

Conclusions: Oxidative stress is the primary cause for mastalgia without a palpable lump. Vitamin E at a dosage of 200 mg once daily for 3months has a significant role in the management of such cases.