PRESENT INSIGHTS INTO THE ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF MASTOPATHIES

Mastopathy, also known as fibrocystic breast disease, is one of the most prevalent benign breast disorders in women of reproductive age. Despite its frequency, the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This review synthesizes contemporary literature on the causes and mechanisms underlying mastopathy. Hormonal imbalance, particularly an elevated estradiol-to-progesterone ratio and increased prolactin activity, emerges as a central factor in disease development. Genetic predispositions, including polymorphisms in FSH receptor and estrogen receptor genes, are associated with higher susceptibility. Immune-mediated mechanisms, highlighted by lymphocytic infiltration, myofibroblast activation, and autoimmune links in diabetic mastopathy, further contribute to disease progression. Structural alterations in breast tissue, such as epithelial and stromal proliferation with fibrosis, are driven by hormonal and immunologic factors. Lifestyle and reproductive history also play modifying roles. Collectively, current evidence supports a multifactorial model of mastopathy involving endocrine, genetic, immunologic, and environmental influences. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is critical for advancing diagnostic accuracy and developing more effective, targeted therapeutic strategies.