Management of cyclical mastalgia in oriental women: pioneer experience of using gamolenic acid (Efamast) in Asia.
BACKGROUND
In most Western countries gamolenic acid is the first-line treatment for women with cyclical mastalgia.


METHODS
A prospective study was carried out in the breast referral clinic of the Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong to evaluate the treatment of cyclical mastalgia using gamolenic acid provided in evening primrose oil (Efamast, Scotia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Scotia House, Stirling, Scotland) as a pioneer experience in Asia. In addition, the features of cyclical mastalgia in Oriental women were studied by conducting a survey using anonymous questionnaires.


RESULTS
Sixty-six women with disturbing cyclical mastalgia seen by one breast surgeon were followed up with a breast pain diary. Thirty-four women had persistently disturbing mastalgia and were commenced on Efamast. Responses were measured at 3 and 6 months according to a standardized protocol. An overall useful response rate of 97% was observed at 6 months. Side-effects were found in 12% but all were insignificant.


CONCLUSIONS
Efamast may be recommended as a first-line specific treatment for Oriental women with disturbing cyclical mastalgia.
Cheung
K L
KL
Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital and Tung Wah Hospital. mszklc@msnl.surgery.nottingham.ac.uk
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044466:Asian People; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D008875:Middle Aged; D031665:Oenothera biennis; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010507:Periodicity; D010938:Plant Oils; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D010938:Plant Oils; C028498:evening primrose oil; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid