After a mammogram, some patients may receive a notification that indicates they have dense breast tissue.
Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult for radiologists to see potential areas of concern on a screening mammogram so it is common for women with dense breasts to need additional imaging to more fully evaluate their breast health.
Breast tissue is made up of both fatty, fibrous and glandular tissue. Women with a significant amount of fibrous and glandular tissue are considered to have dense breasts. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this constitutes approximately half of women.
What is Breast Density?
The American Cancer Society defines breast density as “a measure of how much fibrous and glandular tissue (also known as fibroglandular tissue) there is in the breast, as compared to fatty tissue.”
Each woman has a unique anatomy, but denser breasts tend to occur more often in younger women. The amount of dense tissue in a woman’s breast can change over her lifetime. As women age, it is common for breast density to decrease; however, this is not the case for all women. Breast density is not related to breast size.
Breasts have different types of tissue:
- Glandular tissue: includes small glands that produce milk (lobules) and tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple (ducts)
- Fibrous tissue: material that holds the breast tissue in place
- Fatty tissue: material that fills the spaces between the glandular and fibrous tissue
What Determines Breast Density?
Many different things affect breast density, which can be influenced by combination of factors. The amount of dense breast tissue is primarily determined by genetics, age and hormonal changes. Higher breast density is often associated with younger women or women with a low body-mass index (BMI). Lower breast density is more common among older women, as well as women who have given birth.
Can Having Dense Breasts Affect the Risk of Breast Cancer?
There is some evidence that women with dense breasts may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with less dense breasts. The increased risk is due to more of both glandular and fibrous tissue, which can make it more challenging to detect breast cancer on mammograms.
Can Breast Density Affect Mammograms?
Fibrous and glandular breast tissue (dense breast tissue) appear white on a mammogram. Breast cancer can also appear white on a mammogram. The lack of contrast in color between normal and abnormal breast tissue can make it difficult to differentiate between different types of tissue. Fatty breast tissue appears black on a mammogram which provides a good contrast to white-colored abnormal areas.
Because of the potential challenges of interpreting mammogram results for women with dense breast tissue, additional imaging may be recommended. Other imaging options may be required to enhance or complement mammogram screening for these women.
What Are My Screening Options If I Have Dense Breasts?
Health care providers may recommend a 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) for women with dense breasts. Additional imaging could include a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, contrast-enhanced mammography or a clinical breast exam.
It is also important for women to get to know their own breasts by performing regular self-breast exams. During a breast exam, look for changes in size, shape, texture or appearance of the breasts, as well as unusual lumps or discharge from the nipples. Any changes should be reported to a health care provider as quickly as possible.
How Do I Find Out My Breast Density?
Breast density is identified through a screening mammogram. The amount of dense tissue changes over a woman’s lifetime, so it is important to have annual mammograms to look for abnormal tissue and to assess changes in breast density. Knowing the level of breast density is important information for overall breast health and can help guide additional screening recommendations.
Women with dense breasts usually receive a notification about having dense breast tissue when they receive their mammogram report. While this can feel scary, it is important to remember that the need for additional testing is common. Health care providers may suggest additional testing to get a thorough look at the breasts, when dense tissue creates complications reading the mammogram images.
Schedule Your Annual Mammogram.
Understanding breast density can help patients and health care providers select the most appropriate screening options to look for breast cancer.
Performing regular self-breast exams and having an annual mammogram can help identify problems early, when treatment options are most effective.
Make an Appointment. Click here to schedule a routine screening mammogram.
Clinics Offering Screening Mammograms
Mammograms are considered one of the most effective screening tools used in the early detection of breast cancer, and when caught early, breast cancer may be easier to treat. Take your health into your own hands by making a screening mammogram part of your annual breast care routine. Select a location below to schedule your mammogram online or by phone.
