Are you dense? The truth about dense breast tissue.
It’s Risky Being Dense
I never knew anything about dense breast tissue until a couple of years ago. Did you know that the FDA updated the mammography regulations in March of 2023 to require reporting of breast density information to patients? Me either, until I started researching why dense breast tissue is a risk factor for breast cancer, I had no idea.
I do not remember my first breast surgeon ever telling me I had dense breasts, but I do remember my second breast surgeon telling me I did. (My first guy retired, hence the second. Oh, the second retired too, only after he deemed me cured after 10 years! So, that was awesome to get the news from him!) I do remember seeing something about density on the letter I would receive after my mammogram but didn’t know that was a risk factor for breast cancer.
FYI
According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly half of all women who are 40 and older who get mammograms are found to have dense breast tissue.
What are the types of breast tissue?
Fatty
Scattered areas of fibroglandular.
Hetergeneously dense
Extremely dense.
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Fatty Breast Tissue
Fatty breast tissue does not look dense on a mammogram, which makes it easier to find tumors or other changes in the breast. A screening mammogram is usually recommended.
Fibroglandular Breast Tissue
Scattered areas of fibroglandular is a term used to describe breast tissue that is made up of mostly fatty tissue and also has some dense fibrous tissue and glandular tissue. A 3D screening is recommended and possibly a diagnostic mammogram.
Hetergeneously Breast Tissue
Hetergeneously dense breast tissue is a term used to describe breast tissue that has large areas of dense fibrous tissue and glandular tissue and also has some fatty tissue. It is harder to find tumors and changes via mammogram. It is recommended that the patient receive a diagnostic mammogram and/or whole breast ultrasound.
Extremely Dense Breast Tissue
Extremely dense breast tissue is a term used to describe a breast is made up of almost all dense fibrous tissue and glandular tissue. A whole breast ultrasound is recommended.
Note: the definitions and recommendations provided by the National Cancer Institute.
So, how do I know what I have?
How do I know if I have dense breast tissue and which type? After your first mammogram, you should receive a report via MyChart, a letter in the mail, or a visit with your healthcare provider who will advise you if you have dense breast tissue and what type the mammogram detected.
Consider this…
Something to consider about dense breast tissue, the tissue shows up white on a mammogram screening and so does cancer. So, if you get “called back” for a second look via a diagnostic mammogram, the radiologist was unable to determine the difference between dense breast tissue or cancer. It’s a little stressful, okay maybe a lot, but just know that it could mean you are just dense! (insert laughter)
Once you get your results, educate yourself and ask questions with your healthcare provider to insure you are receiving the most effective test for the density of your breast tissue. As mentioned before, the density of your breast tissue may not detect cancer with a screening or diagnostic mammogram.
I hope this information will help you navigate your breast health, well. Until next time, be your own advocate.
Your Breast Friend,
Edie
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