Dense Breast Parenchyma

I saw on TV the other day that if you have dense breast tissue that you should be asking for another type of mammogram (or ultrasound) or something.....no just to rely on the regular mammogram and self exams.  Is this true?


This discussion is related to dense breast parenchyma .

[bluebutterfly2222]

An MRI can "see through" dense tissue better than the other imaging methods you mentioned, but I don't think you need to request MRIs for routine screening unless you fall in a high risk group.

However, if some abnormality is detected on your screening mammogram and you have very dense breast tissue, then an MRI would be useful in clarifying the finding.

Best wishes...

[iam1butterfly]

It depends. My case is an example that's not in keeping with that recommendation.

I learned that I have fibrous breast density after my first mammogram (when I turned 40).
When informed of this, my imaging facility suggested that I maintain annual checkups/ mammograms and continue with self-exams. My family physician pretty much reiterated that... and added that doctors and technicians are particularly vigilant when viewing the mammograms of patients with this condition.

Thus far, all of my breast issues... Fibrocystic Disease of the Breast and microcalcifications... have been detected via basic and diagnostic spot compression mammos. So, I have great faith in mammogram technology, which is constantly improving. But, I'm sure if it was deemed necessary, an MRI and/ or an Ultrasound would be the next course of action if there was something in question.

[SueYoung55]

Digital mammography is what you're looking for. Dense breast tissue appears white on a mammogram as does cancer, sort of like looking for a polar bear in a blizzard. Digital mammography allows them to filter through the difference.

Best wishes.

[healthcareguerilla]

I see, in your profile, that you are male.  I would like to know your purpose in being here.  Actual results are often discordant; breasts are called both dense and fatty by different physicians - in other words, there is enough confusion without pulling stuff from tv that you are "curious" about, should that be the case.

[bluebutterfly2222]

An MRI is quite expensive, but does not involve radiation.

[SueYoung55]

An MRI is magnetic resonance imaging and has NO radiation and is NOT dangerous unless you don't wear ear plugs during imaging. Ultrasound showed my mass to be 1.5 cm where as the MRI showed it to be 10 cm. It saved my life plain and simple.

Research research research!!!

[healthcareguerilla]

Yes.  An error.  No radiation with an MRI.  Sorry.  With an MRI there are just the radio frequencies, (RFs).  Will request that that error be deleted.