Increased density in breast?

Hi,

My history:  I was diagnosed with IDC in August 2003 and completed my treatments (lumpectomy, re-excision, chemo and 33 rads and am now on Tamoxifen) in February.

My concern:  I just had my one-year bilateral mammogram.  At my check-up the radiation doc said the results "are fine."  I went to medical records and got a copy of the report and it said the following:  Benign 2 - There is some increased density in the right breast secondary to the radiation changes.  What EXACTLY does INCREASED DENSITY in my breast mean?  This is the same breast that had the cancer.  Does it put me more at risk in the future?  My next mammogram is in a year and now I'm a bit worried.  Or am I being cancer-paranoid?

Thanks for a great site.

Elle53

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Elle53:  The process of radiation therapy will cause tissue to undergo changes that will appear as "densities."  From the report, the radiologist seems confident that this density is from the radiation.  It does not put you at higher risk.  Density can make mammograms more difficult to read.  If you are worried, please discuss this with your breast surgeon and or oncologist.  Perhaps they can review the report with you and help you feel more comfortable.