extra views for density

[Nannjanners]

Had my annual screening mammo today , digitally, and the tech took extra views of both breast stating density.  This concerns me.  I have been going yearly for about 6 years not.  I am 45, had a complete hysterectomy 6 months ago due to numerous bening ovarian cysts and uterine bleeding.  I am concerned what this density might mean. I am afraid of being called back yet again, for further testing.  Is this something to be worried about. Does density signal cancer?
Thanks alot.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Are you on HRT post hysterectomy? HRT does increase the density of the breast tissue and this makes mammogram a little difficult to visualise the entire breast tissue. So that could be the reason extra views were taken this time and not previously when mammograms were done. Also in cases of nodules, fibrocystic changes etc also the breast tissue becomes difficult to visualise. So you need not worry about the extra views that were taken. And when you do meet the doctor for your report do discuss this with him/ her too. Goodluck.

[sonu78]

Hi,
The mammogram is usually taken to screen for breast cancer. Two views of each breast are obtained. It is not the breast density which matters but the abnormalities associated with it. these can be masses, architectural distortions and asymmetries.
Other abnormality searched for are microcalcifications.
Hence there is no necessity for being panic. Await the reports.