Dense Breasts - mammogram ordered

[jm536]

I am 43, no children, with a mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 52.  

In a routine breast exam last week the gynaecologist felt density in one breast and told me to go and have a mammogram.  It seems that the finding of density is the reason for the mammogram, not the finding of any lump.

I had a routine mammogram last year (I live in Italy - they seem hot on these things) which also found dense breasts - I recall them talking about whether to do a further scan but in the end they decided it wasn't necessary.

I guess I am seeking reassurance that the simple finding of density does not in itself mean other things. My research on the net suggests that this is the case, tho density and family history put me at higher risk.

[mamaboulet]

Fibroadenomas and stromal tissue do not increase your risk of breast cancer. The problem with dense breasts is that it is harder to spot something while it is still small. You have lots of company with your dense breasts. The newer digital imaging really helps with dense breasts, both with improved imaging and slightly lighter squishing.
There are a few Canadian researchers who think that dense breasts may in themselves be a risk factor for breast cancer, but that research is still trying to see if there really is a connection, and since about 40% of premenopausal women have dense/fibrocystic breasts, it's not like we can do anything about it except get regular mammos, do self checks, and see our doctors regularly.

[aerobics222]

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 59, she recently passed at age 67 of lung cancer.  I'm 43, have very dense breasts and have had 2 core biopsies on my right breast in the past six months for lumps which came back as fibro adenoma's and stromal tissue.  I'm going for my yearly mammogram in October, but they've only ordered a breast ultrasound on the right side, do you think it would be wise to have one also done on the left breast?  How much higher are my risks of breast cancer with the above information?

Thank you,
Tracie Scott

[Dr Santos]

Hi ma’am,
How are you? As a general rule women should get a screening mammography every year beginning at age 40 and have your breasts checked by your physician every three years. With your family history, yearly mammogram should have started at 30. The dense areas which are breast tissue and are normal for your age appear as shadows or show up white on the mammogram. As a woman grows older the fat tissue becomes more prevalent in the breasts and shows up gray on the mammogram. It would be good to be more vigilant about these things because early detection is worth a lot. If you go for a mammogram this year, don’t forget to bring your old plate for comparison.

Take care and regards.