This is my 2nd mammogram at age 41 and it came back saying my left breast was denser than last year's (baseline) mammogram. My baseline was performed by a tech who did not press very hard -- would that make a difference in the viewable results -- the pres

[ImWorried9]

My 2nd year mammogram shows my left breast is denser. I'm 41 and last year was my baseline mammogram.  Last year the tech did not place much pressure at all on my breasts .. she hardly "smashed" them at all.  This year the tech really pressed hard down on each breast.  Would this make any difference in the results shown???  I'm really concerned ... I just had my right ovary removed and a benign cyst on it a couple of months ago.

[iam1butterfly]

best of luck... let us know how things turn out.

[ImWorried9]

Thank You for your response. It's very reassuring and informative, too! Early next week I should know more.

Thanks Again!

[iam1butterfly]

Breast density, which can be felt as a sort of lumpiness within the breasts, makes it difficult to detect abnormalities; so, it would make sense that your doctor is ordering different views of your breast. It doesn't necessarily mean that the doctor thinks that there's something there. It's just that the extra views are used as a precautionary measure to make certain that nothing significant is being overlooked.
And, I don't think that the degree of pressure (whether too much or too little) would make a difference in the mammogram... except, for maybe the quality of the diagnostic image.

[ImWorried9]

Thanks for your concern, I'll know more early next week when I get additional views.

[ImWorried9]

Yes, this second mammogram was actually performed right during/ending my menstrual cycle ... and the Dr. ordered more views at this time; hence my worry that he is not telling me one way or the other if a mass or lump was found so I wouldn't worry too much until after the next views are taken?  Does that sound reasonable? He only mentioned that my left breast looked denser--I wonder if the pressure placed by the tech enters into the results at all as far as looking denser, the harder you press down on them in the x-ray--digital mammogram.
Thanks!

[katarina777]

I do think , though, that it can make a difference where you are in your menstrual cycle. I know it does with MRI's and some oncologists specifically request that an MRI is not done premenstrually. I also do not think that density correlates with more suspicion on a mammogram. It is totally normal for your age to see much more and better the results from an ultrasound? will you have one?

[japdip]

I don't believe that would make any difference. Our breasts tend to increase in density as we age .... dense breasts are of no particular concern other than it's more difficult for the filming to "see" thru the dense tissues.    Regards .....