Dense Breast Tissue
Dense breast tissue is often discovered during routine mammograms. The breast is made up of glandular, connective, and fatty tissues. In dense breasts, there is more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fatty tissue, which can make it more difficult to detect potential signs of cancer on a mammogram.
Overview
What is Dense Breast Tissue?
Dense breast tissue refers to the ratio of glandular and fibrous tissue in the breast compared to fatty tissue. When there’s more glandular and fibrous tissue than fat, your breast is considered dense. This can make detecting breast cancer more challenging, as both dense tissue and cancer appear as white spots on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue is common and not necessarily a cause for concern.
Why Does Breast Density Matter?
Breast density matters because:
- Dense tissue can make it harder to see cancer on a mammogram.
- Having dense breast tissue can increase your risk of breast cancer. Studies suggest that women with extremely dense breast tissue have a fourfold higher risk compared to those with more fatty tissue.
Breast Tissue Types:
- Fibrous Tissue: Provides structural support to the breast, appearing white on mammograms.
- Fibroglandular Tissue: Glands and ducts responsible for milk production also appear white on a mammogram.
- Fatty Tissue: Appears darker on a mammogram and fills spaces between the fibrous and fibroglandular tissues.
Breast Density Categories
Breast density is classified into four categories:
- A (Mostly Fatty): Almost entirely fatty tissue. (~10% of women)
- B (Scattered Fibroglandular): Some dense tissue but mostly fat. (~40% of women)
- C (Heterogeneously Dense): More dense tissue than fat. (~40% of women)
- D (Extremely Dense): Mostly dense tissue. (~10% of women)
What Causes Dense Breast Tissue?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of having dense breasts:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT used for menopause symptoms can lead to denser breasts.
- Low Body Weight: People with a lower BMI may have denser breasts.
- Age: Younger individuals tend to have denser breast tissue, which can decrease with age.
- Genetics: Breast density can run in families.
Diagnosing Dense Breast Tissue
Dense breast tissue cannot be felt through a breast exam. It is only diagnosed through a mammogram. Radiologists determine breast density by assessing how much white (dense tissue) and dark (fatty tissue) appears on the mammogram image.
Tests for Dense Breast Tissue
If you have dense breasts, your doctor may recommend additional imaging beyond standard mammograms, such as:
- 3D Mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis): This test takes multiple X-ray images from different angles, which can provide a more detailed view.
- Breast Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to detect abnormalities in the breast.
- Breast MRI: This test is the most sensitive but is generally reserved for those at high risk for breast cancer.
Can Breast Density Change?
Yes, breast density can change over time. While many people see a decrease in density as they age, others may not experience significant changes.
What to Do If You Have Dense Breast Tissue
If you have dense breasts, discuss cancer screening options with your healthcare provider. While dense breasts can increase the risk of breast cancer, they are just one factor. Annual mammograms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and discussing other cancer risk factors are essential steps.
Living with Dense Breast Tissue
While you can’t change your breast density, there are several actions you can take:
- Get annual mammograms.
- Perform regular breast self-exams.
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
Sources:
- National Cancer Institute: Dense Breast Tissue
- American Cancer Society: Breast Density and Your Mammogram
- Mayo Clinic: Dense Breast Tissue: What It Means