Get smart about dense breasts
An expert radiologist and dense breast educators address specific questions that will arise in your counseling and care of women who are identified with dense breasts on mammography
In this Article
- Breast mass imaging case study
- Screening decision support tool
- Is your support staff “density” ready?
Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) slightly improves detection of cancers compared with standard digital mammography, but some cancers will remain hidden by overlapping dense tissue. We do not yet know the benefit of annual screening tomosynthesis. Without question, women at high risk for breast cancer still should have MRI if they are able to tolerate it, even if they have had tomosynthesis.
If a patient with dense breasts undergoes screening tomosynthesis, will she also need a screening ultrasound?
Preliminary studies not yet published suggest that, for women with dense breasts, ultrasound does find another 2 to 3 invasive cancers per 1,000 women screened that are not found on tomosynthesis, but further study of this issue is needed.
If recommended for additional screening with ultrasound or MRI, will a patient need that screening every year?
Usually, yes, though age and other medical conditions will change a patient’s personal risk and benefit considerations. Therefore, screening recommendations may change from one year to the next. With technology advancements and evolving guidelines, additional screening recommendations will change in the future.
Prepare yourself and your patients will benefit
The foundation of a successful screening program involves buy-in from both patient and clinician. Patients confused as to what their density notification means may have little understanding as to what next steps should be considered. To allay confusion, your patient will be best served by being provided understandable and actionable information. Advanced preparation for these conversations about the implications of dense tissue will make for more effective patient engagement.
Acknowledgment
Much of the material within this article has been sourced from the educational Web site DenseBreast-info.org. For comprehensive lists of both patient and health care provider frequently asked questions, visit https://www.DenseBreast-info.org.
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