Marked BPE and risk

VanillaPudding

I have a few questions about the role of BPE in breast cancer screening.  Hoping someone can clarify and educate me as I prepare for another round of screening.

Quick Google searches yield interesting information.  From what I can tell, increased Background Parenchymal Enhancement (BPE) is another risk factor for developing BC.  I also understand this is different from density.  BPE is only measured from an MRI.  MRI is used as an additional screening tool for dense breasted women, not all with dense breasts have increased BPE, correct?  Are the two related?

Density is greater depending on age, younger meaning more dense.  Is there an age correlation for BPE?  I think so, meaning closer to Menopause the higher BPE?  Sorry, this is a new term for me and I am trying to learn more.

How is my risk increased given I have extremely dense breast (listed as severe, with very little adipose tissue) AND Marked BPE.  So my take on this is mammograms are very difficult to read due to density, and previous MRI notes marked BPE making diagnosis and interpretation more difficult.  I also get Ultrasounds, which usually detect up to 150 measurable cysts.  Ouch. The only BC in my family is second and third degree.  I am 46.  My sister did have a preventative Mastectomy due to ADH, ALH, FEA and PASH. 

How important is BPE for increasing the risk of Breast Cancer?  Is BPE just another benign condition?  I have a long list of other benign conditions, just wondering what affects my risk the most.

Thank you.

Laureneliz

I don't know but I'd like to find out also. I noticed this on my recent MRI result and my breasts are extremely dense as well. I've had 2 biposies in the past year and am having a lumpectomy soon for ADH. I have fibrocystic breasts which has been an issue for me for a long time. My breasts are often tender and sore. I'm amazed by women who tell me mammograms are not painful! I'm 45 years old.

Scmommato3

I have no idea the answers to any of your questions, but since I've recently had an MRI I thought I would tell you that I do have "extremely dense" breasts but no BPE. I am 25. I still haven't figured out what my issues are but I have only four cysts and a big glob of fibrous tissue that are extremely painful. I don't know how you are dealing with 150 cysts! Yikes! Fibrocystic breasts I'm finding are very painful. I never had any problems before this year