Density question

Djabi53

I’m 66 years old. When I have a mammogram I always ask the technician about my density. She always says it’s not too bad. Recently I read my mammogram reports which say my breasts are heterogenously dense. Does anyone know how concerning this is regarding risk? Many thanks

Elephant

Djabi53 - I think that the only risk is that any breast cancer would go undetected because of the density. I have had this every time I had a mammogram so that it was always followed up with an ultrasound. My cancer was not detected on a mammogram, but the follow up ultrasound showed something that a biopsy confirmed was cancer. So in your case, it would probably be best to have a follow ultrasound to confirm that there is nothing there.

Djabi53

thanks very much for your reply. I don’t understand why the tech says not very dense, but the report says heterogeneously dense. And if it’s so dense, I don’t understand why they aren’t recommending the ultrasounds. I do have diagnostic mammograms with magnification. Confusing........

Beesie

Heterogeneously Dense is Category 3 density, indicating >50% - 75% density. This is the most common density category for all women. Density tends to reduce as we age, but even for women in their 60s, 41% have Cat.3 density.

The top density category is Extremely Dense, Category 4, which indicates >75% density. This is the category that is considered 'very dense' and that should always necessitate supplemental ultrasound or MRI screening.

Based on the Tech's comment that your breasts are not very dense, my guess is that your breasts may fall closer to the lower end of the Heterogeneously Dense category.

https://www.ajronline.org/doi/pdf/10.2214/AJR.10.6049

sweetp6217

As of January 1, 2019, your medical care professionals are required to reveal your density number. I've heard "numbers" and letters of A or 1, B or 2, C or 3 and D or 4. It was determined that my breast density was considered C prior to my diagnosis, or should I say MISSED diagnosis. After cancer treatment, more than 2 years later, my density is now allegedly B. I don't know how that would be possible since not much was removed in the surgery breast and none in the other.

Djabi53

Beesie - thanks very much for reading my question and taking the time to reply. what you said makes sense. Ive asked if I should have a 3D or mri and was told no. I have diagnostic mammograms with magnification. I'm thinkingabout asking if I should have an mri if I pay for it out of pocket.

Djabi53

thanks sweetp6217 for your reply and for sharing your experiences. May I ask how old you were when diagnosed.

sweetp6217

Djabi53, 55. No MBI available when I was diagnosed and when I should have been diagnosed, IMO.