Dense Breasts Hike Risk of Aggressive Cancer

I thought so too.  It seems sometimes that without insurance you get discounts which can help for certain things such as this. 

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-11-doctor-fda-mammogram-wont-cancer.html

Doctor tells FDA to change rules; says mammogram won't spot cancer in some

Actually now there is a new screening tool for dense breasts . I just had it last week. It's called a full breast ultrasound. Completely noninvasive but it hurts like hell . It's also not a particularly effective tool for mass screening. It took an hour and twenty minutes. I hate to see the bill

I am so sorry you're going through, Petitegal. I hope everything works out in your favor. Praying to God asking if it be His will, to completely heal your situation. I am hoping for myself too. I wish breast cancer was non existent

I've posted here before that there is a new tool used to image dense breast tissue. It's a full breast ultrasound used specifically for those of us with dense breasts. It's non invasive and take over an hour to complete. I found it extremely painful but it may be a good option if you have breast density

That's exactly what I had .... Full breast US. It took 1 1/4 hours in my case. I suppose it couldtake longer or shorter depending on breast size or topography.

I am interested in the concept of the full breast ultrasound for dense breasts. It seems like a great idea. I also agree with VanillaPudding that it could not be worse than a mammo! Especially for dense breast people. When they did the US following my mammo before my diagonosis even The untrained eye could see the difference between the cancerous areas and the non cancerous tissues. The shape of the cancers was very unique. I have examined the MRI, the mammo both digital and 3D and it isn't as easy to see. Still at the end of the day the only thing that is certain is biopsy. It is for this reason that I opted for the bilateral mastectomy when the cancer was found in one breast. The cancerous breast had three sizable IDC tumors and uncountable DCISs. That is frightening for a person who has had annual mammos for over 28 years, including digital mammos since they were available.

Appropriate diagnostic testing for women with dense breasts is a major issue. We represent more than 50% of all breast cancers and the insurance cos and medical professionals still seem reluctant to agree that different testing is required. We also represent a very large percentage of breast cancers in premenopausal women. This is something we need to advocate for in every forum - contact your state legislators, members of Congress and your state insurance commissioners. Tell them your stories. Read all of the studies and all statistics on dense breast cancers to be prepared. It is VERY likely that your representatives themselves or their wives or daughters have dense breast tissue. Even though it is not a topic people talk much about, they all recognize it. Everyone is afraid of cancer for both themselves and their loved ones. If they knew our stories they would feel a concerned about this issue as we are.

When I found out I had cancer and the multiple doctors appointments began I sent a note to all of the people I worked with in my company and others and told them my story. I told them the cancer had not been found by mammograms and that this was a problem for all women with dense breast tissue. I urged them all to be diligent in advocating for themselves and their loved ones with their doctors for appropriate testing for any cancer. I also urged them not to be appeased if they felt their was something wrong. No one felt a lump on my breast, I just noticed a small change in the shape of my breast caused by an indentation that my doctor couldn't see. I made the appointment to have it checked out and my doctor believed me and sent me for the diagnostic mammo. Nearly everyone who heard my story wrote me personally to thank me for the warning and agreed to urge loved ones to get checked with 3D mammos. Many spread the word to others and and now the message has reached many more people than I could have imagined. I work in the insurance industry as an advocate for companies and I understand the reluctance to take on excessive charges for unnecessary testing, but this is not such a situation. The insurance companies prefer prevention and early detection to paying for very expensive cancer treatments. They just need to validate the accuracy of the process.

For me the Mammograms, while painful, are tolerable.  The bilateral, full breast standard Ultrasound for 2-3 hours is what hurts the most.  With 150 plus cysts and other masses, there is never a spot that is not painful when scanned with the wand.  I can't imagine what pain it would be having the whole breast scanned at once.  It does sound very painful.

I have a Bilateral Mammogram, and Ultrasound on Monday.  That is a great idea to premedicate, I will try that.  My breast are so dense, I just always wonder what is missed after imaging.  The last Ultrasound I had, the tech sighed seeing my name and face.  She admitted she was only going to do a quick "looksee" and just focus on the larger problematic cysts.  I am getting pretty good at watching my Ultrasounds and knowing what looks normal and not.  To me, I am not worried about the obvious large cysts, whether simple or complex, those are easy to see.  Especially when they are over 2cm and bigger.  I wonder about all the smaller ones that are skimmed over, especially if they are solid, or not clearly a simple cysts.  I am tired of reading "Probably Benign" again and again and again on each report.  10 times at my last imaging. 

 I am so confused about what to do.  I have asked for masses to be biopsied on one hand, and have refused biopsies on the other hand.  With so many findings bilaterally, the Radiologist herself is not sure where to start.  I am excited and nervous about my first appointment at a University Breast Cancer Center next week.  I plan on asking a lot of questions about density, and what that does to my risk.

I have waited 8 days to post this.  I had an appointment at a University Breast Cancer Center to discuss my breast health.  I have what they call busy breasts.  I have had 6 biopsies in 5 years, along with many Mammos/US/ and MRI's.  My results are always Extremely Dense.  My MRI further states Extremely Dense (Severe).  I was told I have very little adipose tissue.

My "Specialist" at the Breast Cancer clinic was an OB/Gyn.  He immediately brushed me off saying everything appears benign after I had a Mammo and then US.  He told me all about the guidelines he writes stating Mammograms should be reserved for women after the age of 50.  I am 45.  He then told me Density is not a risk factor, and family history is only important if you have a 1st degree relative with clinically diagnosed invasive cancer or have tested positive for the BRCA gene.  When I asked if he could answer questions, or pull up my Mammo or US from that morning he said it was not necessary.  He then left the room when I started getting mad and teary eyed.  After a few minutes, he came back, and I told him to sit down because I was not done with my questions.  I started asking about the Whole Breast Ultrasound, and he told me the only screening I should have is an annual Mammogram.  When I asked why I have had 2 MRI's, and so many other test for issues, he stated it was a waste for dense breasts and everything would show in a Mammogram, possibly a 3D Mammo if warranted.  SO frustrated.

On a side note, I just filled out my patient satisfaction survey.  Wondering if I will hear from anyone.........

Thank you all for this site. I too have very dense breasts and cystic as well. My sister was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer at 40. She tested positive for BRCA 1 mutation. So high risk. I have a 50% chance of having it too. So at 39 i had my first Mammogram. I was called later that day asking me to come the next day for another Mammo and and ultrasound on my left breast. I spent the rest of that day and night in complete panic mode. I has the tests done and was informed that my Dr. would have results that day. He never called. The next day I called and was assured everything was ok. I saw my Dr. that evening. He told me my breasts are very dence and very cystic. I asked about MRI and he said they don't use MRI on breasts. Just Mammo and ultrasound. He assured my if I had cancer it would be detected. I am not convinced and I don't have much faith in him after a few miss diagnosises with other medical issues I have had. The problem is, there are currently no doctors in my area or on the outskirts accepting new patients. So I am stuck relying on him. I feel absolutely powerless. When I do come to him with an issue he brushes it off. It took him a month to send a referral in to a genetic counseler. It is so hard to tell with the breast exams which bumps are abnormal, some hurt, some are round, some are oval, some big some small. So I wait....... I'm glad i'm not alone, but I don't understand after so many women have been misdiagnosed that they are not doing more to screen us!!

Hey Lucknumber!

Sorry I just saw your reply.

I did manage to get a new doctor. She is GREAT!!! I have had some nipple bleeding (in my right breast) and she immediately got me in for a breast Ultrasound. It showed a dialated duct, possibly a papilloma? Or could be cancer. I will be booked for a Ductogram, just waiting for the call. I am also scheduled for an ultrasound to check my ovaries this week ( i am currently having some issues down there as well). I meet with genetic counsellor on March 1st. Then i can be tested for the BRCA 1 mutation. My parents meet with a Genetic counsellor tomorrow. I'm hoping they get their results before i get my testing done. Everything seems to be happening at once. But I feel better knowing i'm in good hands. If I am BRCA 1 positive, or if this turns out to be cancer. I will elect to have double mastectomy. Still on the fence about recon....but i will discuss it if it comes to that. I am no longer panicing. Just taking everything as it comes. I guess my biggest fears about getting cancer and the gene mutation is my kids. My baby is almost 14 and my only girl, and my boys are, twins 15 (one is Autistic) and my oldest is 20 (down syndrome and still living at home). I fear i passed it on to them, aslo, if i am sick, they will still need someone to look after them. I'm working on teching them more independance.

So for now i carry my positive outlook around....