Dense Breast Tissue

In women who have very dense tissue I recommend that they have ultrasound of their breasts every year, as well as a mammogram. The two tests are complementary and give slightly different information. But the basic difference is that in mammography everything is compressed and therefore superimposed. With ultrasound the beam can show everything from the front of the breast to the back. In my experience most insurance companies reimburse something for breast ultrasound if the patient has dense breast tissue.

My 3rd primary breast cancer was found by MRI in 2009. I'd had one in 2008 and it was clear. On the 2009 MRI a distinct but small area was all lit up. The tumor was small and would never have been found that early if I hadn't had the MRI. It was very hard to locate via ultrasound when I went in for the biopsy. That MRI saved my life.

Yes depending on your other risk factors, you may qualify to get a breast MRI. This is typically reserved for women with a lifetime risk of breast cancer of >20%. Ultrasound is also an excellent method for 'looking into' the breast but is typically reserved for a specific finding such as breast pain or a mass. Ultrasound is starting to used as a screening method (examining the entire breast) although standardizing it from patient to patient and from year to year in the same patient has been difficult.

Most mamograph reports will tell you if your breast are dense and give a "amount" of density. If your report does not have that I would ask to speak to the Radiologist because this is important to know. Women with "dense breasts" may benefit with MRI or other testing.