If you have recently undergone a Mammogram imaging in Idaho and the results show that you have dense breast tissues, you must wonder what it means for your health. Your healthcare professional will tell you that dense breast tissues make cancer screening more difficult. However, they also increase your risk of developing the disease.
Not every individual with dense breast tissue will have breast cancer. However, it is important to understand its implications for breast health and cancer detection. Regular mammograms at Intermountain Medical Imaging are the best way to be informed about your health and aware of any warning signs. Read this blog to know more.
What do dense breast tissues mean?
When your doctor tells you that you have dense breast tissue, it usually means that it appears on your mammogram. It is a common finding; however, it does not always imply that there is something wrong.
Your breasts are composed of two types of tissue: dense breast tissue and fatty tissue. The dense tissue encompasses the milk glands, ducts, and supportive structures, whereas the fatty tissue is made up of fatty cells. If a mammogram reveals dense breast tissue, it generally indicates that your breasts have a higher proportion of dense tissue compared to fatty tissue.
Since the fatty tissue appears completely transparent on a mammogram, it is easy to see through it. Dense breast tissues look white and more easily noticeable. Breast cancer also appears solid white on a mammogram. Therefore, dense breast tissues are often confused with cancer, and also, cancer is often missed due to being confused with the same.
Should you take extra steps if you have dense breast tissues?
Yes. Since dense breast tissues increase your chances of breast cancer and also create confusion, it helps you get more regular check-ups with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest additional screening exams if you are at greater risk. Your doctor can look for abnormalities like tumors and cancers through tests like 3D mammography.
Additionally, studies have shown that breast ultrasound and possibly MRI can help detect cancers that cannot be found on mammograms. However, they can also show findings that are indeed not cancer. Sometimes, something the doctor thinks is cancer might turn out to be harmless after additional tests and biopsies. All of these tests can cost a fortune in Idaho.
Breast density is complex to understand, but it is a crucial part of cancer detection. By understanding what your breast density means, you can make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.
How serious is dense breast tissue?
Dense breast tissues are quite a common finding among Idaho women. While they do not directly mean something bad, they can be risky for the two following reasons:
- You are more likely to miss a cancerous tissue in your breast while looking at your mammogram results. Both dense breast tissues and breast cancer appear solid white on a mammogram image. It is easy to miss something concerning.
- Having dense breast tissues also increases your chances of breast cancer. The same is true for someone who has a relative with breast cancer. So, you must be particularly helpful.
How often should one with high risk get mammograms?
In general, healthcare professionals recommend getting mammograms at least once a year starting from the age of 40. Having dense breasts makes detection difficult, but mammograms are still proven to save lives. Moreover, there are newer mammogram technologies that allow doctors to get a more detailed view of the breast tissues.
Do not take a risk!
When you do not get regular health check-ups, you gamble with your health and put it at great risk. Sometimes, even the healthiest of lifestyles cannot save you from a deadly disease like cancer. Visit your doctor in Idaho for medical imaging and discuss your options today!
