Dense Breast Tissue: Breast Density and Technology

All breasts are not the same!

About 40% of women have dense breast tissue. The FDA recommends women with dense breast consider supplemental screenings. Having dense breast is normal – it means your breast contain more tissue than fat. Women who have dense breast may need more breast cancer screening in addition to a mammogram.

If you are in need of additional breast imaging listed below, click here or call (208) 954-8150.

What does breast density mean?

Breasts are made of fat and breast tissue. A breast with more tissue than fat is considered dense. Breast density is determined by the radiologist who reads your mammogram. Your breast density is reported on your mammogram results. Ask your doctor you density; every woman should know her breast density.

Key Terminology

• Mammograms can detect suspicious lumps that may be indicative of cancers at an early stage.
• Breast Ultrasounds are best used to better define the shape and extent of the abnormality.
• Breast MRI can be used to assess the extent of a tumor or to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the original location. Breast MRI has the highest cancer detection rate (CDR) of all breast imaging exams across all breast density categories.

Additional Screening Options Now Available

If your mammogram shows you have dense breasts, you may want to consider Automated Breast Ultrasound or Abbreviated Breast MRI in addition to your annual mammogram.

“AB-MRI” also called abbreviated MRI is a shortened version of a breast MRI. It is designed to screen for additional breast cancers not seen on mammography in women with dense breast tissue. It detects biologically aggressive invasive cancers at early stages and has been shown to detect over twice as many cancers when combined with mammography. It is shorter than a full breast MRI. Patients are scanned for approximately 6-7 minutes during a 30 minute appointment. Our Partners in Health – Intermountain Medical Imaging, are the only location in the region that offer this screening service. They are located at IMI Magic View Meridian – 2929 E Magic View Dr. Meridian, ID 83642 or call (208) 954-8150.

A New Breast Ultrasound for Dense Breast Tissue

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is an ultrasound examination of the breast that detects small cancers that standard mammography does not see. It is NOT a replacement for annual mammogram screenings. Studies show that an ABUS examination in conjunction with a mammogram can find more cancers in women with dense breast than mammography alone. This is a painless examination that takes less than 30 minutes to complete and has no radiation or compression. This ultrasound can help doctors find cancers hidden in dense breast tissue, which may be missed by mammography. On a mammogram, dense tissue and masses both appear white, so a suspicious lump may be hidden in the dense tissue. When dense tissue is scanned with ultrasound, tissue appears white and masses appear dark – making them easier to see.

Preparation and What to Expect During the Procedure

From the moment you lay down, you will notice ABUS is completely unlike a mammogram. A layer of lotion is applied to your breast, and then a scanner is firmly positioned on your breast to acquire images. The exam takes approximately 15 minutes and provides your doctor with clear 3D ultrasound images. The physician will review the ABUS screening images along with your mammogram. Unlike 2D or 3D mammography, which uses radiation, ABUS screening uses sound waves to create 3D pictures of the breast tissue. ABUS along with your screening mammogram will provide a more complete evaluation of your dense breast tissue.

Ask your doctor if Abbreviated Breast MRI or Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) screening would benefit you. These exams are not generally covered by insurance. Please check with your insurance provider or contact us prior to your appointment to see if this exam is covered under your plan.