Tests for breast density

Breasts are composed of various tissues such as milk ducts, lobules, fatty and fibrous connective tissue.

Increase in quantity of fibrous tissues constitutes to change in density of breast. Women at young age have dense breast and while aging their breasts become fatty. 

Women should be aware of the breast density. More the dense breast higher is the risk of breast cancer detection. So it is better to see a doctor for tests and  remedial measures.         

Tests and diagnosis for dense breast tissue

Mammography, 3-D mammography (a.k.a Tomosynthesis), Breast MRI, Breast ultrasound, Tyrer cuzick are some of the most known tests to detect level of breast density.  Though the technique and results differ, it is up to practitioner to prescribe the best suitable test for the patient.

Mammography – Wide in practice, Low dose x-rays are used to examine the breasts. Radiologists interpret the images on mammogram to determine the scale of Breast  density.

3-D Mammography- advance form of breast imaging, where multiple pictures are taken from different angles.   

Similarly, Breast ultrasound, Breast MRI is also used to check breast density.

Unfortunately, the relationship between breast density and breast cancer is unknown but breast density does increase the chances of breast cancer.