If you've had a mammogram, maybe it caught your attention. The report includes statements such as "breast ACR Type 3 density" or "breast tissue Type 2 density". If you are wondering what this is and whether it is of any importance to you, please read this short article until the end.
What does breast density mean?
Breast tissue, with milk-producing lobules, It consists of channels (ducts) that transmit milk to the nipple and fatty tissue and fibrous connective tissue as support tissue. Support tissues give the breast its shape. Others are structures responsible for milk production and are called glandular tissue.
If your breast has more glandular tissue and fibrous connective tissue and less fatty tissue, the breast tissue is considered dense. This condition is entirely a genetic feature. Functionally, that is, in terms of milk production, there is no difference between dense breasts and lipomatous (fat tissue-dominated) breasts. Although this is not an abnormal situation, it is a common structural feature.
The density of the breast decreases with age.
How can breast density be understood?
The density of the breast decreases with age. strong>
Breast density is a feature that can only be understood by mammography. A decision about breast density cannot be made by examination or ultrasound. Breast density is evaluated only by a radiologist experienced in breast radiology in 4 categories determined by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Accordingly,
Type 1 breast:The breast consists almost entirely of fatty tissue,
Type 2 breast:The breast consists of fatty tissue. Breast with a large amount of glandular and fibrous tissue,
Type 3 breast: Breast with more glandular and fibrous tissue, making it difficult to see small lesions,
Type 4 breast: Breast that consists almost entirely of glandular and fibrous tissues in mammography, and masses may be overlooked.
Type 3 and 4 breasts are considered dense breasts.
How important is breast density?
Studies have shown that breast cancer is more common in people with dense breasts (Type 3 and 4) compared to Types 1 and 2. It is not known why this is so today. However, do not be intimidated by this information, because the presence of dense breast tissue It means a moderate increase in risk. Considering other risk factors such as age, early menstruation/late menopause, family history of breast cancer or BRCA gene mutation, having dense breasts does not pose a high risk.
Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in addition to mammography in high-risk people. ) is required, but today it is not necessary for people with dense breasts.
Each of the structures that make up the breast tissue transmits X (X-ray) rays to different degrees in mammography. Since the resistance of fat tissue is low, most of the X-ray passes through, causing these parts to appear black. Since glandular and fibrous tissues are relatively more resistant, some of the X-ray can pass through. This causes these tissues to appear grey/white. Cancer tissue is also a dense tissue and appears gray/white in color because it transmits X-rays at very low rates. This is the main reason why masses can be overlooked in dense breasts.
Should those with dense breast tissue have mammography?
Of course, they should continue their mammography checks because mammography is the best screening and screening today. It is a monitoring method. Although there is a possibility that small tumors may be overlooked in dense breasts, this rate is quite low.
In addition to mammography, breast ultrasound and MRI examination can also be performed. However, the probability of detecting cancer tissues of these two methods is lower than the possibility of detecting benign tumors./p>
So what to do?
First of all, you should discuss your situation with your doctor. The first step here is to investigate the presence of more important risk factors. Family history of cancer should be specifically investigated, and if high risk is considered, other genes, especially BRCA, should be investigated by genetic counseling.
Although commonly used and accepted tests and imaging methods are not defined today, it is best to follow your doctor's recommendations.
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