Hello, I'm 43 and have been getting mammograms since my late 30's (because my mother had breast cancer). My past two mammogram results came back as "normal," but informed me that I have dense breast tissue. Getting a "normal" result was confusing to me, because how could they say it's normal when they can't see anything due to my dense breast tissue?
At my most recent mammogram a few weeks ago, they asked me if I wanted to have a new proceedure - a 3D mammogram - something the office just started doing. They said they can see things better, and especially recommended it since I have dense breast tissue. I was sold. Done. When I received my results letter, once again, it said "normal," but that I have dense breast tissue. I can only assume that the 3D mammogram didn't make it any easier to see through my dense breast tissue.
So now I am questioning if I should ever have a mammogram again (and expose myself to radiation unnecessarily), since they can't see anything. What's the point?
Someone said the point is to catch an abnormality. That is exactly what I'm trying to say, but apparently didn't do a good job in saying it. How can they catch an abnormality if they can't see anything? That is impossible!
Yes it's worth it. They're not saying they can't "see anything" they're just noting that you ALSO have dense breast tissue.
Saying you have dense breast tissue is not the same as saying they can't see anything. The mammogram is looking for changes in the breast tissue. If something looks different they will have you come back in for a follow up mammogram and possibly an ultrasound. It happened to me last year. Depending on where I am in my monthly cycle, the density of my breast tissue changes. Continue to have a yearly mammogram and do monthly self-exams.
My mother has dense breast tissue and was recommended to start doing the 3D mammo. They were able to catch her breast cancer at an extremely early stage - they said a regular mammogram wouldn't have picked it up because it was so small, so it would have been in her body longer before it was big enough to be seen.
Have you asked your doctor exactly what the report means? I would assume the dense breast tissue comment just is pointing out the fact that you have it and as a reminder the mammo needs to be done extremely thoroughly each time. I'm sure "normal" on the chart means just that. If they couldn't see anything through your breast tissue it would be "inconclusive." It's not like your dense tissue is creating a lead wall that the mammogram can't see through.
Dense breast does not mean they can't see anything. My doctor does a ultra sound. If there is a question about what they see or don't see.
I urge you to talk with your doctor. Better yet would be to talk with the person who reads mammogram.With a family history of breast cancer you definitely must have mammogram. Get this explained by a medical expert.
Yes to what most others are saying. Just because they note that your tissue is dense does not mean that they can't see anything. Ask your Gyn at your annual appointment to explain more, but don't give up on the imaging.
i understand your reticence, and i too am not all whoopie about pumping my vulnerable breast tissue full of radiation.
but i'm also exaggerating somewhat. mammograms don't have much in the way of radiation. and i'm betting that them saying that you have dense tissue doesn't mean 'so we can't see anything at all and this is useless.' just that you have dense tissue, and should be doing regular and thorough self-exams. i've got a friend whose life was saved by self-examination. the mammo showed nothing.
but they DO show problems, an awful lot of the time.
i only get one every other year. i try to keep my medical interventions to a minimum. but we've got diagnostic tools, and even if our country is insane about how we use and pay for them, they're way better than nothing.
i did thermography for several years in lieu of mammos, but i don't recommend them. i FINALLY found a doctor who sat down with me and patiently explained just what thermos show versus mammos. mammograms are far more likely to save your life.
khairete
S.
With your family history, I would keep getting them done. I do understand what you are saying about the dense tissue, but I do think that there is a benefit for you. I would not worry about the radiation.
I also have breast cancer in my family and I'm 55. I also have dense tissue but will continue to do it because if it "might be something", I'd rather know then and get it taken care of. Otherwise, you'd be eaten up with cancer and not know until it consumed you! Please get it done!!
I get an ultrasound along with mammo for dense breast.
The radiation is so minimal. I wouldn't consider that a factor. If you were having these done every day, sure. But once a year, no biggy.
How would you feel if you skipped your annual and found out you had breast cancer and it could have been treated or cured a year earlier? Just because you don't see it on the X-ray this year it might be next year. The exams are compared and so far you have a baseline of health that is great for you.
I have had normal readings and one year I didn't. Doctor "watched" for a year and the next year I had surgery to removed the area in question. I also did radiation and took medicine for 5 years. I am cured. But it was a very emotional journey at an early stage that could have had different results had it been viewed several years later down the line which could have included death.
So you have to learn how to manage your health issues and not all the hype that goes around. Do your research and discuss this thoroughly with your medical team. Proactive is a lot easier than reactive.
Your breasts may thin out as you get older and they will be able see them clearly. Just don't give up on you. Your insurance covers this visit annually.
the other S.
They CAN see through the dense breast tissue. I had a similar result to my 1st mammogram last year, and since I'm adopted they decided I should get ultrasounds each time I get a mammogram to see through the dense tissue. Which I did, and there I saw right on the screen through the dense tissue: no bumps.
I also got a "higher than average risk" genetic test with that new recommended test they do with the mouth swabs? Which is totally stupid and I shouldn't have gotten it. I thought it was the Angleina Jolie test that tells if you're REALLY HIGH RISK, but this common gyno office one is not so specific...my doctor explained: I got a "high-ish" risk rating of 16%. Meaning in women of my similar genetic make-up, I likely have a 16% chance of getting breast cancer at some point if I live to 94 years old. And an 84% chance of NOT getting it if I live to be 94 years old. With smart lifestyle choices, adequate screenings and self exams...I'll likely prevent any problems. In other words, that test was a stupid pointless money maker.
Now should you subject yourself to extra radiation with yearly exams? That's up to you. They say it's safe but they say that about a lot of unsafe stuff....do them less often if you wish, But AGAIN, they DO see through your dense tissue. The mammogram could spot a big problem, and the ultrasound or 3D thingy can see through the dense tissue.
Definitely keep getting mammograms. Especially where your mother had breast cancer (sorry to hear that).
I was told I had fibrocystic breasts but "normal". I think these are just terms they use to describe breast tissue. Mine are a bit lumpy is all.
If you have questions - ask your doctor at your next check up when you review your mammogram results (you should be reviewing them with your doctor). I'm sure they can explain it fully and tell you whether you may need additional tests.
Good luck :) glad your test came back normal
The point is to catch an abnormality before it's too late!! If you don't trust your medical professionals, find a place you do trust.
I have dense tissue as well and my tests have always been normal, thank God. I hate going but I'd rather go get the test than die prematurely death because I wasn't proactive with my health.
Don't shortchange what the testing can do preventatively. Wouldn't you rather have an uncomfortable exam and have a sense if relief that you are ok or just leave it up to the powers the be and not find out until it's too late to save your life??
So, no... I don't see it as a waste of my time. I would like to enjoy my grandchildren someday if I am so blessed to still be here!!!
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Really??? They are not saying they can't see anything at all. You probably get more radiation just by getting up everyday and living a normal life!
You really need to talk to your Dr and someone who can explain the process to you so you understand.
It is required by law that they tell you if you have dense breast tissue. My dr orders the 3D whenever I get mine because I have dense breast tissue also.
Do they offer you ultrasound in place of or in addition to the mammogram? How about thermography? I had one mammogram and u/s done for a lump when I was younger but other than that, haven't had to really think about this yet as a routine screening but when the time comes, I may look into thermography instead of mammography. There seem to have been some advances in thermography over the years but I haven't researched it enough to make a decision. Something you may want to look into.
morning
I know some won't agree, but now at 50, I don't get them and when I did... like you breast tissue was dense and they had to re-do it..
Go to mercola,com there are type in mamagram.. there are several articles on this topic, there is even one with regard to the 3D..
I think it's good to not only get other womens' opinions, but see what doctors are saying too.. doctors who are willing to think apart from the establishment like dr mercola. I always enjoy his articles and they are free..
best of luck
What if the tumor isn't in the densest part of your breast tissue? Then a mamo would certainly be worth it.
