Dense breasts?

[thekarens]

I got a letter yesterday regarding my mammogram. It basically said congratulations there were no abnormal findings. However, per state law we have to tell you we don't really know because you have dense breast tissue. We have sent your results to your doctor.

I'm 44 and this is my 4th mammogram. I've been on birth control pills for the last year. Not sure if that's relevant.

[Helene2013]

From what I read/heard, those with dense breast tissues are harder at detecting masses, etc. Thus, very often we are required to go back for Close-ups or even ultrasounds.

Also read that those with dense tissue have higher rate of cancer, especially if women are sugar bugs.

I do have those dense breasts. Even with the breast reduction, there is not much fat in there, mostly tissue. Scary. Now that I am 50, I got a letter 2 weeks after my 50th to tell me I am allowed free annual mammograms. Turning 51 soon and not gone yet. I should tend to this. But the one I had done before my breast reduction (+/- 3 years ago) scared me as they could not see through that "mass", which ended up being a normal fluid pocket. Hoping the surgeon removed it when removing some breast tissue. hihi

[thekarens]

This is the first time I've been told I have dense breasts for whatever that's worth. My mammos are always free so I never put them off.

[ny biker]

I think this is common for younger women.

[thekarens]

I think this is common for younger women.

I'm 44. Does that count as younger?

[ny biker]

I'm 44. Does that count as younger?

In the world of mammograms, yes.

[thekarens]

In the world of mammograms, yes.

Cool, I'll take what I can get

[emily_in_nc]

I always got noted as having dense breasts pre-menopause. The last mammo I got, last year, I was finally menopausal, and the attendant asked me if I had lost a lot of weight. Uh, no...just gone through menopause -- they have definitely shrunk! I can feel that my 53-year old breasts are much softer and less dense. It's a blessing in some ways since a lump would be much easier to find. Pre-menopause, they always felt lumpy and bumpy.

In other words, you're perfectly normal, IMO.

[thekarens]

I always got noted as having dense breasts pre-menopause. The last mammo I got, last year, I was finally menopausal, and the attendant asked me if I had lost a lot of weight. Uh, no...just gone through menopause -- they have definitely shrunk! I can feel that my 53-year old breasts are much softer and less dense. It's a blessing in some ways since a lump would be much easier to find. Pre-menopause, they always felt lumpy and bumpy.

In other words, you're perfectly normal, IMO.

Thanks for the reassurance Emily

[Wasp]

I had no clue that I also have "dense" breasts until I overheard an off hand comment from one of the tech's and I started asking questions. Discussed this with my Dr and asked why she was sending me for mammograms which are quite difficult to read properly if the breast tissue is dense when ultrasound produces better results. I now skip the mammograms and have the ultrasound done annually.

[rocknrollgirl]

I have them too, and have to go for call back mammograms all the time.The radiologist says I have "dense breast" like it is my fault, like I ordered them online or something.....jeez.

[thekarens]

I have them too, and have to go for call back mammograms all the time.The radiologist says I have "dense breast" like it is my fault, like I ordered them online or something.....jeez.

They said they sent the results to my obgyn, so I'm assuming if I needed to do something he would let me know?

[emily_in_nc]

I have them too, and have to go for call back mammograms all the time.The radiologist says I have "dense breast" like it is my fault, like I ordered them online or something.....jeez.

Rude of them...but this did make me LOL! They just don't like anything that makes their job harder.

[emily_in_nc]

They said they sent the results to my obgyn, so I'm assuming if I needed to do something he would let me know?

Yes -- he should.

[emily_in_nc]

This article just happened to be in a newsletter I receive today:

http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2014/07/...nt-afraid.html

Hope it provides some comfort!