Dense breast tissue increases risk of missed tumors during mammograms

Women with dense breast tissue face an increased risk of undetected cancers because dense tissue can mask tumors on standard mammograms, the Irish Examiner reported. Dense breasts contain more fibrous and glandular tissue, such as milk glands, ducts, and connective tissue, and less fatty tissue. [1]

Dense breast tissue is a common condition that affects around 43 percent of women who receive mammograms in Ireland, according to the Irish Examiner. Health authorities note that breast density naturally decreases as women age. Having dense tissue is one of several factors evaluated when assessing overall breast health. [1]

Breast cancer develops directly from breast tissue. Common symptoms of the disease include a lump in the breast, alterations in breast shape, skin dimpling, fluid discharge from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or red and scaly patches of skin. [2]

Additional medical screening can benefit women with dense breast tissue by revealing tumors that remain invisible on regular mammograms, the Irish Examiner reported. For example, patient Evan Holton was diagnosed with breast cancer in June after undergoing an ultrasound examination. [1]