Dense breast tissue is common and normal, but it can make cancer more difficult to detect. FDA requirements going into effect in September 2024 will dictate that patients be better informed about it.
Use of Breast MRI Screening in Women With Dense Breasts
Interview with Professor Christiane Kuhl, M.D., director of radiology, University Hospital Aachen, Germany, on the use of MRI breast screenings
A comparison of standard mammography imaging (left) in a woman with dense breasts and a breast MRI imaging study (right) showing a clearly defined cancer and is extremely hard to detect on the mammograms. Images from Christiane Kuhl, M.D.
Dense breast tissue can hide cancers in mammograms in about half of women. Supplemental imaging is often needed to accurately diagnose these patients, avoid false positives and avoid needless tissue biopsies. Breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to see through dense tissue to better identify cancers and avoid the need for many biopsies, however, MRI offers more specificity.