How Fibrocystic Breast Tissue Affects Mammograms

What is fibrocystic breast tissue?

Fibrocystic breast tissue is a common condition that affects women of all ages. It is characterized by the presence of lumps, cysts, and thickened breast tissue. Fibrocystic breast tissue is not cancerous, but it can make mammograms more difficult to read.

How does fibrocystic breast tissue affect mammograms?

The lumps and cysts associated with fibrocystic breast tissue can make it difficult for radiologists to see through the breast tissue and identify any potential abnormalities. This can lead to false positives, where a radiologist sees something that looks like cancer but is actually just normal breast tissue. It can also lead to false negatives, where a radiologist misses a cancerous tumor because it is hidden by fibrocystic tissue.

What can be done to improve the accuracy of mammograms in women with fibrocystic breast tissue?

There are a few things that can be done to improve the accuracy of mammograms in women with fibrocystic breast tissue. These include:

* Using ultrasound. Ultrasound can be used to help distinguish between lumps that are solid (and potentially cancerous) and cysts that are fluid-filled (and not cancerous).

* Using 3D mammography. 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, can provide a more detailed image of the breast than traditional 2D mammography. This can help to identify abnormalities that may be hidden by fibrocystic tissue.

* Getting regular mammograms. The best way to detect breast cancer in women with fibrocystic breast tissue is to get regular mammograms. This will allow your doctor to track any changes in your breast tissue over time and to identify any potential problems early on.

If you have fibrocystic breast tissue, talk to your doctor about the best way to screen for breast cancer.