Is Ultrasound better for dense breasts?

Ultrasound is good for dense breast tissue because it tends to show cancers as dark, and the glandular tissue as lighter in color. That contrast helps radiologists detect small cancers. Numerous studies have shown that with ultrasound, radiologists can detect about three additional cancers per 1,000 women screened.

What does breasts are heterogeneously dense mean?

(HEH-teh-roh-JEE-nee-us-lee dents brest TIH-shoo) A term used to describe breast tissue that has large areas of dense fibrous tissue and glandular tissue and also has some fatty tissue. The dense areas of the breast make it harder to find tumors or other changes on a mammogram.

What is the most accurate mammogram?

The 3D mammogram allows the radiologist to identify cancers and distortion in a more accurate way than ever before, because it acquires more images and information during the mammogram in a shorter amount of time. The 3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancer than a traditional mammogram.

What does it mean if you have calcification in your breast?

Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes and fine appearance — may indicate breast cancer or precancerous changes to breast tissue.

Is it normal to have calcifications on a mammogram?

Breast calcifications are common on mammograms, and they’re especially prevalent after menopause. Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes — may indicate breast cancer or precancerous changes to breast tissue.

Are there any calcifications in the breast tissue?

On the right is an example of a fibroadenoma with chunky “popcorn-like” calcifications in the breast tissue.) Breast calcifications are common and most often not a cause for concern. However, there are some calcifications in the breast that might prompt further evaluation.

What does dense breast tissue look like on a mammogram?

On a mammogram, nondense breast tissue appears dark and transparent. Dense breast tissue appears as a solid white area on a mammogram, which makes it difficult to see through.

What are white flecks on a mammogram?

Breast calcifications are calcium deposits within breast tissue. They appear as white spots or flecks on a mammogram. Breast calcifications are common on mammograms, and they’re especially prevalent after age 50. Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters…