What is ACR breast density?

In ACR BI-RADS, breast density is classified into four subcategories: A (“almost entirely fatty”), B (“scattered areas of fibroglandular density”), C (“heterogeneously dense breasts, which may obscure small masses”), and D (“extremely dense breasts, which lowers the sensitivity of mammography”).

What is the breast density law?

Breast density notification laws vary but are intended to inform women who have undergone mammography about the risks posed by breast density. The intent of such a law was to give women the necessary information to decide on further action if they had dense breast tissue.

Are ultrasounds necessary for dense breasts?

Most women with dense breasts and a low or average risk of breast cancer do not require supplemental screening with ultrasound. Breast MRI is performed using a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the breasts.

What is ACR breast density category C?

C: Heterogeneously dense indicates that there are some areas of nondense tissue, but that the majority of the breast tissue is dense. About 4 in 10 women have this result. D: Extremely dense indicates that nearly all of the breast tissue is dense.

Should I worry about dense breasts?

Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

What is the ACR statement on breast density?

ACR Statement on Reporting Breast Density in Mammography Reports and Patient Summaries. This does not indicate a problem with the mammogram or the interpreting physician; it is a common occurrence. Density itself is a risk factor. Women with dense breasts have approximately 1.5 times higher risk than the average woman.

What is the prevalence of dense breast tissue?

Dense breast tissue is relatively common and is found in about forty percent (40%) of women. The presence of dense tissue can make it more difficult to detect cancers in the breast by mammography because it can hide small abnormalities and may be associated with an increased risk.

Does breast density decrease with age?

For most women, breast density decreases with age, but in some women, there is little change. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to find cancer on a mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Who receives a notice about breast density after mammogram?

Who receives: Patient whose mammogram indicates heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts. How informed: In the letter sent to patients after their mammogram. Notification: A notice regarding breast density to patients with dense breast tissue substantially similar to the following: “Your mammogram indicates you have dense breast tissue.