dense breast tissue

I've had 3 mammograms done over the past 4 years (skipped last year) and the latest one shows that I have dense tissue. In the letter, it states that the mammogram came back normal, but that dense tissue can mean 6 times more likely for cancer.

Does anyone else have dense breast tissue? How concerned are you about it?

dense breast tissue

Yes, I've always been told I have dense tissue. I have had 2 biopsies (quite a few years ago) that were both normal. It's not something I worry about at all

dense breast tissue

I have dense tissue but was not told about it for years, nor that it posed a risk. Had I known the risk was greater I would have kept up on my mammograms, as it was I didn't. Then one night I felt a lump ...

Please stay on schedule and also ask for sonograms because they can "see" through dense tissue better. Also, be sure to do regular self exams while lying down. My doctors had always told me that was the best way, but I usually checked in the shower while standing as it was quick and easy. My bad.

My cancerous lump could not be felt when I was standing up or sitting, but could be felt clearly when I lay down. Fortunately, it was an earlier stage and I hope has been taken care of after extensive treatments.

Be sure to keep an eye out for inverted nipples or any puckering or a dimple in either of your breasts. Look at yourself in a mirror from the sides as well as from the front to be sure. When I went to look at the lump right after I found it, I immediately saw a dimple on one side that I had never noticed as I always looked at myself straight on. Be smarter than me, check yourself regularly.

Message edited 7/10/2015 7:50:24 PM.

dense breast tissue

sunnyflies - thank you so much for your reply. I'm sorry that you found a lump but I'm so glad that you caught it early! And thanks for the suggestions - I've always been bad about checking myself, but I'm always good about making yearly dr visits. I'll make sure that's on my list, too.

dense breast tissue

Sorry - I should have added, as much having dense tissue doesn't worry me, I do go for annual exams and mammograms

Re: dense breast tissue

Wow. I had no idea about checking laying down. I also check in the shower quickly but sort of do it once in awhile when I remember. I have dense breast tissue as well and got a baseline mammo and sono at 35 (am 36 now). Doc said I don't need to go back till 40 but of course to check.

I had a dream last week that I found a large lump (it was so scary, I woke up in a cold sweat and I have been too scared to check myself since then-I know, stupid). I will definitely check tonight when I'm laying down.