Extremely dense breasts: A comprehensive review of increased cancer risk and supplementary screening methods Review


Authors: Nissan, N.; Ochoa Albiztegui, R. E.; Fruchtman-Brot, H.; Gluskin, J.; Arita, Y.; Amir, T.; Reiner, J. S.; Feigin, K.; Mango, V. L.; Jochelson, M. S.; Sung, J. S.
Review Title: Extremely dense breasts: A comprehensive review of increased cancer risk and supplementary screening methods
Abstract: Women with extremely dense breasts account for approximately 10% of the screening population and face an increased lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. At the same time, the sensitivity of mammography, the first-line screening modality, is significantly reduced in this breast density group, owing to the masking effect of the abundant fibroglandular tissue. Consequently, this population has garnered increasing scientific attention due to the unique diagnostic challenge they present. Several research initiatives have attempted to address this diagnostic challenge by incorporating supplemental imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI, and contrast-enhanced mammography. Each of these modalities offers different benefits as well as limitations, both clinically and practically, including considerations of availability and costs. The purpose of this article is to critically review the background, latest scientific evidence, and future directions for the use of the various supplemental screening techniques for women with extremely dense breasts. © 2024
Keywords: adult; review; cancer risk; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; breast cancer; breast; cancer screening; mammography; screening; breast tumor; diagnosis; breast density; breast neoplasm; human; female; contrast-enhanced mammography; contrast enhanced mammography; mri scanner; mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging
Journal Title: European Journal of Radiology
Volume: 182
ISSN: 0720-048X
Publisher: Elsevier B.V  
Date Published: 2025-01-01
Start Page: 111837
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111837
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 39577224
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Kimberly Nicole Feigin
    33 Feigin
  2. Victoria Lee Mango
    66 Mango
  3. Jeffrey S Reiner
    16 Reiner
  4. Yuki Arita
    17 Arita