Center for Breast Care

Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast. Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue, which can make it harder to spot abnormalities on a mammogram. It’s important to understand your breast density because it can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer and may affect the accuracy of certain screening methods. Your doctor can help recommend the best screening approach for your unique needs.

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is an advanced imaging technique that combines a traditional mammogram with a special contrast dye. The dye highlights areas with increased blood supply, making it easier to detect certain types of breast cancers that might be missed on a routine mammogram. CEM is especially useful for patients with dense breast tissue or those at higher risk for breast cancer.

A 2D mammogram captures a flat, two-dimensional image of the breast, while a 3D mammogram (also called digital breast tomosynthesis) takes multiple images from different angles to create a three-dimensional view. The 3D images make it easier to detect small tumors, reduce overlapping tissue, and provide a clearer picture, especially for women with dense breasts. In many cases, 3D mammography improves accuracy and reduces the need for follow-up testing.