title: Mammographic Breast Density as a Predictor of Radiological Findings Requiring Further Investigation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  High density breast mammography has been associated with a greater risk for breast cancer and an increased likelihood of false negative results.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess whether the degree of mammographic breast density correlates with increased risk for the presence of radiographic findings requiring further histological investigation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Included in the study were 2760 consecutive screening mammograms performed in a large volume, early detection mammography unit. All mammograms were complemented by high resolution ultrasound and interpreted by a single expert radiologist. Breast density (BD) was evaluated using a semi-quantitative 5 grade scale and grouped into low breast density (LBD) and high breast density (HBD) mammograms. Demographic and all relevant obstetric, personal and family history of breast cancer data were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 2760 mammograms 2096 (76%) were LBD and 664 (24%) were HBD. Mean age of the LBD and HBD groups was 59 ± 10.5 and 50.9 ± 9.3 years respectively (P = 0001). Breast density significantly correlated with presence of mammographic findings requiring further histological assessment (8.7% and 12.3% for LBD and HBD respectively, P < 0.01). In women younger than 60 years in whom histological assessment was required due to these findings, malignant pathology was significantly more prevalent in the HBD group (2.3% and 4.1% respectively, P = 0.03). Age, parity, patient history and HBD were identified as independent risk factors for any pathological mammographic finding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Highly dense mammography, aside from being an indicator of higher risk for breast cancer, appears to be associated with a significantly higher incidence of findings that will prompt further investigation to achieve a definite diagnosis.
authors.forename: Avinoam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nevler
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shabtai
authors.forename: Danny
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosin
authors.forename: Aviad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: Mordechai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gutman
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shabtai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D000071060:Breast Density; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged