Breast Density with multiple cyst. Recent Birads 4

This was my experience. In the 90's I had surgery in both breasts to remove many papiloma's. I found out that you have an increased chance of breast cancer when you have papillomatosis so I have always been diligent about getting yearly mammograms. I had a 3D mammogram in 2019 and was told it was clear and 2 months later I insisted on getting an ultrasound because I had read that when you have breasts that are dense tumors are sometimes difficult to spot on a mammogram. The doctor who read the ultrasound walked in the room and informed me that I had a 2 cm tumor and I was to see a breast surgeon right away. I had a rare adeno squamous metaplastic carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy Jan, 2020 and 4 weeks of radiation and so far (knock on wood) I am cancer free.

Anyone with dense breasts please, please ask for more imaging than a 3D mammogram. In my opinion women are not warned enough about how difficult it is to spot cancer when you have very dense breasts.

I agree. As well, primary physicians don't seem to act on the heterogenous dense breast warnings we get with mammogram results. It would seem that these should be customarily followed up with an ultrasound and/or MRI. It is a little late when we learn what it all means once we have been diagnosed with breast cancer at a later date!

I have become an advocate for telling women that have dense breast tissue to get an MRI. They need to insist. The insurance companies balk at them , but a good doctor can make it happen. Like @viv1 said , It’s a little late when we learn what it all means once we have been diagnosed w/ breast cancer at a later date.