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Hormonal replacement therapy: mammographic manifestations.
J E Berkowitz1, O M Gatewood, L E Goldblum
1Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Radiology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Hormonal replacement therapy can increase breast tissue density in some women, as seen on mammograms. Vigilant monitoring is recommended for these patients, especially without other concerning changes.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly used by postmenopausal women.
- Changes in breast tissue density on mammography have been anecdotally observed in patients on HRT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review mammographic findings in patients undergoing hormonal replacement therapy.
- To determine the incidence of mammographic changes associated with HRT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1,500 screening mammograms.
- Identified 30 patients with mammograms before/after and during HRT.
- Analyzed mammographic changes, specifically fibroglandular tissue density.
Main Results:
- 17% (5 of 30) of patients on HRT showed increased fibroglandular tissue density.
- 83% (25 of 30) of patients showed no significant mammographic changes.
- HRT duration ranged from 1 to 72 months (mean 22.2 months).
Conclusions:
- A subset of women on HRT exhibit increased mammographic breast density.
- Awareness of this HRT-induced change can prevent unnecessary patient anxiety.
- Serial mammographic monitoring is advised for patients on HRT, particularly in the absence of suspicious findings.