3D tomosynthesis evaluation of breast parenchymal density and its association with malignant lesions and menopausal status

Tancia Pires ¹, Avantsa Rohini ²

⁰K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte Deemed to be University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences +

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February 24, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Breast density is a significant factor in lesion type, with most malignant lesions found in dense breasts. Menopausal status showed no significant association with malignancy, but high breast density warrants caution across all menopausal stages.

Area Of Science

Radiology and Oncology
Breast Imaging
Women's Health

Background

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) improves early breast cancer detection, particularly in women with dense breasts.
The relationship between changes in breast density over time and breast cancer risk is not fully understood.
While breast density is a known risk factor, its association with menopausal status requires further investigation.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the association between menopausal status, breast density, and the occurrence of benign and malignant breast lesions.
To evaluate the role of menopausal status as an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
To analyze lesion characteristics in relation to breast density and menopausal stage.

Main Methods

Retrospective analysis of 60 patients undergoing 3D mammography for breast lesions.
Categorization of patients by menopausal status (pre-, peri-, post-menopausal).
Sub-classification based on breast density (dense/non-dense) and lesion type (benign/malignant), with chi-square testing for association.

Main Results

65% of patients had dense breasts; breast density was significantly associated with lesion type (p=0.05).
Malignant lesions were more prevalent in dense breasts (76%).
No statistically significant association was found between menopausal status and malignancy (p=0.754).

Conclusions

Menopausal status is not a significant independent predictor of breast cancer malignancy.
High breast density is associated with a higher incidence of both benign and malignant lesions.
Caution is advised for women with dense breasts across all menopausal stages, emphasizing that breast density alone should not dictate screening needs.

Keywords:

3D tomosynthesis Breast density Breast imaging Breast lesions