Fibroglandular density is a term used on mammogram reports to describe the mix of fatty tissue and denser glandular (milk-producing) and fibrous tissue in your breasts. Everyone's breasts are made up of these tissues in different proportions, and that ratio is what determines your breast density.
Radiologists typically Show Full Answer
Fibroglandular density is a term used on mammogram reports to describe the mix of fatty tissue and denser glandular (milk-producing) and fibrous tissue in your breasts. Everyone's breasts are made up of these tissues in different proportions, and that ratio is what determines your breast density.
Radiologists typically classify breast density into four categories:
- Almost entirely fatty — mostly fat, very little dense tissue
- Scattered fibroglandular density — some areas of dense tissue, but mostly fatty
- Heterogeneously dense — more dense tissue than fatty tissue
- Extremely dense — very high proportion of dense tissue
Why does it matter? Denser breast tissue can make it harder for radiologists to spot potential concerns on a mammogram, since both dense tissue and certain abnormalities appear white on imaging. If your report shows higher density, your doctor may recommend additional imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI to get a clearer picture. It's always a good idea to ask your care team what your density result means for your specific screening plan going forward.
May 21
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