Which statement about screening for breast cancer in dense breasts is accurate?

Which statement about screening for breast cancer in dense breasts is accurate?

• A. Ultrasound only
• B. Mammography is sufficient for all; MRI not needed
• C. MRI is more sensitive and often used for dense breast tissue
• D. MRI only

Answer: (C)

Dense breast tissue makes tumors harder to see on mammograms because both dense tissue and cancers appear white, reducing the test’s sensitivity. MRI uses contrast to highlight abnormal tissue based on vascular activity, and its sensitivity for detecting breast cancers is higher than that of mammography, especially in dense breasts. Because of this, MRI is often used in addition to mammography for screening women with dense breasts, particularly when an individual is at higher risk or when density limits the effectiveness of mammography. Ultrasound can be helpful as an adjunct, but relying on it alone isn’t sufficient for comprehensive screening, and MRI is not used as a sole replacement for mammography in all women. The statement that MRI is more sensitive and often used for dense breast tissue best captures the accurate approach.

Dense breast tissue makes tumors harder to see on mammograms because both dense tissue and cancers appear white, reducing the test’s sensitivity. MRI uses contrast to highlight abnormal tissue based on vascular activity, and its sensitivity for detecting breast cancers is higher than that of mammography, especially in dense breasts. Because of this, MRI is often used in addition to mammography for screening women with dense breasts, particularly when an individual is at higher risk or when density limits the effectiveness of mammography. Ultrasound can be helpful as an adjunct, but relying on it alone isn’t sufficient for comprehensive screening, and MRI is not used as a sole replacement for mammography in all women. The statement that MRI is more sensitive and often used for dense breast tissue best captures the accurate approach.