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Mammographic Density

Meaning

Mammographic density is a radiological measure describing the proportion of glandular and fibrous connective tissue relative to fatty tissue visible on a mammogram. Breasts with a high percentage of non-fatty tissue are classified as having high density, appearing white on the image, which can obscure potential cancerous lesions. This measure is clinically significant as high breast density is an established, independent risk factor for developing breast cancer. Therefore, understanding and monitoring density is a critical component of a woman’s comprehensive breast health strategy.