A new law was recently enacted in New York State which requires patients whose mammogram shows dense breasts to be notified in the radiology report. Dense breast tissue may diminish the sensitivity of mammograms to detect breast cancer, and is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The following notification will be required in the mammography report: “Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is very common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to find cancer on a mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This information about the result of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness. Use this information to talk to your doctor about your own risks for breast cancer. At that time, ask your doctor if more screening tests might be useful, based on your risk. A report of your results was sent to your physician.” Patients with dense breasts should discuss possible additional breast imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, with their physicians. In addition to dense breasts, other risk factors for breast cancer include family history, age, obesity and alcohol consumption.
Mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40 as part of routine baseline screening for breast cancer. If you are considering any type of plastic surgery of the breasts, you may be advised to undergo a routine screening mammogram prior to your surgery. Aesthetic or cosmetic breast surgery includes breast augmentation with saline or silicone breast implants, breast lift (mastopexy) and breast reduction surgery, and may be included as part of a mommy makeover to beautify breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. These procedures may be performed with minimally invasive techniques, using limited incisions and short scars.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board certified female plastic surgeon in NYC and performs plastic surgery in her AAAASF certified operating room in Manhattan, as well as several hospitals in New York City. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson, please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400.
