dense breast

A term used to describe breast tissue that has more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue. Dense breast tissue can only be seen on a mammogram. Having dense breast tissue may make it harder to see breast cancer or other changes in the breast on a mammogram. Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer than those with mostly fatty or less dense breast tissue. Having dense breast tissue is common, especially in younger women and in women taking hormone therapy for menopause.