True or False: Dense breast tissue makes a mammogram less sensitive and less specific.

Dense breast tissue does indeed make a mammogram less sensitive and less specific. In women with dense breast tissue, the fibroglandular tissues can appear white on a mammogram, which can obscure the presence of tumors or abnormalities, also appearing white. This overlap can lead to missed detections of cancers, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the mammogram.

Moreover, the specificity may also be affected because the radiologist may find it more challenging to distinguish between normal dense tissue and potential pathological findings, leading to a higher likelihood of false positives. Thus, women with dense breast tissue might be encouraged to discuss supplementary imaging options, such as ultrasound or MRI, to enhance the overall detection of breast cancer. This understanding aligns well with current guidelines and practices in breast cancer screening and helps to inform patient management based on breast density.