Do You Need a 3D Mammogram If You Have Dense Breasts?

Dense Breast Tissue? Here’s Why 3D Mammograms Are Recommended

If you’ve been told you have dense breast tissue after a mammogram, you’re not alone; about 40–50% of women do. But what does it actually mean? And does it affect how your mammograms are read?

At Wisteria Imaging, we believe in educating patients about their breast health, not just delivering results. Here’s what you need to know about dense breasts, and why 3D mammography may be the best screening tool for you.

What Is Dense Breast Tissue?

Breast tissue is made up of fat, glands, and fibrous connective tissue. Dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fat. This is completely normal, but it does make it more difficult to detect abnormalities on traditional 2D mammograms.

On a 2D image, dense tissue and tumors can both appear white, which can sometimes mask early signs of breast cancer.

How 3D Mammography Helps

3D mammography (also called digital breast tomosynthesis) takes multiple images from different angles and reconstructs them into thin slices, giving radiologists a clearer view of your breast tissue, layer by layer.

For women with dense breasts, this increased visibility can:

• Reduce the risk of false negatives (missed cancers)

• Lower the rate of false positives (unnecessary callbacks)

• Improve early detection, especially for invasive cancers

Explore more about the benefits of 3D on our Screening Mammograms page.

Is Dense Breast Tissue a Risk Factor?

Yes. Studies show that women with extremely dense breasts have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with low-density tissue. This is why many states now require mammography centers to notify patients if they have dense breasts, so they can take the next step in informed screening.

If you’ve received this notice, it’s a good idea to ask your provider whether 3D mammography, or even supplemental imaging, is appropriate for you.

What to Do If You’re Not Sure

If you don’t know your breast density, ask your doctor or radiologist. Your previous mammogram results may already indicate it.

At Wisteria Imaging, we help patients interpret their reports, explain what dense breast findings mean, and tailor your screening accordingly. We exclusively use the Senographe Pristina™ 3D system, which offers enhanced clarity with the same low radiation dose as 2D.

Better Screening Starts with the Right Technology

3D mammograms aren’t just about better pictures; they’re about better outcomes. For women with dense breasts, that difference can be significant.

Our Health Prevention Pricing offers affordable 3D screening even if you’re uninsured, and we accept most major insurance plans.

Ready for a Clearer Picture?

If you’ve been told you have dense breasts, or just want the most advanced screening available, 3D mammography may offer the clarity and confidence you need.

Schedule your 3D mammogram with Wisteria Imaging today or contact us with any questions.