Volumetric breast density and radiographic parameters

Abstract

The detection of breast cancer relies on high-quality images from digital mammography. Optimal levels of compression force are unknown, and UK national guidelines recommend forces of less than 200N. However, large variations in compression forces exist and may be influenced by the mammography practitioner and the breast size and pain threshold of the patient. This study examined the relationship between breast density and compression force. Women attending for routine breast screening and who had a mammogram taken by the same practitioner on the same equipment were included in the study (n=211). Volumetric density measurements were obtained using Volpara™ and details on imaging parameters were obtained from the DICOM headers. There was a strong, positive correlation between compression force and fibroglandular tissue. There was also evidence of a significant positive association between compression force and breast volume which was independent of the volume of fibroglandular tissue present. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.