ABSTRACT

Mammography is the basic imaging modality for the evaluation of patients with breast abnormalities. The sensitivity of screening mammography decreases as parenchymal density increases. Benign calcifications can be seen in any age group. There is no need for any further diagnostic approach for calcifications thought to be benign

In the evaluation of mammographic densities, 2246 (44.4%) of the 5052 patients had heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts. It is shown in this study that as age increases mammographic density progressively decreases. Mammographic masses thought to be malign are mostly seen in the upper external zone and central zone. HRT use increases parenchymal density and decreases mammographic sensitivity.

The mammograms of all patients attending the Zekai Tahir Burak Women Health Education and Research Hospital menopause clinic between January 2001 and January 2004 were evaluated. We reviewed 5052 women. The density for each breast was classified into one of four groups as defined by the BIRADS system. For each patient, benign or probably benign calcifications were also recorded. The use of HRT was recorded systematically for every patient. Chisquare and Spearman correlation tests were performed. The statistical significance of observed differences was set at p<0.05.

To establish the frequency and age distribution of breast tissue density, mammographic masses and benign calcifications and to study the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which has been suggested to affect parenchymal density on mammograms.