A DUAL APPROACH TO ASSESSING MAMMOGRAPHIC BREAST DENSITY: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CORRELATIONS WITH TUMOR CHARACT-ERISTICS

Abstract

Mammographic breast density (MBD) is an essential factor in breast cancer risk assessment and detection. This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate mammographic breast density and analyze its correlation with tumor characteristics in women diagnosed with breast cancer. A total of 200 patients with confirmed breast cancer were included in the study. Breast density was classified using the BI-RADS (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System) criteria and quantitatively assessed via software analysis. Tumor characteristics, including size, histological grade, and hormone receptor status, were obtained from clinical records. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between higher breast density and adverse tumor characteristics, including larger tumor size and higher histological grade (p < 0.05). Notably, 45% of women with dense breasts (BI-RADS categories C and D) presented with tumors larger than 2 cm, compared to only 20% in the less dense groups (BI-RADS A and B). This study underscores the importance of accurate assessment of mammographic breast density in predicting tumor behavior and emphasizes its role in enhancing breast cancer screening strategies.

Keywords: Mammographic breast density, BI-RADS, tumor characteristics, breast cancer, risk assessment, hormone receptor status.