Dense breast notification: anatomy, imaging, and patient awareness.

Purpose: To review the current literature pertaining to dense breast anatomy, imaging considerations, and patient notification laws.

Methods: The literature for this review was obtained by searching for peer-reviewed articles about breast density and breast density notification for the years 2009 to 2012 using Google Scholar.

Results: The research regarding dense breast anatomy, imaging options related to dense breasts, and notification laws yields important considerations for patients, physicians, and imaging science professionals performing the procedures.

Discussion: Dense breast anatomy can hinder the accuracy of screening mammography. Breast density notification laws inform patients about the density level of their breasts and introduce them to additional imaging options. The laws raise questions about whether notification is necessary and beneficial or whether it leads to increased radiation exposure, health care costs, and stress to the patient.

Conclusion: Dense breast notification laws serve to inform patients about their anatomy and provide them with the knowledge to make informed health care decisions.