Mammographic parenchymal patterns. Risk indicator for breast cancer?

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Abstract
Mammographic parenchymal patterns, originally presented as a new risk factor for breast cancer, were prospectively studied in a large (27, 157 examinations) consecutive screening population. Although there is a significantly higher risk of breast cancer in the so-called dysplastic breasts (P2 and DY pattern groups), the classification is of little practical value, as > 72% of the cancers in the prevalent population were found in the so-called low-risk breasts (N1 and P1 pattern groups). A similar trend occurred at repeated screening of young women, in which most of the incident cancers were found in the low-risk breasts. These patterns should not be used to influence patient management or screening programs.