Mammography and breast ultrasound analysis in male and female transgender persons using long-term gender affirming hormone therapy: a cross-sectional study in Brazil

Abstract

Aim: There is not much information about breast health in transgender (transexual) persons given the historical stigma that this population suffers. This research aimed to describe breast imaging patterns in transgender (trans) women and men that had been using gender affirmation hormone treatment for at least 3 years.Material and methods: In this observational, cross-sectional study, 67 transgender individuals (34 trans women and 33 trans men) had mammography and breast ultrasound performed. We also classified the findings by the American College of Radiology – Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR BI-RADS®).Results: We found that there was a higher frequency of dense breasts in trans women (75.8%) and in trans men (66,6%) than expected for cisgender (cis) women.Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of a deeper understanding of the image patterns of transgender breasts because of hormonal effects that the gender transition entails so we can offer better health care and preventive services in the transgender (transexual) population.