Breast imaging characteristics in Thai transgender women: mammography and ultrasound outcomes in a pilot study.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer screening in transgender women, particularly those undergoing hormone therapy, remains understudied. Limited screening guidelines exist for transgender individuals, creating a need for tailored recommendations. This study addresses breast cancer screening outcomes in Thai transgender women using mammography and ultrasound.

Objectives: To assess breast imaging characteristics and screening outcomes in transgender women in Thailand and identify factors associated with breast density.

Design: A descriptive correlation study with a cross-sectional design.

Methods: Sixty-six transgender women over 40 years of age, who had been on hormone replacement therapy for at least 5 years, were recruited from three clinics. Participants underwent mammography and breast ultrasound, with imaging analyzed using the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) system. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation.

Results: The average age of participants was 49.2 years, with an average of 16.3 years of hormone use. Of the participants, 80.3% had undergone breast augmentation. Most participants (86.4%) were classified as BI-RADS 2 and dense breast tissue. Screening findings were mostly negative or benign (94%), with the remaining 6% demonstrating probably benign findings. No signs of malignancy were detected. There was no significant correlation between age, BMI, hormone use duration, BI-RADS, and breast density.

Conclusion: Breast cancer screening among transgender women in Thailand showed high rates of dense breast tissue and low abnormality detection. Moreover, most of them have previously undergone breast augmentation. Therefore, screening guidelines should use both mammography and ultrasound for early detection.