Final answer:
Mammographic appearance of fibroadenomas shows well-defined, smooth edges and are more detectable in older women due to less dense breast tissue. MRI complements mammograms in dense breasts for better contrast and fewer false positives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mammographic appearance of fibroadenomas is typically characterized by well-defined, smooth borders and a homogeneous internal structure. These non-cancerous breast lumps are usually easier to identify on a mammogram in older women compared to younger women due to differences in breast tissue density. While mammograms are essential in detecting these lumps, they cannot definitively diagnose whether a tumor is malignant. Thus, additional imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are sometimes used to supplement x-ray diagnostics. MRI can provide better contrast, especially in dense breast tissue, and help reduce the number of false positives. Understanding the importance of early detection in breast health can aid in catching potential issues like fibroadenomas early.