Your Mammogram What is a BI-RADS Score?
I received 13 years of normal mammograms and never knew to ask my doctor what my breast density was or what MY BI-RADS score was yet I was diagnosed with breast cancer!!??
Women need to be empowered, it is not just a routine appointment, ask questions, such as; what is my breast density score? are you using artificial intelligence, are you using 3D? what is my BI-RADS Score?
Radiologists in the United States and some other countries use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System, or BI-RADS, to report the findings of mammograms. The American College of Radiology (ACR) created this system to provide one way for all radiologists to categorize their findings and create a follow-up action plan.
Category 0
Assessment: Need additional imaging evaluation: means that more studies are necessary to gather more information.
Follow-up: Additional imaging needed before a category can be assigned.
Category 1
Assessment: Negative: means that there is no significant or noticeable abnormality to report.
Follow-up: Continue annual screening mammography.
Category 2
Assessment: Benign (noncancerous) finding: means that there has been a finding, such as benign calcifications or fibroadenoma, which is not cancerous.
Follow-up: Continue annual screening mammography.
Category 3
Assessment: Probably benign: means that there is a finding that is most likely benign, but should be followed in a shorter period of time to see if the area of concern changes.
Follow-up: Receive a 6-month follow-up mammogram.
Category 4
Assessment: Suspicious abnormality: means that there are suspicious findings that could turn out to be cancer.
Follow-up: May require biopsy .
Category 5
Assessment: Highly suggestive of malignancy (cancer): means that there are findings that look like and probably are #cancer.
Follow-up: Requires biopsy.
Category 6
Assessment: Known biopsy-proven malignancy (cancer): means that any findings on the mammogram have already proven to be cancer through a biopsy.
Follow-up: Biopsy confirms presence of cancer before treatment begins.