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. Talk to your doctor about what category your result falls into and what follow-up plan he or she recommends.
| Category | Assessment | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Need additional imaging evaluation – means that more studies are necessary to gather more information. | Additional imaging needed before a category can be assigned. |
| 1 | Negative – means that there is no significant or noticeable abnormality to report. | Continue annual screening mammography (for women over age 40). |
| 2 | Benign (noncancerous) finding – means that there has been a finding, such as benign calcifications or fibroadenoma, which is not cancerous. | Continue annual screening mammography (for women over age 40). |
| 3 | 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. | Receive a 6-month follow-up mammogram. |
| 4 | Suspicious abnormality – means that there are suspicious findings that could turn out to be cancer. | May require biopsy. |
| 5 | Highly suggestive of malignancy (cancer) – means that there are findings that look like and probably are cancer. | Requires biopsy. |
| 6 | Known biopsy-proven malignancy (cancer) – means that any findings on the mammogram have already proven to be cancer through a biopsy. | Biopsy confirms presence of cancer before treatment begins. |
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