One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women worldwide.

Mammography is an essential tool for detecting breast cancer early, before it has a chance to spread and become more difficult to treat. However, understanding mammography results can be challenging for patients, leaving many unsure of what to do next.

What is mammography?

Mammography is a type of breast imaging that uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of the breast tissue.

Mammograms are typically used for breast cancer screening and for diagnostic purposes, such as when a lump is found or a woman experiences other breast symptoms.

What do mammography results mean?

Mammography results are typically communicated using the BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) system, which was developed by the American College of Radiology.

The BI-RADS system uses a scale of 0-6 to describe the likelihood of breast cancer and recommends further testing or follow-up based on the results.

BI-RADS Categories

The BI-RADS categories are as follows:.

0: Incomplete

A BI-RADS 0 result means that the mammogram was incomplete or needs further evaluation. This could be due to technical reasons, such as the images not being clear enough, or because additional imaging or testing is needed.

1: Negative

A BI-RADS 1 result means that the mammogram is negative, with no signs of breast cancer. Women with a BI-RADS 1 result should continue with routine screening.

2: Benign

A BI-RADS 2 result means that the mammogram shows a benign (non-cancerous) breast abnormality, such as a cyst or a calcification.

Women with a BI-RADS 2 result should continue with routine screening and may need further imaging to monitor the abnormality.

3: Probably benign

A BI-RADS 3 result means that the mammogram shows a breast abnormality that is likely benign, but needs to be rechecked in six months to ensure it has not changed or grown.

4: Suspicious

A BI-RADS 4 result means that the mammogram shows a suspicious abnormality, and a biopsy is recommended to determine if it is cancerous or not.

5: Highly suspicious

A BI-RADS 5 result means that the mammogram shows a highly suspicious abnormality, and a biopsy is strongly recommended because cancer is suspected.

6: Known biopsy-proven malignancy

A BI-RADS 6 result means that the patient has already had a biopsy that confirmed breast cancer.

What tests are necessary?

If you have received a BI-RADS 0, 3, 4, or 5 result, further testing or follow-up will typically be recommended. The specific tests or procedures will depend on the type of abnormality found on your mammogram.

Diagnostic mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is a more in-depth type of mammogram than a screening mammogram. It is used when an abnormality is found on a screening mammogram or when a woman experiences breast symptoms.

A diagnostic mammogram is typically performed on specific areas of the breast in an attempt to get a better look at the abnormality.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of breast tissue. Ultrasound is often used in conjunction with mammography to evaluate a breast abnormality, especially when the abnormality is difficult to see on a mammogram.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breast tissue. MRI is typically used in high-risk patients or when an abnormality is not visible on mammography or ultrasound.

Biopsy

A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose breast cancer or confirm that an abnormality is benign.

During a biopsy, a small amount of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.

Conclusion

Understanding mammography results can be challenging, but it is essential for women to know their results and follow up with any recommended testing or procedures.

Early detection is key to successful breast cancer treatment, and mammography is a critical tool in that effort.