What is BI-RADS?

Hello! Today, we continue discussing breast health, focusing on an important aspect: the conclusion you receive after an ultrasound or mammography. Many women get scared when they see unfamiliar words like "BI-RADS" in the report, often not understanding what they mean and whether they should panic. Let's break it down.

BI-RADS is an international classification for breast pathologies, based on data from ultrasound and mammography. The classification was developed to standardize the description of images and results so that doctors can use common principles and criteria for analyzing and interpreting data.

BI-RADS Categories

Each type of pathology is assigned a specific number, which helps avoid confusion in interpreting results between different doctors. The BI-RADS classification includes the following categories:

• BI-RADS 1 — No abnormalities in the breast, normal result. No further action required.
• BI-RADS 2 — Benign formations, such as fibroadenomas, lipomas, cysts. No further investigation needed, but monitoring may be advised for large formations.
• BI-RADS 3 — Likely benign formation, but further consultation with a mammologist and additional tests are needed to confirm.
• BI-RADS 4 — Suspicion of a malignant formation, biopsy or other diagnostic procedures required.
• BI-RADS 5 — High suspicion of breast cancer, urgent examination required.
• BI-RADS 6 — Confirmed breast cancer, treatment and further monitoring are required.

How to Interpret Results?

The BI-RADS category in the report is crucial for determining the next steps in examination and treatment. For example:

• BI-RADS 1 and 2 — These are benign formations that do not require immediate intervention. However, it is important to monitor their development and conduct regular exams.
• BI-RADS 3 — Monitoring and additional consultation with a doctor are necessary for a final diagnosis.
• BI-RADS 4, 5, and 6 — These require immediate action and further examination to confirm the diagnosis and choose the optimal treatment strategy.

The BI-RADS classification helps doctors standardize results, providing clear guidance for diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to this system, even if you are in different parts of the world, doctors can easily understand the diagnosis you have been given.

Conclusion

Do not panic when you see the BI-RADS numbers in your report. These numbers and categories exist to improve communication between doctors and ensure a more accurate and effective treatment approach. If you have a result with a high level of suspicion (such as BI-RADS 4 or 5), it is important to promptly consult with a mammologist or oncologist for further examination.

Hope this information has been helpful for you, and now you will better understand what these numbers and terms mean in your medical reports. Take care of your health and don't forget about regular check-ups!