Examination of the mammary glands. What are BI-RADS categories?
NewsThe most effective way to maintain the health of the mammary glands is a regular examination. It is carried out in a polyclinic at the place of residence.
How often?
- Women under 40 years of age need to undergo an annual examination by a mammologist and ultrasound examination of the mammary glands,
- at the age of 40 to 50 years – mammography every 2 years,
- and after 50 – mammography 1 time a year.
After the diagnosis, the patient receives a conclusion in which the doctor evaluates the result according to the generally accepted categories of BI-RADS.
BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) is a system for describing and processing breast research data.
What do the numbers next to the letters BI-RADS mean in the conclusion?
0 – a second examination is necessary, the doctor cannot make a conclusion based on the data obtained.
1 – everything is fine.
2 – there are no signs of malignant neoplasms, but regular monitoring is necessary (the doctor will prescribe the frequency).
4 – there is a pathology with a certain probability of malignancy. A biopsy is recommended for clarification.
5 – with a probability of >95%, the formation is malignant. In this case, the doctor will definitely prescribe a biopsy, send it to an oncologist to determine treatment tactics.
6 – already confirmed malignant neoplasm.
But the largest number of questions is caused by the BI-RADS category 3: probably benign breast changes.
- In this case, the doctor is guided by modern guidelines and recommends a second examination after 6 months.
- It is expected that the clinical picture will not change during this short period of time.
However, the doctor may consider it necessary to confirm this stability and refer the patient for consultation at the Mammological Center MCSC named after A.S. Loginov to the oncologist-mammologist.
The specialist will determine the further tactics of the patient's management after already conducted examinations at the place of residence with the exhibited category BI-RADS 3:
- taking into account the age of the patient,
- increased risk factors,
- family history data, including the presence of first-line relatives with established oncological diseases, etc.
In each individual case, the doctor can prescribe a follow–up examination - a clarifying diagnosis using high-tech techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement, spectral contrast dual-energy mammography, digital mammography in tomosynthesis mode, or performing cytological/morphological diagnostics of the detected changes.
What is important to know?
All diagnostic methods can determine different changes in the breast. They complement each other, but are not interchangeable. And the most suitable research method for each woman will be chosen only by a doctor.
In the Mammological Center of MCSC, our specialists have accumulated extensive experience in diagnosing and treating the most complex cases of breast diseases.
We are always ready to help you! Take regular checkups and be healthy!
