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With digital patient portals, you may be able to read your mammogram results even before you’ve talked to your doctor. What do the numbers mean? If your doctor wants to perform other tests, do you have cancer? Here’s what to know.
Long-term breast-cancer survival has improved due to early detection with mammograms as well as better treatment options. However, even though the death rate from breast cancer has declined dramatically in the United States, the number of cases has increased, especially in women under 50 years of age.
Most of these new cancer cases are localized, meaning they haven’t yet spread to other parts of the body. They’re also the easiest to treat. That’s why early detection with mammograms is so important: The faster and sooner we catch cancer, the more likely it is that you’ll survive and thrive.
Still, it’s normal to feel worried when you get your annual, semi-annual, or first mammogram. Your mental state doesn’t improve when you see the report, especially if your doctor wants to perform more tests. What do all those numbers and letters on your mammogram actually mean?
Joseph Calandra, MD, and Karen Mass, MD, our breast experts at Mass Medical Imaging, believe that mammograms save lives. Whenever you wish, we can explain your results at our Lake Forest offices.
What do your mammogram results mean? Here’s a brief overview, and what you should do.
What are your BI-RADS?
Your radiologist uses a system of classification called the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to easily and quickly communicate your mammogram findings to the doctors who read your results. BI-RADS run from 0-6:
0 — Incomplete
The radiologist suspects there may be an abnormality, but it’s not clear, and so they’re requesting additional tests to take a closer look. Or they may need to compare prior mammograms with the current view.
1 — Negative
No abnormalities found. Your breasts are symmetrical and normal.
2 — Benign
Your radiologist identified a finding that’s non-cancerous, such as lymph nodes or benign calcifications.
3 — Probably benign
Your radiologist saw something that has a less than 2% chance of being cancer. You may need follow-up screenings in the next 6-12 months.
4 — Suspicious abnormality
Although the findings don’t look like cancer, your radiologist may think it’s best to rule that out. Further classifications are:
- 4A: Low likelihood of cancer (2%-10%)
- 4B: Moderate likelihood of cancer (more than 10% but no more than 50%)
- 4C: High likelihood of cancer (more than 50% but less than 95%)
5 — Likely malignant
Your radiologist has identified a finding that has more than a 95% chance of being cancer.
6 — Biopsy-proven malignancy
This category includes malignant tumors confirmed by biopsy. The mammogram was performed to assess treatment efficacy.
Your Breast Density Reading
You may also notice a note related to your breast density. Your breasts are made of different types of tissue: Fatty tissue, fibrous or connective tissue, and glandular tissue.
Glandular tissue is composed of lobules that produce milk and milk ducts that carry it from the lobules to your nipples. Fibrous tissue provides structure to your breast.
Breasts are considered “dense” when they have a lot of glandular and fibrous tissue, but not much fat. It’s harder to detect cancer in dense tissue because dense tissue is white on a mammogram, and so is cancer. Fatty tissue is dark, which makes it easier to spot cancer or another anomaly.
Your radiologist classifies breast density in four categories:
- A: Breasts are almost all fatty tissue
- B: Scattered areas of dense tissue
- C: More dense than fatty tissue
- D: Breasts are extremely dense
The denser your breasts are, the more likely that your doctor will order more tests so they can get a closer look at what’s going on inside your breasts. This may include a diagnostic mammogram, which may provide more views of your breasts.
Your doctor may also order other tests to augment mammograms. For instance, automated whole-breast ultrasound (ABUS) shows more detailed views of your fibrous and glandular tissues. If you’ve been diagnosed with dense breasts, it’s a good idea to always have an ABUS along with your regular mammogram.
Is it time for your mammogram and ABUS? Schedule your screenings now by calling our friendly staff at 847-235-2415 or by booking online via our appointment form.