BIRAD 5

HI,
I have been given a score of catagory 5 on my mammogram and ultra sound.  I am going in for a biopsy tomorrow.  I know that a 5 is very bad, but is there anyone out there who has had a 5 and did not have breast cancer?  All the studies I am reading are not real encouraging.  Thanks.

[lady4law]

I hope your biospy turned out well. I wil be seeing my Dr Monday to set up mine. My BI-RADS is category 4, so I am very nervious. (Mom and G-mother died from BC)

[mamaboulet]

My mammogram was a BI-RAD 5 also. My biopsy showed negative for cancer, positive for fat necrosis (which, btw, can present in the scary spiculated pattern in its late stage). I'm glad they found no malignancy, but due to being scared half to death by the radiologist and then having the whole thing dropped when no malignancy was found, even though the standard procedure for a benign result on a category 5 is usually another biopsy to check placement of first biopsy, I have been left with a bad case of cancer anxiety. My mother had breast cancer and has lymphoma. I cannot get over my anxiety. I have switched doctors, and I want a LOT of attention paid to my annual mammogram this coming july. If that one comes out clean maybe I can finally get some relief from this anxiety.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

BIRAD means breast imaging reporting and data system- it is used by radiologists to classify breast lesions. Further management is then decided accordingly.

Category 0: Need Additional Imaging Evaluation
Category 1: Negative
Category 2: Benign Finding
Category 3: Probably Benign Finding; Short Interval Follow-Up Suggested
Category 4: Suspicious Abnormality; Biopsy Should Be Considered
Category 5: Highly Suggestive of Malignancy; Appropriate Action Should Be Taken

Category 5 does mean highly suspicious for malignancy and for a confirmed diagnosis a biopsy would be required. Discuss the follow up plan and management with your doctor and see a breast specialist and oncologist for further treatment.

A biopsy is a very safe procedure and you could talk to your doctor in detail about this prior to th procedure. You could also take pain relief medications in case you have any symptoms of pain.

Let us know if you have any doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Regards.