birad rating system

[dorcas1999]

my question is why is the birad rating for 4 so confusing.  It states that there it is Not characteristic of breast cancer, but reasonable probability of being malignant.  I don't get it. if the nodule is not characteristic of being breast cancer how can it have a reasonable probablity of being malignant? I was scored at a 4, but both the radiologist and breast specialist said it looked to be a bengin fibroadenoma.  Why then is it necessary to do a biopsy if they can look at the thing and say that?  I just think the system ratings scare people. i know it scared the **** out of me.  havent' slept in weeks now.  go for a biopsy in a few weeks and i'm not worried at all now that both dr.'s have said the same thing.  Does this make since to you?

[PAULINE221]

A related discussion, BIRADS CATEGORY 5 was started.

[PAULINE221]

A related discussion, BIRADS CATEGORY 5 was started.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

BIRAD means breast imaging reporting and data system- it is used by radiologists to classify breast lesions. Further managemnet 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

Hope this helps.

[stachia]

i also would like to know where to get a copy of the birad ratings. where would i get this.
stasea23

[dorcas1999]

biopsy is on the 19th.  A cyst means there is fluid.  If it's not a cyst then that just means that it's a mass.  You have about an 80% chance it is benign.  They need to revist the Birad system and consider revising.  I did send you the birad system.

[babuyuki]

Makes sense to me Dorcas and I wish my radiologist had said as much to me w/r/t the firboadenoma. But he said mine isn't a cyst...so what else could it be? And I got a Birad 4 rating too. When is your biopsy?