Thank you so much for your well informed reply. cs
1. Common. Clustered microcalcifications are more cause for concern than random microcalcifications, which are also common.
2. In general, in the USA, about 20% of biopsies performed come back with confirmed malignancy. The BIRADS classification refines that somewhat, with BIRADS 3 being mostly benign (80% or better coming back benign), whereas the BIRADS 5 category having statistics somewhere in the range (quite variable in this category) of 60% to greater than 95% confirmed malignancy). Because biopsy is the only way to confirm the presence or absence of cancer, it is fairly standard procedure to recommend biopsy for BIRADS 4 and 5 and quite often 3.
3. Because CLUSTERED microcalcifications are more likely to be DCIS or stage 1 cancer, the common practice is to recommend biopsy.
4. Depends on the path report and original BIRADS classification. If there is a cluster and high BIRADS number the followup tends to be sooner and more focused. Ambiguity often means watchful waiting. Great term.