Bi-RAD 4&5

[diamondlil60]

I will soon scheduling a surgical biopsy soon. I have a 1cm aea of grouped heterogeneous calcifications of left breast that appear suspicious of malignancy. I have a Bi-Rads number of 4 & 5. I was okay at first with when I was told I had to have the procedure done but when I visited my doctor today and got the actual paperwork that bi-rad 5 freaked had me VERY concerned after looking up the bi-rad meanings.  Appreciate any info!


This discussion is related to Clustered Microcalcification.

[ncmichigan]

I just wanted to add a little of my own experience to zouzi's excellent response. I had a BIRADS 4 mammo and then an excisional biopsy 5 years ago. The path analysis indicated that I had LCIS, lobular carcinoma in situ. Although some people say this isn't cancer, my oncologist calls it stage 0 breast cancer. The only treatment required has been mammo and MRI every six months. Last year I had another type of breast screening
called molecular breast imaging (which was easier on me than the breast MRI!) and it came back normal, so now I'm back on yearly mammos with a clinical exam by my doctor every six months. LCIS does increase my risk of developing invasive breast cancer to about 30% ,so I get my screenings as recommended. Even if your biopsy finds invasive cancer, as zouzi said, it will hopefully be caught at a very early stage. We're hoping for benign results, of course, but if it isn't, there's still every reason to be hopeful. I heard something on the radio awhile ago and thought it was really appropriate to women waiting for additional testing and results: "Don't deal with hypotheticals, Deal with the "ifs" when the "ifs" come to your doorstep." Try not to stress too much (I KNOW it's hard---I've had three biopsies already so I've been there, done that) and try not to focus on the "what ifs" so you'll be able to better deal with "what is".
Please come back to let us know how you're doing if you wish by adding a note to this thread. Our thoughts and good wishes are with you and we do care.
Sending you a big hug from Michigan (          ),
nc

[zouzi]

Hi,
I can understand your concern over this finding... BIRADS score 5, means that the clustered calcification detected in your left breast is highly suspicious,but please remember that only a pathology analysis of the tissue extracted can render a definitive diagnosis.
Breast calcification are not cancer themselves, but can indicate problematic cells in the surrounding tissue.
If unfortunately the cells are determined to be malignant,it's undoubtedly extremely early (Stage 0), and thus completely curable.
Also keep in mind that it's not unheard of that a BIRADS category 4 or 5 could result in benign findings when biopsied and I hope the same for you too.
Wishing you all the best and good luck !