Took some searching but finally found the definition of the BIRAD categories. For others who are interested they are:
BI-RADS O --incomplete assessment
BI-RADS 1 --negative findings (within normal)
BI-RADS 2 --benign findings
BI-RADS 3 --probably benign, 6-month follow-up
BI-RADS 4 --suspicious abnormality, biopsy recommended
BI-RADS 5 --highly suggestive of malignancy
It helps to know where my diagnosis falls along this scale.
A related discussion,
Mammo/Birad 4B was started.
A related discussion,
Was a three now a two was started.
There have been several comments lately where biopsies were done but the area of concern was missed. This is somewhat disconcerting and must be verrrry frustrating for you. I have another 3 months to wait for my follow-up mammo and even though something (fibroadenoma) did show up in my biopsy there is still a nagging concern that the pre-surgery mammos/ultrasound showed more than one finding. Trying to stay positive and not get bogged down in this.
Have they explained what has been the issue/problem in doing your biopsies? Have you gone for a second opinion or consultation with another surgeon? Do they have a plan for getting it "right" the next time? Wishing you the best, Janet.
Thank you so much for posting the Birad Scale. I've had two biopsies they think didn't get the right sample and probably must decide about a third. My birad assessment is a 4 so I guess I should go ahead. My doctor just said I was in the middle but this scale clarifies it better.
Dear SnowWoman, BI-RADS (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System) is a scale used by radiologists to standardize the readings of mammograms. The mammogram is classified according to 5 categories. Category 1 being negative - nothing to comment on, routine screening. To 5 which is highly suggestive of malignancy - very high probablility of malignancy. Appropriate action should be taken. A category 4 is a suspicious looking abnormality, not characteristic but has a reasonable probability of malignancy. Biopsy should be considered.
BIRADS stands for breast imaging reporting data system. It is an attempt to standardize the reading and reporting of mammograms. There still is subjectivity, because each film is read by a human being, who must look at various features and decide what they may or may not mean. As to not feeling a 1.5 cm mass: that's about a half-inch. That's not really very big, and, especially if deep in a dense breast it's not unusual to be un-feelable. If every mass in a breast could be felt, there'd be no reason for mammography. Until you actually get a biopsy, I'd try (easier said that done) not to be too alarmed. When a thing shows on one modality and not another, it's less likely to be significant. And radiologists will error on the side of being alarmist in order to be sure that things are followed up properly. The odds are with you; but certainly it needs a definite diagnosis.