Understanding Your Mammogram Report
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Receiving your mammogram report can be daunting, especially when it contains medical jargon. Although a doctor can explain the terminology, having a basic understanding of the common terms and numbers on a typical mammogram report can help you ask essential questions and feel more informed.
A typical mammogram report may include information such as:
- Patient information
- Medical history
- Reason for the procedure (e.g. screening, clinical finding, additional evaluation requested at current screening)
- Previous procedures (e.g. breast biopsies)
- Breast composition (dense or fatty)
- Findings
- Impressions (BI-RADS classification)
- Recommendation for further tests, follow-up
As a patient, you want to make sure that your doctor has all the necessary information to evaluate your risk of breast cancer. Your medical history, previous breast biopsies, and breast density are all important factors that can affect the accuracy of mammography results. It is essential to be aware of your breast density as it can impact the findings of your mammogram and the recommendations for further testing.
Learn more: Breast Density: Are You Informed?
Findings
When you receive a mammogram report, it will typically include a findings section that indicates whether any abnormalities were detected during the screening. Comments in this section may provide additional details about the findings.
Normal results
- No significant masses, calcifications, or other abnormalities are present.
- No significant change from the prior exam.
Abnormal results
- Size of finding, location, shape, outline
- Calcifications (calcium deposits that develop in breasts)
- Spiculated mass (lump of tissue with spikes or points on the surface)
- Asymmetry (Areas of varying breast density)
- Skin thickening
- Retraction of a nipple (nipple sinking into the breast)
- Architectural distortion (breast looks like it is being pulled)
BI-RADS classification
The Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) is a classification system that aims to standardize risk assessment and quality control for mammography. It helps ensure consistency in mammography reports and has 6 categories that refer to specific mammogram findings descriptions.
Category | Definition | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
0 | Incomplete | If a radiologist detects a current mammogram as insufficient or inadequate, they may recommend further testing in the form of additional mammograms or ultrasounds. By comparing the newly acquired mammogram with previous ones, the radiologist can thoroughly evaluate and track any changes that may have occurred over time, thus allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. |
1 | Negative | The test results are normal and indicate that no abnormalities or changes were detected. |
2 | Benign finding | A benign (non-cancerous) finding could refer to conclusions such as calcifications, non-harmful masses, or lymph nodes. A record of these findings is necessary to notify other viewers of the mammogram and not note it as a suspicious finding. |
3 | Probably benign finding | Such a finding refers to those that cannot be confirmed as benign or cancerous. While a finding in this category has a very low chance of being cancer, it is usually checked to see if it changes over time. As such, women with findings in this category will usually be recommended to get a follow-up imaging test to track the progression and stability of the result (usually in 6 to 12 months for at least 2 years) |
4 | Suspicious abnormality | These findings can be cancer though they may not necessarily look like cancer. This category is subdivided into smaller categories: 4A: Low likelihood of being cancer, 2%<likelihood<10% 4B: Moderate likelihood of being cancer, 10%<likelihood<50% 4C: High likelihood of being cancer, 50%<likelihood<95% In this case, a biopsy would typically be considered. |
5 | Highly suggestive of malignancy | The results suggest that cancer may be present, with a high probability of at least 95%. In this case, it is strongly advised to undergo a biopsy. |
6 | Known biopsy-proven malignancy | These findings are for confirmed cases of breast cancer verified by a previous biopsy. Mammograms are typically used to check the cancer’s response to treatment. |
Recommendations for further tests
After examining the results and classifying them according to the BI-RADS system, the radiologist may suggest different courses of action. This may include further imaging tests, a biopsy, or scheduling another mammogram in a few months. The recommendations will be noted in the mammogram report and usually explained to you along with the results. This is a good chance for you to clear any doubts or uncertainties you may have. Getting all the important details can help you feel at ease and ensure that your next steps are successful.
