Tag Archives: birads

What is BI-RADS in Breast Imaging?

Breast Imaging

BIRADS

  • BIRADS stands for breast imaging reporting and data systems.  It was created to standardize mammographic results.
  • Biopsy is not required for BI-RADS 1,2, and 3.
  • BI-RADS 0 indicates technical concerns.
  • Proceeding to biopsy without additional imaging is strongly indicated for BI-RADS 4 or 5.
  • Family history is not a part of the breast imaging reporting and data (BIRADS).

BI-RADS 4

  • If a BI-RADS 4 lesion ends up being benign, it is most likely a fibrocystic process (rather than a fibroadenoma – which occurs more likely in BI-RADS 3 patients.
  • The frequency of carcinoma is 25-30% in BI-RADS 4 lesions associated with a mass.
  • Ductal carcinoma (DCIS) is the most common malignancy with BI-RADS 4 patients, then next common is invasive ductal carcinoma.  This order is reversed in BI-RADS 5 patients.
  • No additional imaging needed.