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After the radiologist is satisfied with the images, the patient is allowed to dress and resume her daily activities without restriction.
One or more physician mammographers will examine the x-ray images and look for abnormalities. Masses that appear round and smooth are more likely to be cysts (fluid-filled sac) or fibroadenoma (noncancerous tumor caused by high levels of estrogen). On the other hand, abnormalities that contain jagged, distinct, radiating strands that pull inward are more likely to be cancer.
A physician mammographer usually gives a preliminary verbal report to the patient at the time of the mammogram. However, an official written report may not be completed for several weeks. The completed report will be sent to the patient’s primary physician. Women with a history of breast cancer should have the report sent to their cancer care team physicians, including the surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist.
Federal law requires all facilities offering mammograms to provide the patient with an easy-to-understand, written explanation of the findings within 30 days. Patients who have not received a report within this time frame should contact their physician.
The American College of Radiology has developed a method of describing the findings of mammograms called the breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS). This is broken into two major divisions:
Incomplete assessment
| Category |
Definition |
| Category 0: Additional imaging evaluation and/or comparison to prior mammograms needed |
Possible abnormality may not be completely seen or defined and will need more tests, such as use of spot compression, magnification views, special mammogram views or ultrasound. |
Complete assessment
| Category |
Definition |
| Category 1: Negative |
No significant abnormality to report. Breasts appear the same (symmetrical) with no masses, architectural distortion or suspicious calcifications. |
| Category 2: Benign (Noncancerous) |
Also a negative mammogram, but with description of a finding known to be benign, such as benign calcifications, intramammary lymph nodes or calcified fibroadenomas. This ensures others viewing the mammogram will not misinterpret benign finding as suspicious. Finding is recorded in the mammogram report for use in future mammogram assessments. |
| Category 3: Probably benign - follow-up suggested |
Findings have a very high probability (greater than 98%) of being benign. Findings are not expected to change. Follow-up with repeat imaging usually done in six months and regularly thereafter until finding is known to be stable (usually at least two years). Procedure helps avoid unnecessary biopsies while allowing for early diagnosis of a cancer should suspicious area change. |
| Category 4: Suspicious abnormality - biopsy suggested |
Findings could be cancer, with sufficient concern to recommend biopsy. Findings in this category have a wide range of suspicion levels. Some – though not all – physicians may divide category further:
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4A: finding with low suspicion of being cancerous
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4B: finding with intermediate suspicion of being cancerous
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4C: finding of moderate concern of being cancerous, but not as high as Category 5
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| Category 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy – appropriate action necessary |
Findings look like and have high probability (at least 95%) of being cancer. Biopsy is strongly recommended. |
| Category 6: Confirmed Malignancy – Appropriate Action Should Be Taken |
Used for findings on mammogram already determined to be cancerous by a previous biopsy. |
In some cases, a woman may have to take her imaging films with her for a scheduled visit to her surgeon or oncologist. She should notify the imaging technician of her intention to take the films so they can be prepared. Women should take precautions in not damaging or losing the films because they are records of valuable information for her care. In addition, she should be sure to return the films to the imaging center for safekeeping after the physician is finished with them.
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