We all know the feeling of anticipation, curiosity, and even a little fear that comes with getting your mammogram report. When you get your report, you may be even more nervous when you see the medical terms on it, especially the number `BI-RADS`. But don't worry. It's not just you. In this article, we'll talk about, very simply, what `BI-RADS` is and what it says about your health.
What is BI-RADS?
Simply put, `BI-RADS` is an abbreviation for ``Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System.`` This is actually a standard system used by doctors all over the world. It is used to classify the results of your mammogram test. That is, this ``BI-RADS`` score helps the doctor to have a clear idea of whether the X-ray of your breasts shows any signs of cancer or not.
Under this system, your report will receive a value from 0 to 6. What each of those values says is what we are going to look at now.
| BI-RADS score | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| Value 0 | The results are inconclusive. This means that a clear conclusion cannot be drawn from the mammogram. The doctor may recommend comparing it with a previous mammogram or performing another test, such as an ultrasound scan. |
| Value 1 | A negative result. This is the best news! There are no suspicious lumps or changes in your breasts. You are advised to continue having mammograms at regular intervals. |
| Value 2 | Benign condition. You have been diagnosed with a noncancerous, harmless lump (such as a fibroadenoma) or calcium deposits (calcifications) in your breast. This is nothing to worry about. Continue to have regular mammograms. |
| Value 3 | The chance of cancer is very low. A lump has been detected here, but there is a 98% chance that it is not cancerous. However, the doctor wants to be a little more careful about this. So, he will tell you to do another mammogram before the usual time, about 6 months later, to see if the lump has changed. |
| Value 4 | Suspicious condition. The change identified here has a chance of being cancerous. Don't worry, 'there is a chance' does not mean 'cancer'. However, the doctor will definitely recommend a biopsy to confirm this. |
| Value 5 | The chance of cancer is very high. If this value is obtained, there is a greater than 95% chance that it is malignant based on the appearance of the mammogram. A biopsy is definitely performed to confirm this. |
| Value 6 | Confirmed cancer. This value is given to someone who has already had a biopsy and is confirmed to have cancer. This is used during a mammogram to check the status before starting treatment or during treatment. |
The important thing is that even if the BI-RADS score is 4 or 5, it only means that there is 'suspicion'. A definitive diagnosis is only made after a biopsy.
Let's also learn about mammogram and biopsy tests.
Mammogram test
This is actually an X-ray test that is specifically designed for breasts. You stand in front of an X-ray machine and place one of your breasts on a flat surface. Then, a trained technician gently presses your breast from above with another surface. This is done so that the breast tissue is thinned out and any changes in the breast are clearly visible on the X-ray.
You may feel some pressure, discomfort, and even a little pain at this time. This is normal. Once one side is finished, the other breast is examined in the same way. Your breast may be slightly sore or tender after the examination.
A radiologist examines these X-ray images and determines the `BI-RADS` score. He is the one who sends this report to your doctor.
Biopsy test
If your BI-RADS score is suspicious, like 4 or 5, the next most important thing to do is a biopsy. This involves taking a very small tissue sample from the suspicious area and testing it in a laboratory. This is the only way to know with 100% certainty whether or not cancer cells are present.
In addition to a suspicious mammogram, there are several other situations in which your doctor may recommend a biopsy:
- What if the doctor finds a lump in your hand while examining your breast?
- If something suspicious is seen during an ultrasound scan.
- If a suspicious area is identified during an MRI scan.
- If you have any unusual changes in your nipple (e.g., crusting, indentation, or discharge).
If cancer is confirmed, what is the treatment?
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, starting treatment as soon as possible is the best way to get the best results. Your doctor and oncologist will decide the best treatment for you. There are several main treatment options.
Surgery
The main treatment is often surgery to remove the cancer cells. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor. There are two types of surgery:
- Lumpectomy: This involves removing only the cancerous tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. This is used for small, early-stage cancers.
- Mastectomy: This involves removing the entire breast. If you are at high risk of developing cancer in the future, your doctor may recommend removing both breasts (a double mastectomy).
Radiation Therapy
This involves using powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells or cells left after surgery. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer), this treatment can also help reduce symptoms.
Chemotherapy
This involves giving the body special drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. These may be given as injections through a vein (intravenously) or as pills/liquids that you take.
Take-Home Message
- BI-RADS is a standardized reporting system that gives your doctor a clear idea of the results of your mammogram.
- A BI-RADS score of 1 or 2 means there is nothing to worry about. It is a normal or harmless condition.
- Don't worry if you get a BI-RADS score of 0, 3, 4, or 5. It just means you need further testing or attention. It's not a definitive diagnosis of 'cancer.'
- Only a biopsy can definitively determine whether it is cancer or not.
- If you have any questions or doubts about the report you received, talk to your doctor about it openly. He or she will explain everything to you.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න