BI-RADS 5 How worried should I be?

Options
Partofmystory
Partofmystory Member Posts: 2
edited March 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Mammogram test results have assigned BI-RADS 5. I had a biopsy today but will have to wait until the end of the week for my results. With that BI-RADS rating, how likely is the biopsy to be positive for breast cancer? I don't want to panic but feel I need to mentally prepare.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2015

    I'm so sorry you find yourself here. Do some Birads 5 come back benign? Yes, I''ve seen a couple here fairly recently, but in general, Birads 5 Mammograms have about a 95% chance of being cancer, so hope for the best, but you should probably be prepared to receive a cancer diagnosis. You'll get lots of support & advice here

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • besa
    besa Member Posts: 1,088
    edited March 2015

    http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourd...

    I, like you would much rather know what the chances are so that I can mentally prepare and in addition do some research. I am an "all the cards on the table" type of person.

    Though there absolutely are women on these boards who had benign results with a Bi-Rads 5 score, the bottom line is that a Bi-Rads 5 score means that the radiologist who evaluated the mammogram feels that there is a high chance that this is breast cancer- (by definition at least 95% chance). See link above. As MelissaDallas said this is a place for support and advice.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2015

    Partofmystory-

    We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for the worry that brings you here, but we're very glad you've joined us, and hope you find it to be a supportive and informative place.

    Like MelissaDallas said, BIRADS 5 is generally highly suggestive of malignancy. While it is possible that your biopsy will come back benign, preparing yourself for a diagnosis is probably a good idea. We know it's scary, and the waiting and uncertainty is one of the hardest parts. But you're not alone, and everyone here has been where you are right now.

    Please keep us posted on your results, we'll be thinking of you!

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited March 2015

    I'm sorry you're here and waiting for results - it's a tough place to be. I was a 5, with the report stating "suspicious for but not classic for, malignancy" , although my PCP continued to pooh pooh the likelihood of malignancy. Unfortunately, she was wrong. I sincerely hope you will have better news.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lolis197138
    Lolis197138 Member Posts: 512
    edited March 2015

    There is 5% that a BI-RAD 5 be benign. I was a BI-RAD 5 and had a palpable lump, changes in the nipple and the masses had the cancer characteristics. I knew it was BC just wanted a confirmation. 

    If you have other indications I would be prepare for it to be BC but I really hope you are in the 5%!!!

    Keep us posted!!

    Hugs!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited March 2015

    So sorry you are here and that you have to wait until Friday. Bi-Rads 5 is highly suggestive - but we've seen some women here in the 5%!! I love your username - - if it is cancer and you can keep the attitude that it's just "part of your story"....you'll do just fine.

    Hugs while you wait.

    Jen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited March 2015

    Hi,

    I had a birad 5 and was just diagnosed Friday with IDC. Cancer. I know exactly what you are going through. I had to wait a week for my results and found my self constantly on the internet. It was hell waiting. I think I knew but was hopeful that perhaps I would be in the lucky 5%.

    If you want to message me I am here for you.

    We can get through this together.

    Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MmeJ
    MmeJ Member Posts: 167
    edited March 2015

    Bi-rads 5 isn't great news, but I hope you'll find yourself in good hands and receive excellent care, should it turn out the way we all dread(ed).

    As to how worried should you be, no one can really answer that question for another person, only themselves.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited March 2015

    I am one of those in the 5%. My left breast mammogram was BIRADS 5. Because I was over endowed and already had been diagnosed with BC in the right breast, had a mastectomy and was painfully asymmetrical with the remaining huge breast, I opted for a simple mastectomy to even myself out.

    All the slicing and dicing of that right breast found only benign conditions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Partofmystory
    Partofmystory Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2015

    Thanks to all for your encouraging words. I have now received the results and the news wasn't good. While I am still awaiting my full diagnosis (HER2 status unknown at this point) I am now researching options and working on my care/treatment plan. It has been a whirlwind few days.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited March 2015

    Partofmystory

    I understand what you're going through

    I've been there.

    Once the treatment is in place you feel much more better mentally.

    Keep us updated

    Sorry you weren't in that 5%.

    Sending hugs from snowy NY

    Thinking of you my friend.

    Sheila

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories