BI RAD 4

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karady
karady Member Posts: 7
edited June 2017 in Waiting for Test Results

Had a 3D mammogram yesterday . The radiologist said "BI RAD 4" .

At that time , we are not even aware of these terms.

After googling , found out there are three sub divisions within that level.

However they did not distinugish 4A , 4B or 4C in the report. They recommended Needle Biopsy .

The report says " There are increasing calcifications.... "

We are still waiting for the doctor's office to call us about it . They are not responding in the rate we would like.

My questions are

a) How to identify if it is 4A , 4B , 4C

b) What is the prognosis ? What is the percentage of turning into cancer.

The wait is killing us.

Thanks everyone .

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Comments

  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited May 2017

    So sorry you are going through this concern over your breast health! In regards to BIRADS systems, some facilities use the letter sub-classification and some do not. If they didn't list one, then they do not. Given the general category BIRADS 4, 70-80% of biopsies are benign. BIRADS 4 (or any of the sub-cat letters) is the lowest category where biopsy is recommended. Without any other information (like the actual language used in the report to describe the area of concern that was biopsied, or age of woman, or if there is a family history of bc) it would only be guess work to tell you anything more than the above stats for BIRADS 4. Sorry!

    I know it is a scary and confusing time, while you wait for results. Waiting just stinks! Try your best to distract yourself and practice relaxation to reduce your anxiety until you have your results. If you get any confusing information, please bring it back here and we can help you understand. Hoping for B9 results for you! ((hugs))

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  • karady
    karady Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2017

    Thanks @MTWoman for your response.

    I am 42. One of my aunt ( my mom's second cousin) had BC.

    Here is the text from the report

    <quote>

    There are increasing calcifications in the central region of the left breast. On magnification views , these are variable in shape and density and considered indeterminate. Surgical consultation and biopsy is advised.

    </quote>




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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited May 2017

    so when something is indeterminate, a biopsy is a very appropriately cautious way of making sure it isn't something bad. So the calcifications didn't specifically meet the criteria to make them clearly concerning for malignancy, but neither did they meet the criteria to make them clearly benign. That's why you're BIRADS 4. The criteria are overly cautious. Any findings with over a 2% chance of being cancer is biopsied to be sure. Try to remain as calm as you can. You have a very good chance that this is benign. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this awful waiting to find out!

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  • karady
    karady Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2017

    Thanks very much for your words. It means a LOT to me .

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  • karady
    karady Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2017

    Got the report . Not sure , how complex this surgery is .

    By googling , it seems this is a b9. Then I am not sure , why they would recommend surgery.

    <report>

    Fibrocystic changes , Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasi and radial scar.

    These results incidate high-risk lesion.

    ...

    surgical excision is recommended.

    </report>

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited June 2017

    karady - you will do much better if you stay away from google. Lots of that information is old or just plain wrong. If you want to research, this is a safe site. or NCI, or Mayo Clinic. Try not to borrow trouble.

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  • karady
    karady Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2017

    Thanks MinusTwo.

    Bit worried.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited June 2017

    of course you're worried Karady, that's normal. But Google usually only makes that worse. When is your surgery scheduled? You should have a consultation with a surgeon before and they can talk you through the procedure and give you a chance to ask questions. If you go to the "surgery, before during and after" forum, you can look at other's posts that are similar to your procedure to get a good list of questions.

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