Mammogram second opinion: what BI-RADS 3, 4 and 5 mean and what to do next

When a second opinion makes sense

You received a BI-RADS 3, 4 or 5 report and do not understand what it means; you were told to "wait six months" and are not comfortable; you have microcalcifications or dense breasts; or you want a breast specialist —not only a radiologist— to decide the next step.

The BI-RADS scale in plain words

BI-RADS 0: incomplete, more imaging is needed. 1: normal. 2: benign finding. 3: probably benign, control in 6 months (less than 2 % chance of cancer). 4: suspicious, biopsy recommended. 5: highly suggestive of cancer, biopsy. 6: cancer already confirmed. A BI-RADS 4 does not mean you have cancer; it means a biopsy is needed to know.

How the review works

I review your images —not only the report— together with your history, examine you, and decide whether you need additional views, ultrasound, a 6-month control or a biopsy. If a biopsy is needed it can be done in Monterrey within days.

Screening recommendations

Monthly self-exam from 18, annual clinical breast exam from 25, screening mammogram from 40 —earlier with a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer— and ultrasound as a complement for dense breasts and younger women.

Frequently asked questions