What is on a mammogram report?

To interpret the results of a mammogram, you should consult your doctor, who will help you to understand the correct way to read your mammogram report. Mammogram reports are sorted into seven categories numbered 0 through 6, according to standards developed by the American College of Radiology. This system is called the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) and the categories in the system are as follows.

•  Category 0: Incomplete. Need additional imaging (your doctor may send you for a second mammogram) or comparison to prior mammograms.
•  Category 1: Negative. Essentially 0 percent likelihood of a malignancy.
•  Category 2: Benign. Essentially 0 percent likelihood of a malignancy.
•  Category 3: Less than 2 percent likelihood of a malignancy, but continued surveillance mammography possibly at six-month intervals, recommended.
•  Category 4: Suspicious. Category 4A or "low suspicion" means greater than 2 percent but less than or equal to 10 percent likelihood of malignancy; Category 4B or "moderate suspicion" means greater than 10 percent but less than or equal to 50 percent likelihood of malignancy; Category 4C or "high suspicion" means greater than 50 percent but less than 95 percent likelihood of malignancy.
•  Category 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy. This means greater than or equal to 95 percent likelihood of malignancy.
•  Category 6: Known biopsy/proven malignancy.

 If you fall into a category 4 or higher, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy of your breast tissue.