HIGHLIGHTS:
- A mammogram report to your referring physician includes Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System BI-RADS and breast density, two key factors in determining breast cancer risks.
- Breast density appears as white areas on the images and can impact cancer detection.
- Abnormal mammogram findings may require follow-up imaging.
Getting a mammogram is an important step in early cancer detection, but sometimes the results can be difficult to understand. At The Breast Center of Maple Grove, we are committed to providing an informative and compassionate environment where women can interpret their mammogram findings and feel more confident about their care.
Understanding mammogram results is easier when you know the meaning behind BI-RADS scores and breast density categories. While reports may appear confusing, they are designed to provide guidance towards the next steps in a woman’s healthcare journey.
Mammogram reports sent to health care providers typically include a description of breast density, so your health care provider can tell you if your mammogram shows that you have dense breasts. Mammogram reports sent directly to patients often mention breast density as well, although the wording used in these reports is often different.
What Your Mammogram Report Includes
A typical mammogram report is a comprehensive summary of findings, which includes the following key points:
- BI-RADS Category: The Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) is a standardized scoring system (0-6 scale) used by radiologists to indicate the likelihood of abnormal findings.
- Findings: The patient’s report will note any masses, calcifications, or other anomalies. Your report may include measurements and location descriptions.
- Breast Density: Descriptive categories that could impact cancer detection. All reports must include either “dense” or “not dense.”
- Impression/Recommendation: The suggested follow-up actions are based on a comprehensive analysis of the images. Physicians and patients value this section as the most critical part of the report.
- Notes on Prior Comparisons: Compares current images to previous mammogram results.
Breast Density Explained
Breast density cannot be felt, and it is not related to the size or firmness of the breast. It refers to the amount of fibroglandular (fibrous and glandular) connective tissue that is in the breast compared to fat tissue. Many women have dense breasts, which are categorized as follows on mammogram results:
- Category A: Breasts consist mostly of fatty tissue.
- Category B: Scattered areas of dense fibroglandular tissue, seen as white areas on the mammogram.
- Category C: More of the breast consists of fibroglandular tissue (described as heterogeneously dense), and the white areas make it more difficult to detect small masses in or around the dense tissue.
- Category D: Breasts are extremely dense, making it harder to see masses or other findings that may appear as white areas on the mammogram.
Dense tissue makes it more difficult to detect breast cancer on a mammogram and raises the risk of developing breast cancer. For women with dense breasts, supplemental screening may be necessary. Discussing breast density with a healthcare provider and understanding how it can make imaging more difficult is vital to developing a personalized treatment plan.
You will receive your report in MyChart as well as a mailed letter that further explains your results and next steps. If diagnostic testing is needed, you will receive a call from one of our Breast Health Navigators within 24 hours of your screening visit.
Get Expert Guidance from The Breast Center of Maple Grove
The Breast Center of Maple Grove provides compassionate guidance, expert interpretation, and ongoing support throughout the mammogram process. Through patient-centered care and an experienced in-house radiology team, we are committed to helping women get the screening they need in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
If you have any questions about your breast density or mammogram results, contact The Breast Center of Maple Grove to speak with one of our friendly specialists today.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Chay_Tee