BI-RADS, explained from 0 to 6

BI-RADS is an internationally standardized system that radiologists use to classify the results of a breast imaging exam. The abbreviation stands for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. The category tells you how a finding should be interpreted and what makes sense to do next.

• 0: the exam is not yet complete; more images or earlier images for comparison are needed.
• 1: normal, no sign of a tumor.
• 2: clearly benign finding.
• 3: probably benign, a short-term follow-up is recommended.
• 4: suspicious, a tissue sample is needed.
• 5: highly suspicious, a workup with a biopsy and treatment planning follows.
• 6: breast cancer already confirmed by tissue analysis, before treatment.

Keep in mind: categories 1 through 3 are reassuring, and even a BI-RADS 4 is not yet a diagnosis but a prompt to take a closer look. Only a biopsy brings clarity. The biopsy