Birad Code 4 Suspicious

[ColetteMichelle]

I had a mammogram andI and 1CM spiculated nodule at 12 o'clock on the right breast.  What does Birad Code 4 suspicious mean  and what is the difference in the code levels?  Also what does spiculated mean?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

BIRAD means breast imaging reporting and data system- it is used by radiologists to classify breast lesions. Further managemnet is then decided accordingly.

Category 0: Need Additional Imaging Evaluation
Category 1: Negative
Category 2: Benign Finding
Category 3: Probably Benign Finding; Short Interval Follow-Up Suggested
Category 4: Suspicious Abnormality; Biopsy Should Be Considered
Category 5: Highly Suggestive of Malignancy; Appropriate Action Should Be Taken

A BIRADS 4 means the lesion is suspicious in nature and a biopsy would be required for a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out a malignant lesion.

Spiculated is used to describe the margins of the lesions - that is they are smooth round or uneven or spiked ( with multiple projections-spiculated).

Do not worry and get the biopsy done and ask for a copy of the reports. Do let us know what your doctor advises.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[japdip]

Oops, I left something out ... sorry. Spiculated mass is tissue with points or spikes on it's surface. (Needlelike)

[japdip]

A BIRAD score of 4 means that something suspicious is found and a surgical consult with possible biopsy is usually recommended. A fair percentage of BIRAD 4 findings are something other than cancer. BIRAD 3 is deemed probably benign but it is reommended that a followup film in 6 months be done. BIRAD 5 required IMMEDIATE surgical consult; probably cancerous in origin.