Scans and X-rays
What Does BI-RADS Mean on a Mammogram Report?
BI-RADS · say it: BYE-radzAlso written: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, BI-RADS category
Short answer
BI-RADS is a scoring system from 0 to 6 used on mammogram, breast ultrasound and breast MRI reports to describe findings and next steps.
What it means
BI-RADS stands for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. It gives radiologists a shared way to describe breast scan results and suggest what should happen next.
The categories run from 0 to 6. Category 0 means more images are needed. Categories 1 and 2 mean no sign of cancer was seen. Category 3 is "probably benign" with a shorter-interval check. Categories 4 and 5 are suspicious and usually lead to a biopsy. Category 6 is used when cancer has already been confirmed by biopsy.
Reports may also describe breast density, often with letters A to D. Density is separate from the BI-RADS category and describes how much of the breast is glandular tissue.
Where you may see it
- Mammogram reports
- Breast ultrasound and breast MRI reports
- Breast clinic letters
📄 How it looks on a report
BI-RADS 2: Benign finding. Routine screening recommended.
🙅 What it does not mean
- BI-RADS 0 does not mean a problem was found. It means the pictures were not enough to decide.
- BI-RADS 4 does not mean cancer. It means a biopsy is recommended to find out.
- The category is not a diagnosis. It guides the next step.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
🧾 Reports where you will see “BI-RADS”
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🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “BI-RADS” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “bi rads”
- RadiologyInfo.org ↗
Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.