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BiRAD 4

Claire_lou
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Hi

Thanks for having me. I found a lump a will ago in the top quarter of my breast by my breast bone. I thought it was my rib. I called GP and due to covid had a video appt which was really good. 5 days later I had a breast screening appt. Thinking it was just a cyst which I have had before I went on my own and didn't think anymore. I had a mamogram (6 in total as they wanted to check further) and a scan, I was told to wait as they wanted to do a biopsy there and then. I was so scared at this point, but took a deep breath. I also had a clip inserted. Then another mamogram and back down to see my consultant. I was now somewhat upset and didn't know what to think. The consultant has told me that he sent me up with a biRAD level of 1 and I came back down at 4????? Very suspicious lump and all he kept saying was I am so so sorry and your mamogram hasn't lied. So what does that mean? Can he see my final results from my mamogram and does biRAD 4 mean I have cancer. I just remember him say I'm so so sorry and I will not be told me results on the phone, but will be in after they have gone to MDT. God I wish I had asked things now as this is horrible. 

Sorry to go on, but hey. 

Thanks so so much 

  • Hello Claire_Lou

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently needed to visit the breast clinic. Understandably you're concerned about what this lump may be. 

    BI-RADS stands for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System and is a scheme for putting the findings from mammogram screening (for breast cancer diagnosis) into a small number of well-defined categories. It's not something that we hear used very much with patients here on the forum but my understanding is that a 4 means there is a suspicious area which is why the Consultant has taken biopsies. It is common for women to have a biopsy taken when a suspicious area is noted on a mammogram or ultrasound and often clips or markers are inserted. These are used by the Consultant if surgery is later needed, however they pose no risk if the area is benign and are left in situ. 

    We know that waiting for biopsy results can be a really difficult time and I do hope that you don't have to wait too long. Lots of our members here know how difficult the waiting can be. Try to just take things a day at a time and not look too far ahead. 
    You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of our team of nurses. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and I'm sure that they will be able to answer some of your questions and offer some reassurance. 

    Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi Jenn and thank you for you reply. 

    Well since my post I have had a bit of a week. I got my results back last Thursday. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and DCIS intermediate (I think). I am now due to have a lumpectomy and then start treatment after. I will also be on oestrogen meds for the next 5 years (early menopause for me!). My consultant and team have been amazing and really made me understand what my journey will look like. Due to where my lump is which is right by my breast bone, I will be having both breasts lifted so I wont look lopsided and too self conscious. 

    I also want to say to everyone, please do not wait to be checked due to covid, the care and safety staff take is amazing. They have also booked me into a private hospital for surgery so I wont be in contact with covid. 

    Thank you and take care 

     

    Claire

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