Your healthcare provider may review these results and discuss them with you.

This article provides an overview of mammogram results, including Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), breast density, calcifications, and recalls.

Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS)

BI-RADS is a standardized system for reporting mammogram findings. Standardization is essential because it allows healthcare providers to discuss results using the same terms, making confusion or miscommunication less likely.

BI-RADS categorizes findings using a 0–6 rating system. Each number represents a specific finding, including incomplete, negative, benign, probably benign, suspicious, highly suggestive of malignancy, and known biopsy-proved malignancy.

Low-density (also called non-dense or fatty breasts) means that breast tissue is almost entirely fatty or that there are a few areas of density among the breasts. High-density breasts are evenly dense throughout or highly dense.

Dense breasts are common. About half of people over 40 who have breasts have dense breasts.

Calcifications

Calcifications on a mammogram are deposits of calcium in breast tissue. These are common and are not typically a sign of cancer or cause for concern.

Although it may seem logical that calcium in food or supplements would cause calcifications, that is not how breast calcium deposits occur. Instead, they can result from the following:

Calcium deposits in arteries in your breasts Past breast infection or injury Benign lumps or cysts

Macrocalcifications vs. Microcalcifications

Macrocalcifications are large, rounded calcifications that look like white spots on a mammogram. These are common in people over age 50 and are rarely cancerous. Often, no further testing is required for macrocalcifications.

Microcalcifications are tiny specs seen on a mammogram. These usually don’t indicate cancer either; however, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing if they see this calcification.

What Is a Recall?

A recall means that the radiologist who reviewed your mammogram wants you to return for further testing. However, it does not mean you have breast cancer. Breast cancer diagnosis from a recall is uncommon, affecting less than 10% of people called back after a mammogram.

Recalls are more common for your first mammogram because the radiologist doesn’t have another image for comparison. They are also more common in people who have not yet experienced menopause.

Recalls might occur when:

Pictures are unclear and need to be retaken. There is evidence of calcification or mass. An area of your breast looks different from the other areas.

Additional Tests

Further testing may mean a repeat mammogram or another imaging test. Recall testing may include:

Diagnostic mammogram Breast ultrasound Breast magnetic resonance imaging (breast MRI)

If any of the imaging tests look suspicious, you will probably require a breast biopsy to evaluate the area in question under a microscope. A surgeon may perform a biopsy by extracting fluid with a needle or by surgically removing a lump or part of the breast tissue.

Summary

A main mammogram result component is BI-RADS, a number ranking system that describes a radiologist’s findings. These results represent whether the appearance of the breast tissue looks normal, suspicious, or potentially cancerous. In addition, mammogram results include breast density, whether calcification was noted, and if so, what type. Sometimes, mammogram results also have a recall—a recommendation for further testing.

A Word From Verywell

Mammogram results, like other imaging test results, can be confusing. While gaining knowledge about the language and its meaning can be helpful, the best way to review results is with your healthcare provider. That way, they can answer your questions, alleviate your concerns, and offer recommendations for the next steps (if any are necessary).

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