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Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms
General questions about breast health and possible symptoms.
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AskedPublicly Submitted Question
3/22/2011Dear SirMy wife had two mammograms in a space of four months. First one was conventional mammography. Birads assigned was 1.(26th Oct 2010).Second one was Digital Mammography. Birads assigned was 3.(19th march 2011).Is it possible? Which rating should we take in order to decide further follow up? Why there is a difference like this ? We are deciding to go with the birads 1 as it was done through conventional mammography. Are we right?Thank you
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
3/22/2011No do not 'go with' the BI-RADS 1; you must follow recommendation for BI-RADS 3 findings. Bear in mind that BI-RADS 1 category is 'negative', while a BI-RADS 3 is 'probably benign'. There possibly could be a difference based on analog (conventional)mammo vs digital mammo - digital may be more sensitive and picked up something first one didn't. Also, technique of mammographer could impact slightly; whether mammograms done at same facility and read by same radiologist. The posiblity exists that perhaps an abnormality has developed in the breast in 4 months time. Follow the most recent BI-RADS and the recommendation of your radiologist. Best wishes.

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