Frequency and Outcomes of BI-RADS Category 3 Assessments in Patients With a Personal History of Breast Cancer: Full-Field Digital Mammography Versus Digital Breast Tomosynthesis.

BACKGROUND. Studies establishing the validity of BI-RADS category 3 excluded patients with personal history of breast cancer (PHBC). Use of category 3 in patients with PHBC may be impacted not only by this population's increased breast cancer risk, but also by adoption of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) over full-field digital mammography (FFDM). OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to compare the frequency, outcomes, and additional characteristics of BI-RADS category 3 assessments between FFDM and DBT in patients with PHBC. METHODS. This retrospective study included 14,845 mammograms in 10,118 patients (mean age, 63 years) with PHBC who had undergone mastectomy and/or lumpectomy. Of these, 8422 examinations were performed by FFDM from October 2014 to September 2016, and 6423 examinations by FFDM with DBT from February 2017 to December 2018, after interval conversion of the center's mammography units. Information was extracted from the EHR and radiology reports. FFDM and DBT groups were compared in the entire sample and among index category 3 lesions (i.e., earliest category 3 assessment per lesion). RESULTS. The frequency of category 3 assessment was lower for DBT than FFDM (5.6% vs 6.4%; p = .05). DBT, compared with FFDM, showed a lower malignancy rate for category 3 lesions (1.8% vs 5.0%; p = .04), higher malignancy rate for category 4 lesions (32.0% vs 23.2%; p = .03), and no difference in malignancy rate for category 5 lesions (100.0% vs 75.0%; p = .24). Analysis of index category 3 lesions included 438 and 274 lesions for FFDM and DBT, respectively. For category 3 lesions, DBT, compared with FFDM, showed lower PPV3 (13.9% vs 36.1%; p = .02) and a more frequent mammographic finding of mass (33.2% vs 23.1%; p = .003). CONCLUSION. The malignancy rate for category 3 lesions in patients with PHBC was less than the accepted limit (2%) for DBT (1.8%), but not FFDM (5.0%). A lower malignancy rate for category 3 lesions but higher malignancy rate for category 4 lesions for DBT supports more appropriate application of category 3 assessment in patients with PHBC through use of DBT. CLINICAL IMPACT. These insights may help establish whether category 3 assessments in patients with PHBC are within benchmarks for early detection of second cancers and reduction of benign biopsies.

A Single-Center Audit of BI-RADS 3 Assessment Category Utilization in Mammography and Breast Ultrasound.

Purpose: To evaluate outcomes of breast lesions assessed at our institution as probably benign (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] category 3) with an expected malignancy rate of less than or equal to 2 %. Methods: Average-risk women with a BI-RADS 3 assessment following mammographic and/or ultrasound evaluation at our institution between January 1 and December 31, 2017 were included. Cancer yield was calculated within 90 days and at 6-month intervals up to 36 months. Results: Among 517 women (median age, 52 years; range, 13-89 years) with a BI-RADS 3 assessment, 349 (67.5 %) underwent biopsy or completed follow-up imaging up to 36 months. One hundred and 68 (32.5 %) were lost to follow-up. Thirty of 349 (8.6 %) had their imaging upgraded and underwent biopsy, yielding six cancers (cancer yield, 6 of 349 women [1.7 %]). Among 569 lesions assessed as BI-RADS 3, 92 (16.2 %) were characterized by morphologic features other than those validated as probably benign in prospective clinical studies. Fifty three of 517 women (10.3 %) had follow-up beyond 24 months, and 24 (4.6 %) had follow-up beyond 36 months. Conclusion: Overall utilization of the BI-RADS 3 assessment category at our institution is appropriate with a 1.7 % cancer yield. However, the rate of loss to follow-up, percentage of non-validated findings assessed as probably benign, and redundancy in follow-up protocols are too high, and warrant intervention. A patient handout explaining the BI-RADS 3 assessment category and automatic scheduling of follow-up studies have been implemented at our center to address loss to follow-up.

Frequency and Cancer Yield of BI-RADS Category 3 Lesions Detected at High-Risk Screening Breast MRI.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and cancer yield of BI-RADS category 3 lesions in baseline versus nonbaseline (those with at least one prior) MRI screening examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Consecutive MRI screening examinations performed from 2011 through 2015 were reviewed. Pearson and Wilcoxon tests were used to examine differences in age, breast density, screening indication, background parenchymal enhancement, and cancer yield between baseline and nonbaseline MRI BI-RADS category 3 assessments. Multivariate logistic regression models based on generalized estimating equations were used to assess the odds of receiving a BI-RADS 3 assessment as a function of the variables. RESULTS. Of 6672 MRI screening examinations of 3214 patients, 202 examinations (3%) were assessed BI-RADS category 3. Among baseline examinations, 8% (82/983) were assessed BI-RADS 3, compared with 2% (120/5689) of nonbaseline examinations (p < 0.001). Among the total BI-RADS 3 examinations, 6% (13/202) yielded malignancy of the lesion that had been assessed BI-RADS 3; 12 of 13 cancers were stage 0 or I at diagnosis. The cancer yield of BI-RADS 3 at baseline examinations was 2% (2/82), compared with 9% (11/120) for nonbaseline examinations (p = 0.056). Ten of 13 examinations were upgraded at or before 6-month follow-up MRI. CONCLUSION. Baseline screening breast MRI examinations are associated with a significantly higher rate of BI-RADS category 3 assessments than are nonbaseline examinations. Most cancers diagnosed at follow-up of BI-RADS 3 lesions are in an early stage and are diagnosed at or before the 6-month follow-up examination. When used judiciously, short-interval follow-up MRI is an appropriate method for identifying early-stage breast cancer while avoiding unnecessary biopsies with benign findings.

Imaging and Histopathologic Features of BI-RADS 3 Lesions Upgraded during Imaging Surveillance.

To evaluate imaging and histopathologic differences between screen-detected benign and malignant upgraded lesions initially assessed as BI-RADS 3 at diagnostic evaluation. An IRB approved retrospective review of the mammography data base from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008 identified 1,188 (1.07%) of 110,776 screening examinations assessed as BI-RADS 3 following diagnostic evaluation at our academic center (staffed by breast specialists) or our outpatient center (staffed by general radiologists), 1,017 with at least 24 months follow-up or biopsy. Sixty (5.9%) BI-RADS 3 lesions were upgraded to BI-RADS 4 or 5 during imaging surveillance (study population). Prospective reports, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes were abstracted from the longitudinal medical record. Mean patient age was 54.1 years (range 35-85). Lesions consisted of 7 masses, 12 focal asymmetries and 41 calcifications. Fifteen (25%) of 60 lesions upgraded from initial BI-RADS 3 assessment were malignant (1.47% of total; 15/1,017 BI-RADS 3 studies). Malignancy rates by upgraded lesion type showed no significant difference: Thirty-three (73.3%) of 45 benign upgraded lesions were calcifications compared to 8 (53.3%) of 15 malignant upgraded lesions (p = 0.202). Twelve (26.7%) of 45 benign upgraded lesions were masses or focal asymmetries, compared to 7 (46.7%) of 15 upgraded malignant lesions (p = 0.202). Six (85.7%) of 7 malignant upgraded masses/focal asymmetries had no US correlate at initial BI-RADS 3 assessment compared to 7 (58.3%) of 12 benign upgraded masses/focal asymmetries (p = 0.33). Breast-imaging specialists interpreted 21 studies, 3 (14.3%) malignant; general radiologists interpreted 39 studies, 12 (30.8%) malignant (p = 0.218). There was no significant difference in malignancy rate among different types of upgraded mammographic lesions, nor depending on subspecialty interpretation versus nonsubspecialist interpretation. Although calcifications made up a majority of upgraded lesions, most were benign, suggesting that decreased surveillance of calcifications may be appropriate.

Reassessment and Follow-Up Results of BI-RADS Category 3 Lesions Detected on Screening Breast Ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency and the malignancy rate of BI-RADS category 3 lesions detected on screening breast ultrasound and to reassess whether they satisfied the requirements of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) 6666 protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 28,796 asymptomatic women who underwent screening mammography during 2 years, 12,187 underwent additional ultrasound as part of the screening. Patients for whom BI-RADS category 3 lesions were seen on the ultrasound were selected. We reviewed the initial ultrasound showing BI-RADS category 3 lesions and mammograms. We also investigated the clinical outcome of these lesions using the reference standard of a combination of pathologic analysis and follow-up for at least 24 months. RESULTS: The frequency of BI-RADS category 3 lesions detected on screening ultrasound was 14.6% (1783/12,187). Of the 1164 patients with a follow-up duration of at least 24 months or whose lesions were biopsied, eight were eventually proven to have malignancy (0.7%). The malignancy rate was 2.2% (4/184) for patients with abnormal mammograms and 0.4% (4/980) for those with normal mammograms. When the ACRIN 6666 protocols were strictly applied, 225 (19.3%) lesions were retrospectively recategorized as BI-RADS category 4 (n = 12) or category 2 (n = 213). All detected malignancies were early breast cancers with no lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Although the frequency of ultrasound BI-RADS category 3 lesions is considerably high (14.6%), the malignancy rate is very low (0.7%), especially in patients with a normal mammogram. Therefore, with BI-RADS category 3 assessment, careful evaluation is required to avoid unnecessary short-interval follow-up or biopsy.

Frequency of Malignancy and Imaging Characteristics of Probably Benign Lesions Seen at Breast MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the frequency, follow-up compliance, and cancer rate of MRI BI-RADS category 3 lesions and to determine the cancer rate for individual BI-RADS descriptors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of breast MRI examinations with an assessment of probably benign (BI-RADS category 3) from among 4279 consecutive breast MRI examinations performed from January 2005 through December 2009. The review revealed 282 (6.6%) examinations with 332 lesions defined as BI-RADS 3. Pathologic results, 2 years of follow-up imaging findings, or both were reviewed. The frequency of BI-RADS 3 assessments, follow-up imaging compliance, and cancer yield were calculated. Three fellowship-trained breast imagers reevaluated all lesions and recorded descriptors from the MRI lexicon of the fifth edition of the BI-RADS atlas. The distribution and likelihood of malignancy for each descriptor were calculated. RESULTS: The follow-up compliance rate was 84.3% (280/332), and the malignancy rate was 4.3% (12/280). There were 50 (17.9%) individual foci, 61 (21.8%) multiple foci, 74 (26.4%) masses, and 95 (33.9%) nonmass enhancement lesions. Masses were most commonly oval (59.5% [44/74]), circumscribed (75.7% [56/74]), and homogeneously enhancing (43.2% [32/74]). Nonmass enhancement was most commonly focal (57.9% [55/95]) with heterogeneous enhancement (53.7% [51/95]) Most of the lesions had persistent kinetics (74.3% [208/280]). The background parenchymal enhancement was most commonly mild (51.1% [143/280]). CONCLUSION: MRI BI-RADS category 3 is not frequently used, and the levels of patient compliance with follow-up imaging are acceptable. The cancer yield for probably benign lesions is greater for MRI-detected than for mammographically detected lesions, especially for specific BI-RADS descriptors.

Interobserver Variability Between Breast Imagers Using the Fifth Edition of the BI-RADS MRI Lexicon.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the interobserver variability of users of the MRI lexicon in the fifth edition of the BI-RADS atlas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three breast imaging specialists reviewed 280 routine clinical breast MRI findings reported as BI-RADS category 3. Lesions reported as BI-RADS 3 were chosen because variability in the use of BI-RADS descriptors may influence which lesions are classified as probably benign. Each blinded reader reviewed every study and recorded breast features (background parenchymal enhancement) and lesion features (lesion morphology, mass shape, mass margin, mass internal enhancement, nonmass enhancement distribution, nonmass enhancement internal enhancement, enhancement kinetics) according to the fifth edition of the BI-RADS lexicon and provided a final BI-RADS assessment. Interobserver variability was calculated for each breast and lesion feature and for the final BI-RADS assessment. RESULTS: Interobserver variability for background parenchymal enhancement was fair (ĸ = 0.28). There was moderate agreement on lesion morphology (ĸ = 0.53). For masses, there was substantial agreement on shape (ĸ = 0.72), margin (ĸ = 0.78), and internal enhancement (ĸ = 0.69). For nonmass enhancement, there was substantial agreement on distribution (ĸ = 0.69) and internal enhancement (ĸ = 0.62). There was slight agreement on lesion kinetics (ĸ = 0.19) and final BI-RADS assessment (ĸ = 0.11). CONCLUSION: There is moderate to substantial agreement on most MRI BI-RADS lesion morphology descriptors, particularly mass and nonmass enhancement features, which are important predictors of malignancy. Considerable disagreement remains, however, among experienced readers whether to follow particular findings.

Probably benign breast MRI lesions: frequency, lesion type, and rate of malignancy.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency, malignancy rate, and imaging characteristics of BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) 3 MRI detected lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4370 consecutive contrast-enhanced breast MRI exams from March 1, 2004, to March 1, 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. The study was HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act) compliant and Institutional Review Board approved. The frequency of BI-RADS 3 MRI interpretations and lesion type, as well as malignancy rate at follow-up were calculated. RESULTS: There were 348/4370 (8%) BI-RADS 3 exams performed on 345 patients. There were 125 foci (35.9%), 52 non-masslike enhancements (14.9%), and 171 masses (49.1%). There were 207 lesions with biopsy or imaging follow-up of at least 24 months (mean, 32 months; range, 6-77 months) of the BI-RADS 3 lesion. Five of these 207 (2.4%) lesions were found to be malignant. CONCLUSION: Rate of malignancy among BI-RADS 3 MRI exams with follow-up was 2.4%. Types of lesions assigned as probably benign were 35.9% foci, 14.9% non-masslike enhancements, and 49.1% masses.

Follow-up results of BI-RADS 3 lesions on magnetic resonance imaging: a retrospective study

PURPOSE: The categorization of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3 lesions is not as clear in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as it is in mammography (MG). With the increasing number of MRI scans currently being conducted globally, incidentally detected lesions falling into the probably benign category are frequently being observed. In this study, our aim was to investigate the imaging characteristics and follow-up results of BI-RADS 3 lesions detected by MRI and to determine their malignancy rates. METHODS: Breast MRI scans performed between January 2010 and January 2020 and classified as BI-RADS 3 lesions were retrospectively analyzed. The study included 216 lesions with known biopsy or surgical excision results or with at least one year of radiological follow-up. We assessed the patients' age, the presence of breast cancer, the follow-up interval, and the imaging findings at the beginning and during the follow-up. Lesions that remained stable, disappeared, or decreased in size and had a benign histopathological diagnosis were classified as benign. Lesions with the histopathological diagnosis of malignancy, identified by either biopsy or surgical excision, were classified as malignant. We determined the malignancy rate based on the histopathology and follow-up results. RESULTS: Considering the follow-up results of all cases, 8% of lesions were excised, 0.5% decreased in size, 1.4% became enlarged, 17.1% disappeared, and 73% remained stable. The malignancy rate was 2.8%. A significant relationship was found between lesion shape and malignancy, as progression to malignancy was more likely in round lesions than in other types. An irregular margin, heterogeneous enhancement, and kinetic curve (type 2) features were significant for lesion upgrade to malignancy. CONCLUSION: The malignancy rate in BI-RADS 3 lesions detected by MRI is low and falls within the accepted cancer rate for MG and sonography. Changes in size, morphology, and enhancement pattern should be considered in terms of malignancy development during follow-up. The follow-up intervals should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Impact of Mammographic, Radiologist, and Patient Factors on the Likelihood of Probably Benign (BI-RADS 3) Assessment at Diagnostic Mammography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of mammographic, radiologist, and patient factors on BI-RADS 3 assessment at diagnostic mammography in patients recalled from screening mammography. METHODS: This Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective study of consecutive unique diagnostic mammography examinations in asymptomatic patients recalled from screening mammography March 5, 2014, to December 31, 2019, was conducted in a single large United States health care institution. Mammographic features (mass, calcification, distortion, asymmetry), breast density, prior examination, and BI-RADS assessment were extracted from reports by natural language processing. Patient age, race, and ethnicity were extracted from the electronic health record. Radiologist years in practice, recall rate, and number of interpreted diagnostic mammograms were calculated. A mixed effect logistic regression model evaluated factors associated with likelihood of BI-RADS 3 compared with other BI-RADS assessments. RESULTS: A total of 12 080 diagnostic mammography examinations were performed during the study period, yielding 2010 (16.6%) BI-RADS 3 and 10 070 (83.4%) other BI-RADS assessments. Asymmetry (odds ratio [OR] = 6.49, P <.001) and calcification (OR = 5.59, P <.001) were associated with increased likelihood of BI-RADS 3 assessment; distortion (OR = 0.20, P <.001), dense breast parenchyma (OR = 0.82, P <.001), prior examination (OR = 0.63, P = .01), and increasing patient age (OR = 0.99, P <.001) were associated with decreased likelihood. Mass, patient race or ethnicity, and radiologist factors were not significantly associated with BI-RADS 3 assessment. Malignancy rate for BI-RADS 3 lesions was 1.6%. CONCLUSION: Asymmetry and calcifications had an increased likelihood of BI-RADS 3 assessment at diagnostic evaluation with low likelihood of malignancy, while radiologist features had no association.

Reducing ' probably benign ' assessments in normal mammograms: The role of radiologist experience.

Rationale and objectives: to investigate the relationship between radiologists' experience in reporting mammograms, their caseloads, and the classification of category '3' or 'Probably Benign' on normal mammograms. Materials and Methods: A total of 92 board-certified radiologists participated. Self-reported parameters related to experience, including age, years since qualifying as a radiologist, years of experience reading mammograms, number of mammograms read per year, and hours spent reading mammograms per week, were documented. To assess the radiologists' accuracy, "Probably Benign fractions" was calculated by dividing the number of "Probably Benign findings" given by each radiologist in the normal cases by the total number of normal cases Probably Benign fractions were correlated with various factors, such as the radiologists' experience. Results: The results of the statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between radiologist experience and 'Probably Benign' fractions for normal images. Specifically, for normal cases, the number of mammograms read per year (r = -0.29, P = 0.006) and the number of mammograms read over the radiologist's lifetime (r = -0.21, P = 0.049) were both negatively correlated with 'Probably Benign' fractions. Conclusion: The results indicate that a relationship exists between increased reading volumes and reduced assessments of 'Probably Benign' in normal mammograms. The implications of these findings extend to the effectiveness of screening programs and the recall rates.

Patient and System Factors Associated With Completed Follow-Up of Probably Benign (BI-RADS 3) Breast Imaging Findings.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate patient factors and health system test ordering and scheduling processes associated with completed BI-RADS 3 breast imaging follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective review of reports from January 1, 2021, to July 31, 2021, identified BI-RADS 3 findings corresponding to unique patient encounters (index examinations). The electronic health record was queried for patient, examination, and health system ordering or scheduling data including follow-up order status (order placed, performed; order placed, scheduled, but not performed; order placed, unscheduled; no order placed); ordering provider specialty and health system affiliation (primary care versus other, internal versus external to health system); and ordering department (radiology staff versus referring physician staff). Patient home addresses were categorized by area deprivation index (University of Wisconsin's Neighborhood Atlas). Univariable and multivariable analysis identified patient, examination, and ordering or scheduling factors associated with completed follow-up imaging within 15 months of BI-RADS 3 assessment. RESULTS: There were 3,104 unique BI-RADS 3 assessments, 2,561 (82.5%) with completed BI-RADS 3 follow-up within 15 months of study examination. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with incomplete follow-up included ultrasound (odds ratio [OR] 0.48; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.38-0.60; P < .001) and MRI (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.50-1.00; P = .049) versus mammogram; patients living in the highest disadvantaged neighborhoods (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.50-0.98; P = .04); patients <40 years (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.11-0.19; P < .001); Asian race (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.37-0.81; P = .003); order placement >3 months (OR, 0.05; 95% CI 0.02-0.16; P < .001) after index examination or scheduling >6 months after order placement (OR, 0.35; 95% CI 0.14-0.87; P = .02); order placement by breast oncology or breast surgery departments (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.17-0.73; P = .01) versus radiology department. DISCUSSION: Incomplete BI-RADS 3 follow-up is associated with ultrasound or MRI, most socioeconomically disadvantaged patients, younger patients, Asian race, delayed order entry, and follow-up examination ordering and scheduling by non-radiology departments.

The dilemma of recalling well-circumscribed masses in a screening population: A narrative literature review and exploration of Dutch screening practice.

BACKGROUND: In Dutch breast cancer screening, solitary, new or growing well-circumscribed masses should be recalled for further assessment. This results in cancers detected but also in false positive recalls, especially at initial screening. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics of well-circumscribed masses at mammography and identify potential methods to improve the recall strategy. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed. In addition, follow-up data were retrieved on all 8860 recalled women in a Dutch screening region from 2014 to 2019. RESULTS: Based on 15 articles identified in the literature search, we found that probably benign well-circumscribed masses that were kept under surveillance had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0-2%. New or enlarging solitary well-circumscribed masses had a PPV of 10-12%. In general the detected carcinomas had a favorable prognosis. In our exploration of screening practice, 25% of recalls (2133/8860) were triggered by a well-circumscribed mass. Those recalls had a PPV of 2.0% for initial and 10.6% for subsequent screening. Most detected carcinomas had a favorable prognosis as well. CONCLUSION: To recognize malignancies presenting as well-circumscribed masses, identifying solitary, new or growing lesions is key. This information is missing at initial screening since prior examinations are not available, leading to a low PPV. Access to prior clinical examinations may therefore improve this PPV. In addition, given the generally favorable prognosis of screen-detected malignant well-circumscribed masses, one may opt to recall these lesions at subsequent screening, if grown, rather than at initial screening.

Utilization and Cancer Yield of Probably Benign Assessment Category in the National Mammography Database: 2009 to 2018.

PURPOSE: Data on utilization rate and cancer yield of BI-RADS® category 3 in routine clinical practice in diagnostic mammography are sparse. The aim of this study was to determine utilization rate and cancer yield of BI-RADS 3 in diagnostic mammography in the ACR National Mammography Database (NMD). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of NMD mammograms from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2018, was performed. BI-RADS 3 utilization rate in diagnostic setting was calculated and stratified by patient, facility, and examination-level variables. Patient-level cancer yield was calculated among women with BI-RADS 3 assessment and adequate follow-up (imaging follow-up ≥24 months or biopsy). Logistic regression was performed to assess the odds of utilization of BI-RADS 3, with respect to facility, examination, and patient variables, and the odds of malignancy among patients with probably benign findings. Chi-square and t tests were used to determine significance (P < .05). RESULTS: Data from 19,443,866 mammograms from 500 NMD facilities across 31 states were analyzed, of which 3,039,952 were diagnostic mammograms. Utilization rate of BI-RADS 3 was 15.5% (470,155 of 3,039,952) in the diagnostic setting. There was a statistically significant difference in BI-RADS 3 utilization rate across all collected variables (P < .001). Patient-level cancer yield at 2-year follow-up was 0.91% (2,009 of 220,672; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87%-0.95%) in the diagnostic setting. Patient and examination variables associated with significantly higher likelihood of malignancy included calcifications (odds ratio, 4.27; 95% CI, 2.43-7.51), patient age > 70 years (odds ratio, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.49-5.7), and presence of prior comparisons (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07-1.42). CONCLUSIONS: In the NMD, BI-RADS 3 assessment was common in diagnostic mammography (15.5%), with an overall cancer yield of 0.91%, less than the benchmark of 2%. Utilization trends in diagnostic mammography warrant further research for optimization of use.

BI-RADS 3 Assessment on MRI: A Lesion-Based Review for Breast Radiologists.

Unlike mammography and US, limited data exist to establish well-defined criteria for MRI findings that have a ≤2% likelihood of malignancy. Therefore, determining which findings are appropriate for a BI-RADS 3 assessment on MRI remains challenging and variable among breast radiologists. Emerging data suggest that BI-RADS 3 should be limited to baseline MRI examinations (or examinations with less than two years of prior comparisons) performed for high-risk screening and only used for masses with all of the typical morphological and kinetic features suggestive of a fibroadenoma or dominant enhancing T2 hypointense foci that is distinct from background parenchymal enhancement and without suspicious kinetics. This article presents an updated discussion of BI-RADS 3 assessment (probably benign) for breast MRI using current evidence.

BI-RADS 3 on Screening Breast Ultrasound: What Is It and What Is the Appropriate Management?

US is widely used in breast imaging for diagnostic purposes and is also used increasingly for supplemental screening in women with dense breasts. US frequently depicts masses that are occult on mammography, even after tomosynthesis, and the vast majority of such masses are benign. Many masses seen only on screening US are easily recognized as benign simple cysts. Probably benign, BI-RADS 3, or low suspicion, BI-RADS 4A masses are also common and often prompt short-interval follow-up or biopsy, respectively, yet the vast majority of these are benign. This review details appropriate characterization, classification, and new approaches to the management of probably benign masses seen on screening US that can reduce false positives and, thereby, reduce costs and patient anxiety.

Solitary, Well-Circumscribed, T2 Hyperintense Masses on MRI Have Very Low Malignancy Rates.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the malignancy rate of solitary MRI masses with benign BI-RADS descriptors. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all breast MRI reports that described a mass with a final BI-RADS assessment of 3, 4, or 5, from February 1, 2005, through February 28, 2014 (n = 1510). Studies were excluded if the mass was not solitary, did not meet formal criteria for a mass, or had classically suspicious BI-RADS features (e.g., washout kinetics, and spiculated margin). The masses were reviewed by 2 fellowship-trained breast radiologists who reported consensus BI-RADS mass margin, shape, internal-enhancement, and kinetics descriptors. The T2 signal was reported as hyperintense if equal to or greater than the signal intensity of the axillary lymph nodes. Pathology results or 2 years of imaging follow-up were recorded. Comparisons were made between mass descriptors and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: There were 127 women with 127 masses available for analysis. There were 76 (60%) masses that underwent biopsy for an overall malignancy rate of 4% (5/127): 2 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. The malignancy rate was 2% (1/59) for T2 hyperintense solitary masses. The malignancy rate was greater than 2% for all of the following BI-RADS descriptors: oval (3%, 3/88), round (5%, 2/39), circumscribed (4%, 5/127), homogeneous (4%, 3/74), and dark internal septations (4%, 2/44). CONCLUSION: T2 hyperintense solitary masses without associated suspicious features have a low malignancy rate, and they could be considered for a BI-RADS 3 final assessment.

Probably Benign Solid Breast Lesions on Ultrasound: Need for Biopsy Reassessed

Objective: To determine the negative predictive value of ultrasound for breast masses with probably benign morphology, and to assess whether follow-up may be an acceptable alternative to biopsy. Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, all solid breast masses categorized as probably benign (American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] 3) on ultrasound from January 2014 to December 2015, and having either tissue diagnosis or imaging stability for 24 months, or downgrading to BIRADS 2 during imaging surveillance were included. Result: A total of 157 lesions in 40 patients constituted the study population. The mean patient age was 31.3 years (range, 20-56 years). Seventeen of these 157 lesions underwent tissue diagnosis with no invasive breast cancer. Out of the remaining 140 lesions, 115 were stable on imaging for 24 months or more. The rest 25 were deemed benign because of decrease in size on follow up (n=1), non-recommendation of further imaging by the second radiologist on follow up ultrasound (n= 13) or presence of benign tissue diagnosis in the largest lesion (n=11). Conclusion: Ultrasound has 100% negative predictive value for breast lesions with probably benign morphology, whether palpable or not. Follow up is an appropriate option to immediate biopsy of such lesions keeping in mind that noncompliance with surveillance may be a potential problem.

BI-RADS 3: Current and Future Use of Probably Benign.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Probably benign (BI-RADS 3) causes confusion for interpreting physicians and referring physicians and can induce significant patient anxiety. The best uses and evidence for using this assessment category in mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI will be reviewed; the reader will have a better understanding of how and when to use BI-RADS 3. RECENT FINDINGS: Interobserver variability in the use of BI-RADS 3 has been documented. The 5th edition of the BI-RADS atlas details the appropriate use of BI-RADS 3 for diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, and discourages its use in screening mammography. Data mining, elastography, and diffusion weighted MRI have been evaluated to maximize the accuracy of BI-RADS 3. SUMMARY: BI-RADS 3 is an evolving assessment category. When used properly, it reduces the number of benign biopsies while allowing the breast imager to maintain a high sensitivity for the detection of early stage breast cancer.