BMJ article questions benefit of mammography

Recent article published in the July, British Medical Journal, has raised some controversy by  comparing the reduction in breast cancer deaths from 1989 to 2006 in several Northern European countries and concluded that improved disease management – not mammography – could most likely be credited with the decrease in deaths. Responding to this in a joint statement  ACR and the Society of Breast Imaging concluded that study had several flaws. Detailed ACR statement

BIRADS SCORE-MAMMOGRAM

Our patient is 73 yr old female presented to us with a solid lump in left breast. Craniocaudal and medio-lateral oblique views of left breast show an asymmetric nodular density in left breast with minimally iregular margins and punctate foci of microcalcifications.Small lymphnodes are seen in left axillary region.

BIRADS Scores

0 Incomplete
Your mammogram or ultrasound didn't give the radiologist enough information to make a clear diagnosis; follow-up imaging is necessary
Need to review prior studies and/or complete additional imaging
1 Negative
There is nothing to comment on; routine screening recommended
Continue routine screening
2 Benign
A definite benign finding; routine screening recommended
Continue routine screening
3 Probably Benign
Findings that have a high probability of being benign (>98%); six-month short interval follow-up
Short-term mammogram follow up at 6 mths, then every 6-12 mths for 1-2 yrs
4 Suspicious Abnormality
Not characteristic of breast cancer, but reasonable probability of being malignant (3 to 94%); biopsy should be considered
Perform biopsy, preferably needle biopsy
5 Highly Suspicious of Malignancy
Lesion that has a high probability of being malignant (>= 95%); take appropriate action
Biopsy and treatment as necessary.
6 Known Biopsy Proven Malignancy
Lesions known to be malignant that are being imaged prior to definitive treatment; assure that treatment is completed

New Link for Mammography Information

Just discovered a new website for mamography, web-site contains relevant information in the area of mammographic image analysis. It was developed to become the information pool for the mammographic image analysis research community. It could be an entry point for novices as well as a centralized information resource for experienced researchers. Special emphasis is given to computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) in digital mammography (breast cancer research).

Mammographic Image Analysis Home Page

Mammogram Interpretation

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has established the Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System (BI-RADSTM) to guide the breast cancer diagnostic routine. Radiologists sometimes refer to each BI-RADSTM category as a "level."

BI-RADS Assessment Categories
Category 0---Need Additional Imaging Evaluation
Category 1---Negative
Category 2---Benign Finding
Category 3---Probably Benign Finding – Short Interval Follow-Up Suggested
Category 4---Suspicious Abnormality – Biopsy Should Be Considered
Category 5---Highly Suggestive of Malignancy – Appropriate Action Should Be Taken

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