Suspicious area Bi-rad 2 or 3: Do I advocate for a biopsy or wait?

Hello. I'm new here. Several years ago my mammogram report said I have calcifications and was given a bi-rad 2 with a cuzick rating 20% higher than normal due to personal and family history.
My mammogram this week found multiple cysts and reported bi-rad 3. In need of advice. Thanks

@mollyandmo If this were me, and it kind of was me 20 years ago. I would request a biopsy. In my case it was a needle core biopsy. I have since had sonogram guided biopsy and it was much less painful.
I have encouraged my friends and my family in this same way. If you feel like something is wrong push for clarity. If it turns out to be nothing, that is great and you have peace of mind. If it turns out that you caught something early that is pretty great too. It is your body and your health, you might have to fight with insurance for coverage 😒.
Are comfortable talking to your primary provider?

Yes they say ovarian cancer is associated with breast cancer,my sister had ovarian cancer ..also the lesions were found only in my left breast and clustered …so that’s why I’m a bit nervous to wait a year for a follow up

Bi rads 3 is an intermediate range, meaning it is probably benign but should be watched until it resolves or changes. I would try to have an open discussion with my provider about this and seek any clarification possible, rather than making myself crazy about it. I tend to get really nervous about “wait and see”.
Do you have any extenuating situations like genetic issues or family history that would make you a more likely candidate for breast cancer?

I am new to this group ,I had my first screening Mano,I received a call to come back for mor imaging..they found a group of calcifications in only the left breast..they diagnosed me a BI-RADS 3 ..6 month follow up report says no significant change so stable but still a birads 3 ..with a follow up in one year..my question is I’m concerned to wait that long for a follow up when there has been ovarian cancer in my family and the lesion they found is only in one breast,not sure if I’m over reacting..any suggestions?

@caly78, it can be concerning to get a pathology report before meeting with your physician. Only your doctor can interpret the results with you.
I find this clear explanation about the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System or BI-RADS from the American Cancer Society helpful.
– What is a BI-RADS assessment category? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/understanding-your-mammogram-report.html

Fellow members @katrina123 @trixie1313 @danielle0313 and others have also seen BI_RADS 3 on their pathology reports and share their thoughts with you. In the meantime, you might want to review these related discussions:
– BI-RADS 3 Question https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/birads-3-question/
- Suspicious area Bi-rad 2 or 3: Do I advocate for a biopsy or wait? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bi-rad-three-after-ultra-sound-and-mri-from-bi-rd-2-6-months-ago/

What did you learn with at your consult with your doctor?

Hi all,

First post here! I have dense breasts, no symptoms, no family history. I'm scheduled to discuss my results with my doctor in a couple weeks but I just have questions.

My report reads:
There is a .8 cm complicated cyst versus oval circumscribed mass on the left breast at 1:00, Probably benign

There is a .9 cm complicated cyst versus oval circumscribed mass in the left breast at 3:00, Probably benign

There is a .8 cm oval circumscribed mass in the left breast at 1:00

The radiologist presented my results as "Good news!" but report makes me feel a bit anxious.

The first one listed has been there for at least 10 yrs, same size. But it used to be labeled as "simple." Why is it complicated now?
What is the last mass listed?
And what does cyst "versus oval circumscribed mass" mean??

I'm guessing these are most likely hormone related since I'm turning 45 and premenopausal, but can't help but feel a bit uneasy.
Recommended repeat mammo and ultrasound in 6 months.
Can anyone familiar with these reports shed some light? Thanks!

Could a breast MRI show more?

@windyshores @cmdw2600 thank you. I was told a biopsy isn’t necessary. To follow up with more imaging in 6 months. My breasts are classified as extremely dense and the mammogram and ultrasound are read with “Birads 3”. These are new changes I’m experiencing. I also have breast implants and wondering if that is why they’re not suggesting a biopsy and just further imaging?

Thank you both for reaching out.

You know your body best. Is the Birad number from ultrasound?

I agree with windyshores about getting second opinion. Hopefully it’s nothing serious, but it would be go to know what these lumps are and why the changes.

Best wishes to you. Cindy