मुख्य बातें
- Mammogram results are reported using the BI-RADS system, a standardized scale from 0 to 6 that tells your doctor exactly how to interpret the findings and what action to take next.
- An abnormal mammogram does not mean you have breast cancer. Approximately 90 to 95 percent of women who are called back after a screening mammogram receive a final diagnosis that is benign (non-cancerous).
- BI-RADS 0 means the radiologist needs additional imaging to make a determination. It is the most common reason for a callback and is not a cause for alarm.
- Breast density affects mammogram accuracy. Women with dense breast tissue may require supplemental screening such as ultrasound to ensure small abnormalities are not hidden behind dense tissue.
- At DCDC in Dubai Healthcare City, mammogram results are reviewed by experienced consultant radiologists and are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, with urgent findings communicated immediately.
Receiving your mammogram results can be an anxious experience, especially if the terminology on the report is unfamiliar or if you have been asked to return for additional imaging. The truth is that the vast majority of mammogram findings turn out to be completely benign, but understanding what your report actually says, what the BI-RADS categories mean, and what happens if your mammogram is flagged as abnormal can remove much of the uncertainty and help you take informed next steps. This guide explains the mammogram reporting system in clear, practical terms so that you know exactly what to expect at every stage of the process.
This article covers how mammogram results are reported, the BI-RADS classification system from category 0 through 6, what an abnormal mammogram actually means, common reasons for callbacks, how breast density influences your results, the steps that follow an abnormal finding, typical turnaround times for results, and how the radiology team at Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center (DCDC) in Dubai Healthcare City supports patients throughout the process.
How Mammogram Results Are Reported
Every mammogram performed at an accredited diagnostic center is interpreted by a radiologist, a physician who specializes in reading medical images. After carefully examining your mammogram images, the radiologist produces a structured report that includes a description of the breast tissue composition, any findings of note, and a final assessment category. This final assessment follows a standardized system called BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System), which was developed by the American College of Radiology to ensure that mammogram results are communicated consistently and clearly between radiologists, referring physicians, and patients.
The BI-RADS system eliminates ambiguity. Rather than a vague description that different doctors might interpret differently, your mammogram report concludes with a single category number, from 0 to 6, that carries a specific meaning and a specific recommendation for what should happen next. This standardization means that whether your mammogram is read in Dubai, London, or New York, the reporting language and the action plan are the same.
"The BI-RADS system is one of the most important tools in breast imaging because it turns a complex radiological assessment into a clear, actionable recommendation," says Dr. Osama Elzamzami, Head of Radiology at DCDC. "When a patient receives a BI-RADS 2 result, for example, both the patient and her doctor know immediately that the findings are definitively benign and that routine screening should continue on a normal schedule."
Your mammogram report will also include information about your breast tissue density, which is classified into one of four categories: almost entirely fatty, scattered areas of fibroglandular density, heterogeneously dense, or extremely dense. This density classification is clinically important because it affects both the sensitivity of the mammogram and your overall breast cancer risk profile, as discussed in detail later in this article.
BI-RADS Categories Explained (0 Through 6)
The BI-RADS classification is the cornerstone of mammogram reporting. Each category represents a specific level of concern and comes with a defined course of action. Understanding these categories is essential for interpreting your mammogram report accurately.
| BI-RADS Category | Description | Frequency | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - Incomplete | Additional imaging is needed before a final assessment can be made. This may include additional mammogram views, breast ultrasound, or comparison with prior mammograms. | Common (approximately 10% of screening mammograms) | Return for additional imaging. This is not a diagnosis; it simply means more information is required. |
| 1 - Negative | The mammogram is entirely normal. No masses, calcifications, asymmetries, or areas of concern are identified. The breast tissue is unremarkable. | Most common result | Continue routine screening mammograms at the recommended interval (typically every 1-2 years depending on age and risk factors). |
| 2 - Benign | A finding is present but is definitively benign (non-cancerous). Examples include simple cysts, calcified fibroadenomas, fat-containing lesions, and stable findings from prior studies. | Common | Continue routine screening. The benign finding is noted for documentation but requires no further workup. |
| 3 - Probably Benign | A finding has been identified that has a very high probability of being benign (greater than 98% likelihood). Examples include a new, well-defined, non-palpable mass or a small cluster of round calcifications. | Less common | Short-interval follow-up mammogram, typically at 6 months, then every 6-12 months for 2-3 years to confirm stability. Biopsy is generally not recommended unless the finding changes. |
| 4 - Suspicious | A finding does not have the typical appearance of a benign lesion and has a 2% to 95% chance of being malignant. This broad category is often subdivided into 4A (low suspicion, 2-10%), 4B (moderate suspicion, 10-50%), and 4C (high suspicion, 50-95%). | Uncommon | Tissue sampling (biopsy) is recommended. The type of biopsy depends on the nature and location of the finding. |
| 5 - Highly Suggestive of Malignancy | The finding has a classic appearance of breast cancer with a 95% or greater likelihood of malignancy. Examples include a spiculated mass or pleomorphic calcifications in a segmental distribution. | Rare | Biopsy is essential. Surgical consultation and staging workup are initiated based on biopsy results. |
| 6 - Known Malignancy | The finding has already been biopsied and confirmed as breast cancer. This category is used for imaging performed after a cancer diagnosis but before definitive treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation) has been completed. | Used only when cancer is already confirmed | Treatment as recommended by the oncology team. Imaging at this stage is used for surgical planning and treatment monitoring. |
BI-RADS categories 0-6 with clinical meaning, frequency, and recommended action. The majority of screening mammograms result in BI-RADS 1 or 2.
It is worth emphasizing that BI-RADS 0, 1, and 2 account for the overwhelming majority of screening mammogram results. A BI-RADS 0 result simply means the radiologist wants to take a closer look with additional views or ultrasound. It does not mean cancer has been found. A BI-RADS 1 or 2 result means your mammogram is either completely normal or shows a known benign finding, and you can continue your regular screening schedule with confidence.
What Does an Abnormal Mammogram Mean?
An abnormal mammogram means that the radiologist has identified something on the images that requires further evaluation. This could be a mass, a cluster of calcifications, an area of asymmetric density, or a structural distortion in the breast tissue. While the word "abnormal" understandably causes concern, it is critically important to understand that an abnormal screening mammogram is far more likely to be a false alarm than an indication of cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, only about 5 to 10 percent of screening mammograms result in a callback for additional testing. Of those women who are called back, approximately 90 to 95 percent will ultimately receive a benign diagnosis after the additional workup is complete. This means that out of every 1,000 women screened, roughly 50 to 100 may be called back, and of those, only about 5 to 10 will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The rest will have findings such as cysts, fibroadenomas, overlapping tissue, or lymph nodes that appeared unusual on the screening images but turned out to be entirely normal upon closer examination.
"I tell every patient who receives an abnormal mammogram result the same thing: take a breath, because the odds are heavily in your favor," says Dr. Osama Elzamzami, Head of Radiology at DCDC. "The screening mammogram is designed to be sensitive, which means it deliberately flags anything that looks even slightly unusual. This sensitivity is what makes mammography effective at catching early cancers, but it also means that many findings turn out to be nothing to worry about."
Common benign findings that can cause an abnormal mammogram result include simple breast cysts (fluid-filled sacs that are extremely common and non-cancerous), fibroadenomas (solid but benign lumps made of fibrous and glandular tissue), calcifications (tiny calcium deposits that are often associated with normal aging or benign breast changes), overlapping breast tissue that creates the illusion of a mass on 2D images, and intramammary lymph nodes (normal lymph nodes located within the breast tissue).
Why You Might Get Called Back
A mammogram callback occurs when the radiologist reviewing your screening mammogram determines that additional imaging is needed before a final assessment can be assigned. This is classified as BI-RADS 0 (incomplete) and is one of the most common outcomes of a screening mammogram. Receiving a callback does not mean something is wrong; it means the radiologist is being thorough and wants more information to make a definitive determination.
There are several reasons why you might be called back after a screening mammogram:
- Overlapping tissue: In standard 2D mammography, normal breast tissue can overlap in a way that mimics the appearance of a mass. Additional mammogram views taken from different angles, or a breast ultrasound, can quickly resolve whether the "mass" is real or simply an overlap artifact.
- Dense breast tissue: Women with heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts are more likely to be called back because dense tissue can obscure small findings and create false positives. Ultrasound is often used as a supplementary tool in these cases.
- First mammogram: When a woman has her first mammogram, the radiologist has no prior images for comparison. Findings that would be easily dismissed as stable (and therefore benign) on a follow-up mammogram may require additional evaluation on a baseline study simply because there is no reference point.
- New finding compared to prior mammograms: If a mass, calcification, or area of asymmetry is present on the current mammogram but was not visible on previous studies, the radiologist will want to evaluate it further to determine whether it represents a new development that warrants investigation.
- Technical issues: Occasionally, motion during the exposure, inadequate compression, or positioning issues can produce images that are suboptimal for interpretation. In these cases, the callback is simply to repeat the affected views with better technique.
- Calcification clusters: Small clusters of calcifications are common and usually benign, but certain patterns (such as pleomorphic or linear calcifications) require magnification views to characterize their morphology and distribution accurately.
A Reassuring Callback Story
A 42-year-old woman living in Dubai came to DCDC for her first screening mammogram. She had no symptoms and no family history of breast cancer. The radiologist identified a small, well-defined area of asymmetric density in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast and assigned a BI-RADS 0 result, recommending a targeted breast ultrasound for further evaluation. The patient was understandably anxious after receiving the callback letter, but the radiology team at DCDC reassured her that BI-RADS 0 is a very common result, particularly on a first mammogram.
The ultrasound was performed the same week. It revealed a 9-millimeter simple cyst, a fluid-filled structure with thin walls, no solid component, and no blood flow on Doppler imaging. Simple cysts are definitively benign and require no treatment unless they are large enough to cause discomfort. The final assessment was upgraded to BI-RADS 2 (benign), and the patient was advised to continue routine annual screening. She left the appointment visibly relieved, with a clear understanding that the finding was completely harmless and that the callback had been a routine part of thorough screening.
"This is exactly the kind of outcome we see most often with callbacks," says Dr. Osama Elzamzami, Head of Radiology at DCDC. "The screening mammogram does its job by flagging something that needs a second look, and the additional imaging confirms that everything is fine. That is the system working as intended."
Breast Density and Your Results
Breast density is one of the most important factors influencing mammogram results, yet it is also one of the least understood among patients. Every mammogram report includes an assessment of breast tissue density, classified into one of four categories based on the proportion of fibroglandular tissue relative to fatty tissue:
- Category A - Almost entirely fatty: The breast is composed predominantly of fat, making mammogram interpretation straightforward. Masses and calcifications are easy to see against the dark background of fatty tissue.
- Category B - Scattered fibroglandular densities: There are scattered areas of dense tissue, but the majority of the breast is fatty. Mammogram sensitivity remains high.
- Category C - Heterogeneously dense: The breast has large areas of dense tissue that may obscure small masses. Women in this category are considered to have "dense breasts" and may benefit from supplemental screening.
- Category D - Extremely dense: Nearly the entire breast is composed of dense fibroglandular tissue. The sensitivity of mammography is lowest in this category because dense tissue and tumors both appear white on the mammogram image, making small cancers difficult to distinguish from normal tissue.
Approximately 40 to 50 percent of women have dense breast tissue (Category C or D). Breast density is determined by genetics, hormonal status, and body composition, and it is not something a woman can control through diet or lifestyle changes. Dense breast tissue is clinically significant for two reasons: first, it reduces the sensitivity of mammography by potentially masking small cancers behind dense tissue; and second, dense breast tissue is itself an independent risk factor for developing breast cancer.
For women with dense breasts, supplemental screening with breast ultrasound can detect cancers that are hidden on mammography alone. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has demonstrated that adding ultrasound screening for women with dense breasts can increase cancer detection rates by 2 to 4 additional cancers per 1,000 women screened. At DCDC, the radiology team routinely reviews breast density on every mammogram and recommends supplemental ultrasound when dense tissue is identified, ensuring that the screening process is as thorough and effective as possible.
Book a Mammogram at DCDC
At Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City, our radiology team provides comprehensive breast imaging services including digital mammography, breast ultrasound, and expert BI-RADS reporting. Get accurate results with personalized care from experienced consultant radiologists.
Next Steps After Abnormal Results
If your mammogram returns an abnormal result (BI-RADS 0, 3, 4, or 5), the next steps depend entirely on the specific category and the nature of the finding. Understanding what to expect at each level of concern helps reduce anxiety and empowers you to participate actively in your care.
BI-RADS 0: Additional Imaging
If you receive a BI-RADS 0 result, the most common next step is additional mammographic views (such as spot compression or magnification views) and/or a targeted breast ultrasound. These additional studies are performed to clarify the finding identified on the screening mammogram. In the majority of cases, the additional imaging resolves the uncertainty, and the finding is reclassified as BI-RADS 1 (normal), BI-RADS 2 (benign), or occasionally BI-RADS 3 (probably benign). Only a small percentage of BI-RADS 0 results are upgraded to BI-RADS 4 or 5 after the additional workup.
BI-RADS 3: Short-Interval Follow-Up
A BI-RADS 3 finding is one that the radiologist believes has a greater than 98 percent probability of being benign. Rather than performing an immediate biopsy, the standard recommendation is short-interval follow-up imaging at 6 months. If the finding remains stable at 6 months, follow-up continues at 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. If the finding remains unchanged over 2 to 3 years, it is downgraded to BI-RADS 2 (benign) and routine screening resumes. If the finding grows, changes shape, or develops other concerning features during follow-up, it is upgraded to BI-RADS 4 and a biopsy is recommended.
BI-RADS 4 and 5: Biopsy
For BI-RADS 4 and 5 findings, tissue sampling through biopsy is the definitive next step. The most common type of breast biopsy is an image-guided core needle biopsy, which is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. During this procedure, a radiologist uses ultrasound or mammographic guidance (stereotactic biopsy) to direct a small needle into the area of concern, and several tiny tissue samples (cores) are removed for microscopic examination by a pathologist. The procedure typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, involves minimal discomfort, leaves no significant scar, and requires no stitches. Most patients return to their normal activities the following day.
Biopsy results are usually available within 3 to 7 working days. If the biopsy confirms a benign finding, the patient returns to routine screening (with follow-up imaging as recommended). If the biopsy reveals cancer or a high-risk lesion, the patient is referred to a breast surgeon and oncology team for treatment planning. Early-stage breast cancers detected by screening mammography have excellent treatment outcomes, with five-year survival rates exceeding 99 percent for localized disease according to the American Cancer Society.
How Long Do Mammogram Results Take?
The turnaround time for mammogram results varies depending on the facility, the type of mammogram (screening versus diagnostic), and local workflows. In general, you can expect results within the following timeframes:
- Screening mammograms: Results are typically available within 1 to 2 weeks at most facilities. However, at specialized diagnostic centers like DCDC, results are often available within 24 to 48 hours.
- Diagnostic mammograms: Because a diagnostic mammogram is ordered to evaluate a specific symptom or abnormal finding, the radiologist usually reads the images the same day. At DCDC, diagnostic mammogram results are communicated to the referring physician on the same day or the next working day.
- Urgent findings: If the radiologist identifies a finding that requires immediate attention (such as a highly suspicious mass), the referring physician is contacted directly by phone or secure messaging, regardless of the standard turnaround time.
If you have not received your results within the expected timeframe, it is always appropriate to contact the imaging center or your referring physician to follow up. Never assume that no news is good news; always confirm that your results have been reviewed and communicated.
"We understand that waiting for mammogram results creates significant anxiety," says Dr. Osama Elzamzami, Head of Radiology at DCDC. "That is why we prioritize rapid turnaround at DCDC. Our radiologists review mammograms within 24 to 48 hours, and if we identify anything that needs urgent attention, we contact the patient and her doctor immediately rather than waiting for the standard reporting cycle."
Getting Your Results at DCDC
Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center (DCDC) in Dubai Healthcare City provides a comprehensive breast imaging service that covers the full spectrum from screening mammography through diagnostic workup. The center is equipped with advanced digital mammography technology and staffed by experienced consultant radiologists who specialize in breast imaging interpretation. Every mammogram performed at DCDC is read using the BI-RADS system and accompanied by a detailed written report that is shared with the patient and her referring physician.
What Makes DCDC Different
- Expert BI-RADS Reporting: Every mammogram is interpreted by a consultant radiologist with specialized experience in breast imaging. The BI-RADS assessment is applied rigorously, ensuring clear and actionable results.
- Rapid Turnaround: Screening mammogram results are available within 24 to 48 hours. Diagnostic mammograms and urgent findings are reported on the same day or the following working day.
- Integrated Breast Ultrasound: When dense breast tissue or an abnormal mammogram finding requires additional evaluation, targeted breast ultrasound is available on-site and can often be performed during the same appointment, reducing the need for multiple visits.
- Personalized Communication: The radiology team takes time to explain findings and next steps to each patient, ensuring that no one leaves the center confused about their results or what they need to do next.
- Continuity of Care: DCDC maintains a digital archive of all prior imaging studies, allowing radiologists to compare current mammograms with previous examinations for accurate assessment of changes over time.
DCDC is located in Dubai Healthcare City and is accessible from Oud Metha, Karama, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, and the wider UAE. Mammogram appointments can be booked by phone, WhatsApp, or through the online booking form. Whether you are coming for a routine screening mammogram or a diagnostic workup following an abnormal finding, DCDC provides the expertise, technology, and patient-centered care that breast imaging requires.
Discuss Your Mammogram Results with a Specialist
If you have questions about your mammogram results or need follow-up imaging, our experienced radiology team at DCDC is here to help. We offer expert breast imaging interpretation, same-day diagnostic mammograms, and personalized guidance on next steps.
Or WhatsApp us to discuss your results with a specialist.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
Final Thoughts
Understanding your mammogram results does not require a medical degree. The BI-RADS system was designed to translate complex radiological findings into clear, standardized categories that both physicians and patients can understand. The most important takeaway is that the vast majority of mammogram findings, including callbacks and BI-RADS 0 results, turn out to be benign. Screening mammography remains one of the most effective tools for the early detection of breast cancer, and when cancer is found early through screening, the treatment outcomes are excellent.
If you have received an abnormal mammogram result, the best course of action is to complete the recommended follow-up imaging or biopsy promptly. Delaying additional testing only prolongs anxiety without changing the underlying finding. At Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City, our radiology team is committed to providing rapid, accurate breast imaging results with the personalized communication that patients deserve during what can be a stressful time.
Whether you are due for your first mammogram, need a follow-up after an abnormal result, or simply want to understand your breast density and what it means for your screening plan, the team at DCDC is here to guide you through every step. For more information on mammogram screening, see our guides on what is a mammogram and mammogram procedure: what to expect.
स्रोत एवं संदर्भ
यह लेख हमारी चिकित्सा टीम द्वारा समीक्षित है और निम्नलिखित स्रोतों का संदर्भ देता है:
- American College of Radiology - BI-RADS Atlas, 5th Edition
- American Cancer Society - Mammogram Results and Follow-Up
- Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) - Supplemental Screening Ultrasonography in Women with Dense Breasts
- RadiologyInfo.org - Mammography
- National Cancer Institute - Mammograms Fact Sheet
इस साइट पर चिकित्सा सामग्री DHA-लाइसेंस प्राप्त चिकित्सकों द्वारा समीक्षित है। हमारी देखें संपादकीय नीति अधिक जानकारी के लिए।
लेखक
Dr. Osama Elzamzami
Diagnostic Radiology
MD, FRCR
Dr. Osama Elzamzami is Head of Radiology at DCDC, specializing in diagnostic imaging including mammography, breast ultrasound, CT, MRI, and interventional radiology at Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City.