Standardized Reporting for Mammography: BI-RADS?

Lack of uniformity in mammography reporting has sometimes led to confusion as to the interpretation and management recommendations. The American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADSTM) provides a standardized reporting system for mammography. Using this system, the report is organized into the reason for the examination, breast tissue composition, description of findings, and overall impression. A standardized lexicon was developed to bring uniformity to the description of findings, such as masses and calcifications. The overall impression includes a summary of the findings, a final assessment, and management recommendations. If further imaging studies are needed prior to determining the final assessment, the nature of the additional procedures is spelled out. Once the imaging workup is complete, the examination is assigned to one of the five final assessment categories. Each final assessment category is associated with a specific management recommendation. In addition to eliminating any equivocation regarding the interpretation and management recommendations, BI-RADS facilitates patient tracking and outcomes analysis.