Benign
What does an assessment of “Benign” mean? Relating to the mammogram, an assessment of “benign” means that the interpreting physician noted an abnormality within the images, but the finding is not cancerous. Examples of typically “benign” findings include skin calcifications, lipomas, metallic foreign bodies, calcified microadenomas, and galactoceles (p. 136, ACR Bl-RADS Atlas, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, 2013).
What is the BI-RADS classification relating to a benign assessment?
The BI-RADS classification for “Benign” is Category 2: Benign.
What data in Mammologix’s medical audit can relate to a “benign” assessment?
Some of the data in Mammologix’s medical audit are Positive Predictive Value 3, Benign Biopsy Yield, Inconsistent Outcomes (Benign Asymptomatic and Benign Symptomatic), False Positives, and True Negatives. Information on these data points can be found on Mammologix’s HelpScout site.
Can an outcome of “benign” apply to diagnostic materials other than mammograms in the assessment for breast cancer?
Yes. An outcome of “benign” is also assigned for other diagnostic materials, such as biopsies, for example. A tissue sample derived from a biopsy, if found to be nonmalignant, can be classified as “benign”.
What is the difference between a “Negative” and a “Benign” assessment?
While a benign finding can be qualified as negative, there are differences between the two when it comes to classifications within the BI-RADS system. A negative assessment means that the interpreting physician has found no abnormalities. A benign assessment means that the interpreting physician found something when assessing the patient, but the finding was not cancerous. In other words, the benign finding was negative for cancer.
What is the difference between a “Benign” and a “Probably Benign” assessment?
The evaluations of “benign” and “probably benign” are similar, but there are some differences. The differences between the two are that a “probably benign” assessment means that a benign finding is most likely not malignant, and the window for follow-up shortens from 12 months to 6 months.
What is the probability of malignancy for an individual given an evaluation of “Benign”?
The likelihood of cancer for an individual given an evaluation of “benign” is approximately 0%.
What is the recommended follow-up for individuals who receive a “benign” assessment outcome?
The BI-RADS Atlas states that routine mammography screenings are sufficient for an individual who receives a “benign” assessment outcome.
Sources: “BCSC Standard Definitions, Version 3”. FDA Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, 2021, https://www.bcsc-research.org/application/files/6916/1429/6964/BCSC_Data_Definitions_v3__2020.09.23.pdf. Accessed January 20, 2022. “Mammogram results: Breast imaging reporting and database system (BI-RADS)”. Breastcancer.org, 2019, https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/mammograms/results. Accessed February 1, 2022. Sickles, EA, D'Orsi CJ, Bassett LW, et al. ACR Bl-RADS Mammography. In: ACR Bl-RADS Atlas, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. Reston, VA, American College of Radiology; 2013.