Dense breast tissue is notoriously difficult to screen properly for signs of cancer. Screening for BI-RADS 3 “identifies many BI-RADS 3 lesions that result in short-term follow-ups and biopsies,” according to Richard G. Barr, M.D., Ph.D., et al, in new research published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

The study authors looked at whether these follow-ups and biopsies performed with supplemental automated whole-breast ultrasound (ABUS) lead to better outcomes versus annual ABUS BI-RADS 3 screenings. They concluded that the “[r]eturn to routine screening for ABUS BI-RADS 3 lesions results in a substantial decrease in recall rate, while being unlikely to result in adverse outcome.”

Based on the results of their findings, “This prospective study supports a recommendation for routine annual follow-up for BI-RADS 3 lesions at supplemental ABUS.”

Source:

“Outcomes of Return to Routine Screening for BI-RADS 3 Lesions Detected at Supplemental Automated Whole-Breast Ultrasound in Women with Dense Breasts: A Prospective Study”
Barr, Richard G., DeSivestri, Annalisa, Golatta, Michael American Journal of Roentgenology Published online: 2021/07/14 https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.21.26180 Accessed: 2021/08/02