American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What finding would suggest a mammogram result categorized as BIRADS 4?

1. Negative finding

2. Highly suggestive of malignancy

3. Benign finding

4. Suspicious abnormality

The correct answer is: Suspicious abnormality

A mammogram result categorized as BIRADS 4 indicates a suspicious abnormality that requires further evaluation, often through biopsy. The BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) categories range from 0 to 6, with each category reflecting the level of concern regarding breast findings. Specifically, BIRADS 4 is subdivided into 4A, 4B, and 4C, which help to indicate the level of suspicion for malignancy, but all these subcategories are still considered "suspicious." This classification serves to communicate to healthcare providers that the finding is not clearly benign or malignant, thereby necessitating further diagnostic procedures. The characteristics of BIRADS 4 findings can include irregular masses, architectural distortion, or microcalcifications that aren't classic signs of benignity, and the recommendation typically calls for a detailed clarification of the abnormality.