Monday, 4 May 2009

The Royal College of Radiologists Breast Group breast imaging classification

The Royal College of Radiologists Breast Group breast imaging classification
A.J. Maxwell, N.T. Ridley, G. Rubin, M.G. Wallis, F.J. Gilbert, M.J. Michell

Link to Journal

Standardisation of the classification of breast imaging reports will improve communication between the referrer and the radiologist and avoid ambiguity, which may otherwise lead to mismanagement of patients. Following wide consultation, the Royal College of Radiologists Breast Group has produced a scoring system for the classification of breast imaging. This will facilitate audit and the development of nationally agreed standards for the investigation of women with breast disease.

This five-point system is as follows:
  1. normal
  2. benign findings
  3. indeterminate/probably benign findings
  4. findings suspicious of malignancy
  5. findings highly suspicious of malignancy

It is recommended that this be used in the reporting of all breast imaging examinations in the UK

NB (Ed) : There are no definitions or lexicon associated with this classification, which renders it less than it could have been, and allows significant variability in reporting, particularly category 2 and 3 findings. These are important differences with the BIRADS classification which will hinder the comparison of data between the US/Europe and the UK

Mammographically non-calcified ductal carcinoma in situ: sonographic features with pathological correlation in 35 patients

Mammographically non-calcified ductal carcinoma in situ: sonographic features with pathological correlation in 35 patients
B. Mesurolle, M. El-Khoury, K. Khetani, N. Abdullah, L. Joseph, E. Kao
Clinical Radiology 64( 6) 2009: 628-636

Link to Journal


Ultrasonographically detected radiographically non-calcified DCIS commonly displays an irregular shape, microlobulated margins, and complex echotexture, giving a “pseudomicrocystic” appearance. Microlobulated margins and “pseudomicrocystic” echotexture seem to be associated with a cancerization of the lobules