Published on September 30, 2025

Understanding Your Mammogram Results: What to Ask Your Doctor

Image of woman standing in front of mammogram machine with a provider assisting.

Getting your mammogram results can feel like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Whether it's good news or something that needs a closer look, it's important to truly grasp what those results mean for your breast health journey. After your mammogram, you will receive your result report as well as a letter that further explains your results and next steps. Sometimes the complex language used in the reporting can be confusing or unclear.  To help ease the process, we've put together some tips for interpreting your results.

Know Your Mammogram Report

A mammogram report includes many technical details. Key elements to look for include:

  • Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score:  On a screening mammogram you will receive a score from 0-2.
    • 0: Incomplete – additional imaging needed
    • 1: Negative – no abnormalities
    • 2: Benign – non-cancerous findings
    • After a diagnostic workup is done for a finding on a mammogram, physical exam finding or concern, or due to follow-up imaging BI-RADS 1-6 can be assigned:
      • 3: Probably benign – short-term follow-up recommended
      • 4: Suspicious abnormality – biopsy is recommended
      • 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy – biopsy is recommended. There is a 95% or greater of a malignancy being present
      • 6: Known biopsy-proven malignancy
      • Density classification: Breast density is divided into four categories (A, B, C, D). Your report will describe your breast tissue as fatty (A), scattered fibroglandular densities (B), heterogeneously dense (C), or extremely dense (D). Fatty and scattered fibroglandular densities are NOT DENSE. Heterogeneously dense and extremely dense ARE dense. Dense breast tissue it is known to make it harder for a radiologist to detect a cancer. It also increases your lifetime risk of developing a breast cancer. You can consider supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI based on elevated breast density and lifetime risk.
      • Findings: Any masses, calcifications, or other anomalies are noted. Your report may include measurements and location descriptions.

Did You Know?

While having a mammogram a MyMichigan Health your lifetime risk of developing a breast cancer is calculated based on the questions the technologist asks you before the mammogram is done.

This is reported to you in your MyMichigan MyChart health portal and a letter will be mailed to you. This will inform you of your risk calculation and will provide a QR code on healthy steps you can take in order to reduce your risk of developing a breast cancer.

Bottom Line: Understanding your mammogram results empowers you to take proactive steps for your breast health. By knowing what to look for and asking informed questions, you can make decisions with clarity and confidence.

Those who would like more information on MyMichigan’s Breast Health Program may visit. www.mymichigan.org/breast.

Lindsay Zeeb, M.D., is a fellowship-trained breast radiologist and medical director of Breast Imaging at the James T. and Ela U. Pardee Cancer Wellness Center.