What BI-RADS category recommends a short-term interval follow-up of 6 months?

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) is a system used to categorize breast imaging findings and assist in making clinical decisions. Specifically, BI-RADS category 3 is designated for findings that are probably benign. This category indicates that there is a less than 2% chance of malignancy.

In the case of findings classified as BI-RADS 3, the recommendation typically includes a short-term follow-up imaging study within 6 months. This follow-up allows for monitoring of the finding to ensure that it does not change in a way that suggests a higher risk of being cancerous. This approach is intended to offer reassurance while also maintaining vigilance in monitoring any potential changes.

The other categories do not recommend this specific follow-up interval: category 2 represents benign findings that require no additional imaging, category 4 indicates suspicious findings that warrant a biopsy, and category 5 suggests a high suspicion of malignancy, which demands immediate further evaluation. Thus, the emphasis on a follow-up after 6 months is unique to the BI-RADS 3 category.