Atlas of breast cancer early detection

The American College of Radiologists (ACR) introduced the BI-RADS Lexicon (5th edition; 2013) to standardize breast-imaging terminology, reporting, and assessment. The classification system applies to mammography, ultrasound, and MRI of the breast. Lesions detected on breast ultrasound are described using descriptors of the ultrasound lexicon. Shape, echotexture, margins, orientation, posterior features, calcifications, and vascularity on colour Doppler are effective lexicon descriptors for the characterization of breast masses as possibly benign or malignant. They can be used to assign a BI-RADS category.

The ultrasound lexicon includes the description of the following features:

• Breast tissue composition
• Breast masses
• Breast calcifications
• Associated features
• Special cases