Final answer:
A BI-RADS 3 lesion is typically followed for 24 months with periodic imaging to verify its stability and to ensure it does not show signs of cancer. The first follow-up is usually at 6 months, then at 12 months, and finally at 24 months.
Step-by-step explanation:
BI-RADS stands for Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System, which is a widely accepted risk assessment and quality assurance tool in mammography, ultrasound, and MRI of the breast. A BI-RADS 3 rating indicates that a finding is probably benign, and the chance of cancer is very low (less than 2%). Since these lesions have a high likelihood of being benign, invasive diagnostic procedures like biopsy are usually not immediately undertaken. Instead, a follow-up strategy involving additional imaging tests over a period is adopted.
Typically, the first follow-up mammogram is recommended at 6 months, then at 12 months, and finally at 24 months to confirm that there are no changes in the lesion. If any changes are observed, further evaluation will be necessary.