How breast and women's imaging is examined
Phase 2 of the RANZCR clinical radiology training program is assessed with examinations that test image interpretation, pathology knowledge and clinical reasoning across body systems. Formats and weightings change, so check the current RANZCR examination information and Phase 2 learning outcomes.
High-yield topics
| Topic | Key imaging points |
|---|---|
| Mammography | Masses, calcifications, architectural distortion |
| BI-RADS | Assessment categories |
| Breast MRI | Enhancement kinetics |
| Ovarian lesions | O-RADS features |
| Early pregnancy | Criteria for pregnancy failure |
Worked questions
Worked question · Calcifications
Which calcification morphology is most suspicious for malignancy?
- A Fine linear branching
- B Coarse popcorn
- C Rim calcification
- D Large rod-like secretory
- E Dermal (skin) calcifications
Show the reasoning
Answer A. Fine linear or fine linear branching calcifications suggest ductal carcinoma. Popcorn (fibroadenoma), rim and large rod-like calcifications are typically benign.
A search pattern for reporting
- Breast density and comparison with prior films
- Masses: shape, margin, density
- Calcifications: morphology and distribution
- Architectural distortion and asymmetry
- Axilla and skin
- Assign a BI-RADS category and recommendation
Use the same order every time so that nothing is missed under exam conditions, then finish with a concise conclusion and recommendation.
Signs and differentials to know
| Imaging sign or finding | Think of |
|---|---|
| Spiculated mass | Invasive carcinoma |
| Fine linear branching calcifications | DCIS |
| Popcorn calcification | Involuting fibroadenoma |
| Fat-containing mass | Lipoma, hamartoma, oil cyst |
| Ground-glass ovarian cyst | Endometrioma |
| Empty sac 25 mm or more | Failed pregnancy (criteria) |
A 4-week revision block
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mammography |
| 2 | Breast ultrasound and MRI |
| 3 | Gynaecological ultrasound |
| 4 | Obstetric ultrasound and mixed |
Pair reading with daily timed questions and image review on teaching files, and log every missed structure or sign.
Common traps
- Misclassifying calcifications.
- Missing distortion.
- Wrong pregnancy failure criteria.
Free sample breast and women's imaging questions
Questions from our Radiology Phase 2 bank. Choose your answer, then open the explanation.
Which MRI sign suggests placenta accreta spectrum?
- AThin homogeneous placenta
- BDark intraplacental T2 bands
- CSmall vessels only
- DSmooth myometrium
- ENormal retroplacental clear space
Show answer and explanation
Answer B. Signs: dark T2 bands, myometrial thinning, bladder wall interruption, abnormal vascularity, placental bulge.
Learning point: Accreta MRI: dark T2 bands.
BI-RADS 4 means:
- AProbably benign, short follow-up
- BNegative result, routine screening
- CKnown biopsy-proven cancer
- DSuspicious, biopsy recommended
- EBenign finding
Show answer and explanation
Answer D. BI-RADS: 0 incomplete, 1 negative, 2 benign, 3 probably benign, 4 suspicious, 5 highly suggestive, 6 known malignancy.
Learning point: BI-RADS 4: biopsy.
Which calcification morphology is most suspicious?
- AFine linear branching
- BRim calcification
- CLarge rod-like secretory calcification
- DPopcorn coarse calcification
- EMilk of calcium
Show answer and explanation
Answer A. Fine linear or branching (casting) calcifications suggest DCIS. Popcorn (fibroadenoma), rim and rod-like are benign.
Learning point: Fine linear branching calcification: suspicious.
Practise more breast and women's imaging questions free
Every breast and women's imaging subtopic in our bank
The bank holds 15 breast and women's imaging questions across 15 subtopics. You can filter by any of them, build a custom block and track your accuracy subtopic by subtopic.
- BI-RADS1
- BI-RADS 41
- Breast implant rupture1
- Breast MRI1
- Breast US1
- BreastScreen1
- Ectopic pregnancy ultrasound1
- Ectopic US1
- Endometrioma1
- Fibroid1
- Mammographic calcification1
- Ovarian US1
- Placenta accreta1
- Placenta MRI1
- Simple ovarian cyst1
Common questions
What does Phase 2 assess?
Image interpretation, pathology and clinical reasoning across body systems. Check RANZCR for current formats.
How should I practise?
Daily timed questions with image review, and structured reporting practice.
Is BreastScreen relevant?
Australian screening pathways provide context for breast imaging questions.
Sources
Clinical content is summarised from current Australian guidance at the date above. Guidelines change, so always check the latest edition.