East River Imaging – Comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center

Screening and Diagnostic Digital Mammography

A mammogram is an imaging examination of the breast performed to detect breast cancer, often before any signs or symptoms of the disease are present. This procedure is recommended annually for women over the age of 40, or those with an increased risk of developing breast cancer

Recent technological advances now allow mammograms to be performed digitally, rather than on film, using techniques similar to those used in a digital camera. The procedure remains the same for the patient, except that the results can be reviewed by your doctor immediately after the procedure on a computer screen.

At East River Medical Imaging, we are proud to offer patients the most advanced digital mammography services available with the Senographe® DS system from GE Healthcare. This device uses cutting-edge technology to help detect and diagnose breast cancer and other abnormalities in their earliest stages. Early detection is an essential factor in achieving successful treatment for breast cancer and any other related conditions.

Digital mammography with the Senographe DS system is a quick, painless procedure that helps patients remain informed and up-to-date about their risk of breast cancer. This procedure can be performed on men and women alike and screens the entire area of breast tissue in half the time of a traditional film-based mammogram. Anyone at an increased risk of developing breast cancer should be screened on a regular basis with our advanced equipment for the most precise, detailed results.

Diagnostic & Breast MRI

A breast MRI is a technically advanced diagnostic procedure that produces high-quality images of the breasts without the use of radiation. This procedure creates cross-sectional images of breast tissue, making it possible to detect certain abnormalities that may not be identified with other imaging techniques. An MRI is often performed after a mammogram and may be helpful in staging breast cancer.

In addition to detecting breast cancer, a breast MRI can also identify cysts, enlarged ducts, enlarged lymph nodes, hematomas and many other breast abnormalities. MRI can also be used during a follow-up biopsy to precisely guide the needle to the targeted area in order to efficiently remove tissue samples. A contrast dye may be injected into the bloodstream during this procedure to highlight any abnormalities and make them easier to detect.

Like all of our imaging procedure, breast MRI is performed in a private suite to ensure patient comfort and safety while maximizing the accuracy of results.

Diagnostic & Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue and examine it for solid masses and other abnormalities. This procedure is often performed after early signs of cancer appear during a mammogram or breast self-exam.

In addition to diagnosing masses and other abnormalities, breast ultrasound can also be used to:

Determine the cause of pain, swelling and redness in the breast
Determine whether breast lumps are fluid-filled cysts or solid lumps
Screen for breast cancer in patients with implants or dense breasts
Guide the placement of a needle to drain fluid or sample breast tissue

Ultrasound is one of the most commonly performed diagnostic procedures and is pain-free for most patients, producing highly accurate results with only minimal risk factors. It can be used to detect many different types of abnormalities within the breast tissue, including cysts, abscesses, fibroadenomas, muscle layers, lobes and more.

Multi-Modality Breast Biopsies

A breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a sample of abnormal tissue from the breast that has been previously detected, for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning purposes. During the procedure, a small needle is inserted into the breast tissue to remove a tissue sample that will be thoroughly tested in a lab for signs of breast cancer or other conditions.

In addition to diagnosing abnormalities within the breast, biopsy can also be used to remove small tumors or other lesions found during the procedure, eliminating the need for additional surgery and allowing patients to benefit from shorter recovery times and less trauma than traditional surgery.

Breast biopsy procedures are often combined with imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI in order to ensure precise needle placement and minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. At East River Medical Imaging, we are proud to offer patients the most advanced breast biopsy procedures performed in conjunction with many different imaging modalities. The procedures we perform include MRI-guided, Stereotactic and Ultrasound-guided biopsies and localizations.

Your doctor will decide which type of imaging guidance is best for your individual procedure.