The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over the age of 40 have regular breast exams and mammograms. The frequency of such examinations and the specific age at which screenings should begin depend upon an individual’s risk factors for breast cancer, such as personal and family medical history.
Screening may include:
The documentation of your personal and family medical history;
A physical examination;
Radiologic studies, such as mammography and breast ultrasound; and
Genetic Testing.
Early detection, as well as the most advanced medical treatment, is the key to effective treatment and survival.
Digital Mammography
Nyack Hospital provides digital mammography, the gold standard for early detection of breast cancer. Digital mammography has revolutionized the practice of mammography through its superior and lower dose and improved image quality mammograms. The images acquired are electronic images that are stored directly in the computer allowing for improved storage and transmission of images via the internet.Radiologists also can use computer-aided detection software which may enhance their diagnostic accuracy.
You will feel confident in knowing that our mammograms are read by Board-Certified radiologists specializing in mammography, many of whom are also fellowship-trained in breast imaging.
Studies have shown that women with dense breasts, who are pre- or perimenopausal (women who had a last menstrual period within 12 months of their mammograms), or who are younger than age 50 may benefit from having a digital rather than a film-screen mammogram.
Interventional Breast Biopsies
If you need a biopsy, whether you’ve had your mammogram at Nyack Hospital or elsewhere, we’ll schedule one right away. We offer a host of interventional breast biopsy procedures including stereotactically-guided and/or ultrasound- guided mammotone biopsies, ultrasound-guided core biopsies and fine-needle aspirations. The interventional breast biopsy procedures listed here are relativelyquick and nearly painless. These procedures take approximately 45 minutes to perform, and most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two. The Breast Center at Nyack Hospital is fully accredited and recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and we are one of the leading community hospitals in the Northeast performing these highly accurate outpatientprocedures.
Breast MRI/ MRI-guided breast biopsy
For selected patients, Nyack Hospital radiologists perform on-site breast magnetic resonance imaging, a rapidly expanding and highly sensitive imaging modality. In addition, patients at Nyack Hospital may now obtain biopsies performed under MRI guidance, considered a breakthrough technology for the community hospital setting.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasoundis a harmless test that uses high-frequency sound waves. As the transducer moves over the breast tissue, the sound waves createa picture on a monitor which shows the internal structures of the breasts. This test does not require any surgery or needles. You do not need to do any advance preparation and the test is painless.
Ultrasounds are usually used when an abnormality has been found in a breast during a mammography exam. The test determines if the suspicious area is solid tissue, or a cyst filled with fluid.
