General Breast Imaging

Breast imaging involves a series of minimally invasive procedures that can be used to detect, diagnose and treat abnormalities in the breast tissue. Women are encouraged to undergo breast imaging exams on a regular basis to help screen for any changes or abnormal lumps within the breast, as early detection is valuable in treating any type of cancer or tumor. There are several different types of breast imaging procedures, each offering its own benefits.

Where do you offer this procedure?

What are these procedures used for?

Breast imaging procedures can be used to detect, diagnose, stage and treat abnormalities within the breast tissue that can indicate breast cancer, benign tumors or other related conditions. They may also be used to determine the effectiveness of treatments, plan surgery and help determine the best treatment for detected abnormalities. Patients may need more than one imaging procedure if the results of the initial procedure indicate a potential problem.

What are the benefits of these procedures?

General breast imaging exams are minimally invasive and carry little to no risk of complications. They are safe for most patients and are performed on an outpatient basis in less than an hour. The images produced by these exams are extremely valuable in diagnosing breast cancer in its earliest stages and enabling more effective treatment.

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Breast MRI

A breast MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging test that produces multiple cross-sectional images of the breast to help screen for breast cancer, especially after abnormal results show up on a mammogram or ultrasound. This procedure generates detailed 2D and 3D images and should be performed in conjunction with a mammogram, as it is often useful in staging breast cancer and other conditions after they have been detected by a mammogram.

Where do you offer this procedure?

Who is this procedure recommended for?

Breast MRI is often recommended after breast cancer or other abnormalities have been identified by a mammogram. This detailed procedure can help stage serious conditions to determine the best treatment options. An MRI may also be used to help with early detection of breast cancer to prevent death and other serious complications.

With the injection of contrast material, a breast MRI can also identify cysts, enlarged ducts, enlarged lymph nodes, hematomas and any other breast abnormalities, as well as determine the size and location of those that may be malignant.

How does the breast MRI procedure work?

During a breast MRI, the patient will lie facedown on a moveable padded table, with the breasts fitting into hollow depressions that are connected to the MRI machine through magnetic signals. A contrast dye may be injected into the body to help easily identify any abnormalities. The table then slides into the opening of the machine and a magnetic field is created around you. The breast MRI procedure takes about an hour to perform.

Unlike x-rays and CT scans, an MRI does not use radiation to produce images. Instead, radio waves are used to create a magnetic field that passes an electric current through the MRI machine. This electric current passes over the body and produces signals that are used to generate images of the body.

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Mammography In the News

Our physician, Dr. Rand Stack's response to the controversial mammography guidelines.

Mammograms Save Thousands of Womens Lives Every Year

West Side Radiology Associates offers fully digital breast imaging centers at Midtown Medical Pavilion (425 West 59th Street) and at Central Park Women’s Imaging (1790 Broadway). We offer a full range of breast imaging services including digital mammography, breast ultrasound, ultrasound guided breast biopsies, stereotactic breast biopsies and needle localizations. These facilities are staffed by board certified radiologists who devote 100% of their practice to breast imaging.

Mammograms save thousands of women’s lives every year. Despite a controversy reported in the media in November 2009, the majority of medical organizations, including the following societies, continue to recommend an annual mammogram for all women age 40 and older: American Cancer Society, American College of Surgeons, American College of Obstetricians and Surgeons, American College of Radiology, American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Breast Imaging

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