FROM OUR PARTNERS AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Game-Changing Breast Imaging Technology Now Available
Contrast-enhanced mammography offers anadvanced imaging alternative for women who cannot have breast MRI
Gail Starr , MD Diagnostic radiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack Meridian Health patients now have access to contrast-enhanced mammography — agame-changing advanced imaging technology that combines the benefits of high-resolution 3D mammography with functional imaging performed using acontrast agent .
“ Contrast-enhanced mammography givesusinformation about atumor ’ sblood supply — which helps to improve breast cancer detection and imaging accuracy ,” says Gail E . Starr , MD , diagnostic radiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center .
An AlternativetoBreast MRI
Annual breast cancer screening performed with 3D tomosynthesis mammography is the standard of care for average-risk women aged 40 and older . However , some women — such as those with dense breasts , personal or family history of breast cancer , genetic mutations , an abnormal mammogram result , concerning symptoms , or other conditions that increase breast cancer risk — may need additional imaging using advanced technology .
“ Breast MRI is a good , advanced imaging test for women who qualify ,” says Dr . Starr .“ However , some women can ’ t have breast MRI due to claustrophobia , metal implants such as pacemakers , obesity , inability to lay on their stomach during the test , or insurance issues — and for those patients , contrast-enhanced mammography is an accessible alternative .”
Another benefit of contrast-enhanced mammographyisthat , unlikebreast MRI , insurancepreauthorization is not required . Additionally , contrastenhanced mammography is lower cost , requires less imaging time , and can often be scheduled more quicklywhen compared to breast MRI .
“ Contrast-enhanced mammography is a great option for women who are at intermediate risk for breast cancer , but don ’ t meet the eligibility criteria forbreast MRI ,” says Dr . Starr . “ It ’ s alsouseful as an advanced imaging tool forproblem-solving when conventional imaging is negative .”
AQuick , Safe , andWell-Tolerated Procedure
Similar toconventional mammography , contrastenhanced mammography takes just a few minutes and is performed using a typical mammography machine .
“ Our mammography machines have the highest resolution on the market . They areequipped with SmartCurve™ paddles that come in various sizes to conformto the shape of the breast and provide more even compression ,” says Dr . Starr . “ In addition to making mammograms more comfortable , thistechnology improves accuracy and reduces the number of false-positive results .”
Contrast-enhanced mammography is agreat option for women who are at intermediate risk for breast cancer , but don ’ t meet the eligibility criteria for breast MRI .
DR . GAIL STARR
The only difference with contrast-enhanced mammography is that patients receive an injection of contrast dye through an IV before the mammogram . Anurse starts the IV in the mammography suite and administers the contrast dye . After a two-minute wait , the mammography technologist performs the imagingstudyasusual .
When the mammogram is complete , the nurse removes the IV and patients return totheir normal activities . From start to finish , the process takes approximately 10-15 minutes .
“ The only people whodon ’ t qualify are people who are allergic to the type of contrast we use , people with kidney disease , and women who are pregnant ,” says Dr . Starr .“ For select women who needadvanced imaging and don ’ t qualify for breast MRI , contrastenhanced mammography is quick , safe , and welltolerated .”
To learnmore about women ' s health at Hackensack University MedicalCenter , visit HMHhasHeart . com .
6 SPRING 2023 | THE RECORD HEALTH QUARTERLY | PREPARED BY THE ADVERTISING DEPT .