Mammography
Mammography & Breast Cancer Screening
Bergen Imaging Center specializes in the early detection of breast cancer with mammography, as well as breast imaging procedures for New Jersey patients who have received a breast cancer diagnosis either now or in the past. Please review our Mammography FAQ for commonly asked questions and answers about the procedure.
We know that the key to early detection is in imaging. That’s why our facility is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and staffed with board certified radiologists and technologists. Mammography plays a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in breast tissue up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Our imaging center offers both screening and diagnostic digital mammography with digital and 3D mammography.
Screening Mammography
Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography yearly for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable. Learn more about the updated ACR Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines.
Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings—such as a breast lump or lumps—that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammogram in order to evaluate the area of concern on the screening exam.
Full-Field Digital Mammography
Bergen Imaging Center was the first freestanding radiology practice in Bergen County, NJ to offer digital mammography.
Digital mammography is superior to the analog method (which uses film) because digital mammograms are stored on a computer and easily lightened, darkened, and enlarged, allowing for a more in-depth analysis. FDA approved digital mammograms use less radiation than older analog technology, and can provide more accurate results in early detection of cancer for women who are: pre- and perimenopausal, under the age of 50, and have dense breast tissue.
Breast Tomosynthesis | 3D Mammography
3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, is a groundbreaking and life-saving technology approved by the FDA in February 2011. It enables our radiologists to view inside the breast layer by layer while increasing visibility of fine details by minimizing the appearance of overlapping tissue. During a 3D mammogram, multiple low-dose images known as “slices” of the breast are acquired at different angles. 3D mammography is done in conjunction with conventional 2D mammography and is performed at the same time. With 3D technology, our radiologists can view a mammogram in a way never before possible.
Why 3D Mammography?
- It is the newest, most precise screening tool in the detection of breast cancer.
- It detects abnormalities not detected by traditional mammograms.
- It delivers more detail and accuracy than traditional mammography—providing women with more peace of mind.
- It results in fewer recall rates for our patients, resulting in the reduction of additional testing and patient anxiety.
The Equipment:
Bergen Imaging Center is the first freestanding women’s imaging center in Bergen County to install Senographe Pristina*, GE Healthcare’s new breast tomosynthesis—a life-saving technology—designed with 3D imaging technology. The Senographe Pristina* breast tomosynthesis system uses the lowest radiation dose of any 3D mammography equipment currently available.
Our Commitment:
We are committed to delivering the highest-quality care to our patients. Our goal is to make breast tomosynthesis with digital mammography the standard protocol for all women undergoing mammography.
* Trademark of General Electric Company
Senographe Pristina ™ 3D: Product Presentation
Video Credit: GE Healthcare
Mammography FAQ
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in women.
Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.
Digital Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
Diagnostic mammography, another aspect of mammographic imaging, is used to evaluate patients with abnormal clinical findings, such as breast lumps, or to further investigate areas of concern identified in a screening mammogram.
We offer Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient’s point of view, having a digital mammogram is essentially the same as having a conventional film screen mammogram.
We also offer 3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis, powered by GE Healthcare’s Senographe Pristina which uses the lowest radiation dose of any 3D mammography equipment currently on the market.
Before scheduling a mammogram, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other specialty organizations recommend that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is usually within one week of your last menses. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
The ACS also recommends you:
Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or the mammography facility.
You will feel pressure on your breast as it is squeezed by the compression paddle. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are least tender. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
Dr. Petti, who is specifically trained to supervise and interpret digital mammograms and ultrasounds, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will then discuss the results with you. Bergen Imaging Center sends a report in lay terms to every breast imaging patient.
Dense breasts, common among women, have more fibrous and glandular tissue, making it harder to detect abnormalities on a mammogram. It can be helpful to visit DenseBreast-info.org which provides a wealth of information on breast density. If you have dense breasts, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional screenings like breast ultrasound or MRI, especially if you have other breast cancer risk factors. New Jersey’s breast density law and upcoming federal requirements ensure that mammogram reports include information about breast density. While dense breasts aren’t necessarily linked to a higher cancer risk, regular screenings are crucial for early detection.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has issued new breast cancer screening guidelines on May 3, 2023, urging early and more intensive screening for certain high-risk populations, including Black women and individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The updated guidelines aim to address disparities in breast cancer outcomes, with the ACR continuing to endorse annual mammography screenings starting at age 40 for women with average risk.