Breast Imaging
Our sophisticated breast imaging equipment and novel techniques can help reduce call backs, spot abnormalities early, and reduce the number of follow-up tests for suspicious findings.
Recommended screening guidelines:
- Woman of average risk should start routine, annual mammograms at age 40.
- Schedule your mammogram online today
Most of our advanced breast screening services are conveniently conducted at CMC’s Breast Care Center, including:
Why choose CMC?
Comprehensive treatment approach—When treatment for breast cancer is required, our center offers a comprehensive treatment approach, with the latest technology, medical and surgical expertise and a variety of support services. Our care team includes: Fellowship trained breast surgeon, fellowship trained breast radiologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and nurse navigators.
3-D Screening Mammography
Screening mammography, or Tomosynthesis, is a routine annual mammogram. Performed using enhanced three dimensional mammography equipment. Images is reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, and compared to any previous breast images done at our center to watch for areas of concern. Mammography equipment typically shows tumors before they are big enough for you to feel.
Diagnostic Mammography
A diagnostic mammogram involves special images of your breasts to examine an area of concern or any additional imaging needed from a screening mammogram. A diagnostic breast ultrasound may also be performed at this time. The radiologist reviews your study before you leave and provides you with same day results.
Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS)
Automated breast ultrasound exam is a supplemental screening tool that compliments a screening mammogram especially for women with dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make it difficult to see cancer. The ABUS uses sound waves to view the entire breast. The CMC Breast Care Center, in Bedford is currently the only GE ABUS in the area.
Breast MRI
A breast surgeon may order a breast MRI to gain detailed images of breast tissue in patients who have a known cancer, are high risk or have suspicion of cancer. In a breast MRI, the patient lies face down on a special table so the breast are not compressed during the imaging. The MRI machine then uses magnets, instead of radiation, to scan and create a picture of the soft tissue.
Contrast Enhanced Mammography
We are the only Center in the state of NH that preforms contrast enhanced Mammograms. Contrast enhanced mammography helps to give a clearer view of a breast nodule or lesion detected on a mammogram. Using an injected contrast dye causes cancer to ‘light up’ on the mammogram. This is a powerful and sensitive tool to detect cancer.
Breast Biopsy
If you need a breast biopsy, we perform stereotactic and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, as well as fine needle and cyst aspirations. Your biopsy is coordinated with your doctor, the radiologist and our breast health specialist to make sure you get the right biopsy for your situation.
Seeing the difference can make the difference
Our 3-D tomosynthesis mammography machine takes both 2-D and 3-D images, and can be used for stereotactic 3-D biopsy and contrast enhanced mammography. The image clarity of the breast tissue allows us to detect and diagnosis breast cancer at the very earliest stage. It provides provides a better view of breast tissue while using far less radiation. Some of our machines have SmartCurve™ paddles for added patient comfort and better compression, for the best imaging.
Advances in Breast Imaging
New advancements in imaging mean even earlier cancers diagnosis--which leads to better long-term outcome.
