Improved Breast Cancer Screening Option Now At Riverview, Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — An improved level of breast cancer detection called "contrast-enhanced mammography" is now being offered at Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center, the hospital says.

The method - known as CEM - is an "emerging advanced technology" that combines the high-resolution imaging of digital mammography and 3D mammography with functional imaging provided by contrast, according to the hospital.

Approved by the FDA more than a decade ago, the technology highlights areas of unusual blood flow patterns that can indicate malignancy, the hospital explained in a news release.

“I am so proud to now be able to offer our patients this impactful technology, which is an alternative to MRI," said Dr. Harriet Borofsky, medical director of breast imaging, at Riverview and at Bayshore (Holmdel) Medical Centers.

She said the CEM allows medical staff to "visualize abnormal tumor vascularity on a mammogram that otherwise would not be seen."

The hospital says CEM is a "fast and safe diagnostic mammogram with contrast."

It doesn't require insurance pre-authorization and it can be completed in less than 15 minutes after consulting with the physician, the hospital says.

For women with dense breast tissue, the hospital says early studies of CEM show its potential benefits.

Here are some conditions that might indicate a CEM is called for:

• As an alternative to MRI for those who have claustrophobia, implanted metal devices, inability to tolerate prone positioning, body shape, a prior allergic reaction to gadolinium used in MRIs or insurance constraints.
• As a screening exam for those at intermediate or high risk for breast cancer, based on breast density, family and personal history of breast cancer, and prior high-risk biopsy results.
• As a problem-solving tool to resolve uncertain findings seen on a conventional mammogram.
• To determine the extent of disease in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
• To monitor response to treatment in women receiving chemotherapy to reduce a tumor before surgery.

Here's how the procedure works, according to the hospital:

• While seated in the mammography suite, an IV is started by a nurse. Contrast, the same that is used in a CT scan, is administered intravenously.
• Two minutes after the injection, a dual-energy mammogram, low-kV (standard mammogram) and high kV (mammogram plus iodine) are obtained along with a computer-generated image that shows iodine enhancement only.

The CEM is part of Riverview's continued investment in cancer treatment and care for the community, hospital executives said.

“We are very proud to be the first hospital in our network and one of the few medical centers in New Jersey to offer contrast-enhanced mammography and CEM-directed biopsies here at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Riverview Medical Center’s Women’s Center,” said Tim Hogan, president and chief hospital executive.

For more information about CEM and Riverview Medical Center’s Women’s Center, visit this link.

Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank provides health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines. It is also a designated Primary Stroke Center. To learn more, visit this link.