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LONG BRANCH, NJ – The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center now offers the newest technique to identify cancerous lesions in the breast, even in women who were previously difficult to diagnose.
Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a molecular breast imaging technique that goes beyond mammography, MRI and ultrasound to help diagnose breast cancer by showing the metabolic activity of breast lesions. BSGI is particularly beneficial to women who have had a questionable mammogram, are at high risk for breast cancer, have dense breast tissue or implants, who have scars from previous biopsies or who are being monitored for breast cancer reoccurrence.
BSGI has been performed on more than 80,000 patients in both hospitals and private imaging centers across the country. The technology has been around for more than a decade and is FDA-approved.
Debra Camal, MD, surgeon and medical director of the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center, said, “BSGI is a valuable tool following a questionable mammogram when further evaluation is needed. It’s especially helpful when patients have multiple or suspicious lesions, or lesions that can be felt, but not detected with mammography or ultrasound.”
During a BSGI procedure, a small amount of tracing agent is delivered to the patient and absorbed by the cells in the body. The tracing agent emits visible gamma rays, which are detected by a special high-resolution camera and then translated into a digital image of the breast. Due to the higher metabolic activity of cancerous cells, these cells absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent and are revealed as “dark spots.”
By viewing these dark spots of concentrated radioactive material, radiologists can identify where cells are suspiciously active. These areas indicate the possibility of a cancer or high-risk lesion.
Whereas other tests, such as mammography and ultrasound, image the physical structure of the breast, BSGI captures the actual cellular function of the breast tissue.
Jorge Pardes, MD, radiologist and director of breast imaging at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center, said the camera used during a BSGI procedure creates clear pictures that can show cancers at a very early stage. It can also see lesions in very dense tissue, while providing multiple angle views for better diagnosis.
“The result is quicker and more accurate detection of breast cancer than with just mammography alone,” he said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center, call 732-923-7700 or visit www.barnabashealth.org.
About Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center is committed to meeting the breast health needs of all women. At the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center, we provide a comfortable and supportive setting where all outpatient breast health care services are provided in one convenient location—from routine mammography screenings to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer or benign breast disease. Since opening in 1994, the Breast Center has been the region’s leader in providing the most advanced array of breast health services including all digital screening and diagnostic mammography; high resolution breast ultrasound performed and interpreted by dedicated board-certified breast imaging radiologists; minimally invasive ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsies with preliminary results at time of visit; ultrasound and stereotactic guided core biopsies; Breast Cancer High Risk program with access to genetic testing; consultations and second opinions; clinical research and a Breast Health Information Center.
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center has recently been accredited as a “Certified Quality Breast Center” by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC). Monmouth Medical Center was the only hospital in New Jersey to receive this accreditation for its breast center, and the 10th in the United States.
October 6, 2010
CONTACT: Kristine Brown
Director of Public Relations at
(732) 557-3902
krbrown@barnabashealth.org
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