Riverview Medical Center Offering Contrast-Enhanced Mammography Improving Breast Cancer Detection

Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center is now offering contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) which is an emerging advanced technology that uniquely combines the exceptional high-resolution imaging of Digital Mammography and 3D Mammography with functional imaging provided by contrast. This is part of Riverview's continued investment to improve and modernize cancer treatment and care delivery for the local community.

CEM is a fast and safe, diagnostic mammogram with contrast requiring no pre-authorization and can be completed in less than 15 minutes after consulting with your physician. Approved by the FDA more than a decade ago this technology highlights areas of unusual blood flow patterns that can indicate malignancy. Early studies of CEM in screening women with dense breasts have shown the potential benefit of CEM in the detection of breast cancer.

A CEM may be indicated:

• As an alternative to MRI for those unable to undergo MRI imaging due to claustrophobia, implanted metal devices, body habitus, inability to tolerate prone positioning, prior allergic reaction to gadolinium, and 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 neoadjuvant chemotherapy

“I am so proud to now be able to offer our patients this impactful technology, which is an alternative to MRI, and allows us to visualize abnormal tumor vascularity on a mammogram that otherwise would not be seen,” said Dr. Harriet Borofsky, medical director of breast imaging, Riverview and Bayshore Medical Centers.

While seated in the mammography suite, an IV is started by a nurse, and 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, recombined subtraction image that shows iodine enhancement only.

“In keeping with our mission to provide state-of-the-art, impactful advanced technologies here at Riverview Medical Center, we are very proud to be the first hospital in our network and one of the few medical centers in the State of 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, Riverview Medical Center.

For more information about Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM) and Hackensack Meridian Health's Riverview Medical Center’s Women’s Center, visit: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/Services/Womens-Health/Breast-Health