Women's Imaging
Kymberly Macaron, Clinical Manager, Community Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center on 92.7 WOBM
Community Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center provides
a comprehensive approach to women’s health. Our facility brings
to Ocean County the renowned experience and expertise of the Community
Medical Center Radiology Department and state-of-the-art digital mammography
and women’s imaging technology.
Our professionals at the Women’s Imaging Center are eager to help patients proactively maintain their health and provide the highest quality services focusing specifically on female-oriented health issues.
We ensure that all diagnostic studies at the Women’s Imaging Center
are performed by highly trained, licensed and certified female radiologic
technologists, and are reviewed by board-certified radiologists who specialize
in mammography. Ultrasound studies and DXA Scans are performed by registered
technologists and are interpreted by board-certified physicians who are
specialists in their fields. Nurse educators are accessible to provide
valuable information to patients regarding breast self-exams, women’s
health issues, and access to additional resources.
Breast Exams
Digital Mammography
Community Medical Center is proud to offer patients state-of-the-art digital
mammography. Digital mammography offers many advantages over conventional
film mammography. Our equipment offers the largest field of view currently
available to accommodate imaging of patients with diverse breast shapes
and sizes. The technology provides precise, accurate digital images and
also provides enhanced, detailed imaging of the skin line, chest wall
and all breast tissue types.
One benefit of digital mammography is that the image is ready to be interpreted
within 10 seconds versus the processing time required for film mammographies.
Digital mammography images are available online, through our PACS system,
allowing radiologists and referring physicians the ability to collaborate.
From the patient’s point of view, having a digital study is exactly
like film mammography. The difference is appreciated in the shorter wait
time, as there is no need to develop films in a darkroom.
What are the benefits of digital mammography?
- Compared with film mammography, digital images are acquired in less than a minute.
- Digital mammography provides superior contrast resolution of the dense breast tissue and the images are easier to manipulate.
- Computerized mammograms may be stored, easily retrieved and copied.
Screening Mammograms
Screening mammograms are offered to women without symptoms in accordance with the American Cancer Society guidelines for mammography. Patients are notified of their results by mail.
Diagnostic Mammograms
Diagnostic mammograms are provided for women with breast concerns. At the Women’s Imaging Center, we offer immediate, same-day results on most diagnostic mammograms. For most women, this means they can leave the Center with peace of mind.
Double-Assurance for Screening Mammograms
The Women’s Imaging Center is the first facility in the region providing digital computer-aided detection (iCAD®) for patients having a screening mammogram. The iCAD® System highlights areas for the radiologists to review. This new technology has been shown to assist the radiologist in identifying suspicious areas. A board certified radiologist then independently reviews each patient’s mammogram, providing the most accurate reading possible.
Breast Ultrasound
Sonography, or ultrasound, is an imaging method that uses sound waves. This is available for patients who are referred by their physicians. Following a diagnostic mammogram, the radiologist may request an ultrasound of the breast to fully evaluate an abnormality identified on a mammogram. The sonogram can be performed before you leave the Center, avoiding unnecessary delay.
Additional Breast Diagnostic Services
Breast MRI
Breast MRI, offered at Community Medical Center, is a non-invasive procedure
used to evaluate the breast, providing a comprehensive picture from top
to bottom and front to back, as well as the chest wall and surrounding
tissues. MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to scan a
woman’s breasts.
The images are unlike those provided by conventional x-rays or ultrasound.
Breast MRI does not replace routine screening techniques, such as mammography,
breast self-exams or clinical breast exams performed by your physician.
It may be used for evaluating high-risk patients, patients who have a
strong family history or genetic history (BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes) or breast
disease, or to rule out abnormalities after conventional mammography or
ultrasound prove to be inconclusive. In the case where breast cancer has
already been diagnosed, Breast MRI may be used for further evaluation
of the other breast and to assess treatment. Your physician will determine
if Breast MRI is appropriate for you.
Ultrasound, Stereotactic (X-Ray) or MRI Guided Core Biopsy
These procedures can enable the radiologist to obtain a sample of tissue
from the breast without making a surgical incision. Depending upon the
patient’s needs, ultrasound, x-ray or MRI technology guide the radiologist
in locating the area that needs to be biopsied. A needle is used to extract
the sample. Stereotactic and MRI Guided Core Biopsies are performed in
the Radiology Department at Community Medical Center, while Ultrasound
is performed both at the hospital and the Women’s Imaging Center.
Breast Cyst Aspiration with Ultrasound Guidance
With the use of ultrasound, the radiologist can accurately pinpoint breast
cysts and aspirate them for further evaluation.
Breast Needle Localization
If it is determined that surgical biopsy is needed, a breast needle localization
procedure may be performed prior to surgery. Through the use of mammography
or ultrasound, the radiologist is able to pinpoint the exact location
within the breast where the biopsy needs to be performed.
When the precise area is determined, the radiologist will insert a small
wire to assist the surgeon in identifying the abnormal site.
Breast needle localization is performed in the Radiology Department at
Community Medical Center.
Additional Ultrasound Services
The Women’s Imaging Center offers a complete program of high-resolution ultrasound scanning utilizing advanced techniques which represent the cutting edge of ultrasound technology.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound enables physicians to evaluate organs of the upper abdomen including the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and vessels.
Gynecologic Ultrasound
Gynecologic ultrasound evaluates pelvic organs, focusing mainly on the
uterus and ovaries.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Obstetrical ultrasound evaluates fetal growth and helps detect fetal abnormalities during pregnancy. It can be performed during the first, second or third trimester.
Additional ultrasound services are available through the Community Medical Center Radiology Department.
Osteoporosis Screening/Follow-Up Services
When Should I have a DXA Scan? Osteoporosis Detection Recommendations
Often known as the silent disease, osteoporosis can go undetected until
a broken bone appears. Early detection and treatment are invaluable in
helping those with osteoporosis to stay as active as possible. Bone density
testing is a safe, quick, non-invasive and completely painless procedure
which detects osteoporosis at its earliest stages, when treatment is most
effective. The current recommendation is for women to be screened by having
a bone density test around the age of menopause, a repeat test every two
years on the same machine is recommended.
Osteoporosis Detection Services
The Women’s Imaging Center at Community Medical Center is equipped with a state-of-the-art DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) machine, the most sophisticated bone imaging technology available. This machine accurately measures bone mass and assesses an individual’s risk for developing osteoporosis and its subsequent fractures. Treatment recommendations from our radiologists are included in each report to the referring doctor.
Qualifications, Staff and Support
Expertise
Many disciplines are needed to implement an effective breast health program.
The Women’s Imaging Center at Community Medical Center is committed
to this team approach and considers each woman a valued and integral member
of her health care team. The Women’s Imaging Center team is composed
of dedicated, board-certified radiologists and highly trained, certified
mammography and
ultrasound technologists.
Education and Support Group Services
Community Medical Center provides many opportunities for individuals interested in learning more about breast health. Ongoing educational lectures, workshops and support groups are offered to the public throughout the year. Emotional support is available to any woman who comes to the Women’s Imaging Center.
Accreditations
Our mammography and ultrasound services are accredited by the American College of Radiology. Daily quality control tests are done to monitor the efficiency of all technology equipment.
The Women’s Imaging Center is certified by the Food and Drug Administration as meeting the MQSA standards and is a member of the Breast Center Association.
Related Women’s Services
Women’s Imaging Center
- Digital Mammography
- Breast MRI
- DXA
- Ultra-sound
- Cardiac CT Angiography
J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center
- Therapy for Disorders of the Pelvic Floor
- Lymphedema Therapy
First Moments Maternity Services
For more information or to schedule an appointment:
The Women’s Imaging Center at Community Medical Center offers both early and late appointments for your convenience. Please call 732-557-3363 for more information.
Most insurances, including Medicare, are accepted.
Women’s Imaging Center
368 Lakehurst Road
Suite 102
Toms River, NJ
732-557-3363
Community Medical Center Lab & Women’s Imaging Center
770 Lighthouse Drive, Suite 118A
Barnegat Township, NJ 08805
848-208-6203
Community Medical Center
Department of Radiology
99 Highway 37 West
Toms River, NJ
732-557-8146
The Women’s Imaging Center was generously funded in
part by the Community Medical Center Auxillary Association.