Center for Breast Health - Columbia Memorial Health

Caring For You

Patients will find the complete suite of screening and diagnostic services at the Columbia Memorial Health Center for Breast Health, including screening and diagnostic 3D mammography, diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound guided biopsy, and stereotactic breast biopsy. The center’s dedicated team of multidisciplinary providers includes a surgical specialist, radiologist, mammographer, certified technologists, sonographers, and a patient navigator.

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About The Center

The Center provides private rooms that feature confidential examination, dressing, and counseling areas, and 3D technology paired with excellent patient care to serve women’s breast health needs. All services are offered in one convenient location in the lower level of the Columbia Memorial Health Medical Office Building.

Patient care is directed by a Patient Navigator for Breast Health who can empower women to be active partners in their care. She will be there every step along the way to eliminate barriers to timely breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. As a personal patient advocate, she will provide clinical and emotional support tailored to each patient’s needs.

As the only provider of breast cancer screening services in Columbia and Greene Counties— performing approximately 10,000 breast imaging exams each year—breast health has long been a top priority for Columbia Memorial Health and the Albany Med Health System. By combining screening and diagnostic services and a dedicated team of breast health providers in one location, the Center for Breast Health is adopting a leading national model of comprehensive and integrated breast care.

3D Mammography

Imaging technology generates a three-dimensional picture of the breast, giving physicians a more detailed view and accurate assessment of breast tissue. Studies show screening with 3D mammography improves cancer detection, especially in women with dense breast tissue.

Stereotactic Biopsy

A breast biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of breast tissue for testing. Breast biopsies can be performed in a number of techniques and your doctor will determine the best biopsy procedure for you.

3D Breast Biopsy technology allows physicians to precisely sample abnormalities identified on breast imaging. Using the 3D guidance, the physician will advance a needle to the site of the abnormality and remove tissue samples for evaluation.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

Ultrasound guided biopsy allows the physician to sample abnormalities identified on breast imaging exams. Using the ultrasound guidance, the physician will advance a needle to the site of the abnormality and remove tissue samples for evaluation.

Needle Localization

If you are having a surgical biopsy, imaging technology may be used before the procedure to help guide surgeons to the breast abnormality. Before your procedure, a radiologist will take an image of your breast, numb the area and then guide a needle and wire to the abnormality. The wire stays in place until the abnormality is removed during surgical biopsy.

Lymphoscintigraphy

If you are having a surgical biopsy, you may also have a lymphoscintigraphy. Also called sentinel node mapping, this imaging procedure uses a specialized dye to see which lymph nodes may be affected by breast cancer cells.

Bone Density Exam

This exam screens for early detection of osteoporosis. Unlike typical X-ray, radiation exposure during bone densitometry is extremely low. The entire process takes minutes to complete and does not involve injections or invasive procedures.

Ultrasound & MRI

Breast ultrasound is used often used in addition to mammography. Women with dense breasts may benefit from a breast MRI in addition to mammography. Breast MRIs provide more detailed images of breasts. Breast MRI is a supplemental tool especially important for women at high risk for breast cancer.