White Plains Hospital provides high-quality imaging services, including breast imaging, to women in our community. Our board-certified radiologists and their team of specialists conduct breast health exams, breast MRIs, mammograms, breast and pelvic ultrasound tests and breast and thyroid biopsies. These technologically advanced breast imaging procedures and tests provide patients with the most accurate clinical information, aiding physicians in making diagnoses and treatment plans.
White Plains Hospital has three easily accessible Women's Imaging Departments, each offering the latest advanced technology, such as 3-D mammography, ultrasound and breast MRI. Extended hours, including early morning and evenings, are available, as are urgent same-day appointments.
Our dedicated Women's Imaging Department specializes in screening for, diagnosing, and treating a variety of medical conditions specifically for women.
We focus on several different areas:
- Breast health
- Benign breast lumps
- Cysts
- High-risk conditions.
- Bone health
- Bone fractures
- Osteoporosis/osteopenia
- Arthritis (severe rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis)
- Cancer
- Gynecologic conditions
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
Available tests and procedures
A breast imaging x-ray test used to screen for breast problems and to screen for, or detect, breast cancer. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before they can be felt by a woman or her health professional. Cancer is most easily treated and cured when discovered early, and regular mammograms can improve a woman's chance for a better health outcome.
A new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection for women with dense breast tissue and/or higher risk of developing disease. During the 3-D part of the exam, the x-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. Then a computer produces a 3-D image of the breast tissue in one-millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast tissue in greater detail and reduce the need for follow-up imaging.
This is most often used to provide additional screening for women at higher risk, with significant family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. MRI provides a very detailed exam of the breast MRI, acquiring approximately 1,000 images at a time. Breast MRI is also sometimes used in women to evaluate problem areas found on mammography, or to further evaluate the breasts in a women who is about to undergo breast surgery.
Ultrasound testing uses sound waves to make a picture of the tissue inside the breast or pelvis. A breast ultrasound (or MRI) can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which is hard to study with a mammogram. Breast ultrasound in addition to mammography is now recommended in New York state for all women with dense breast tissue. A pelvic ultrasound makes pictures of the organs and structures in the lower abdomen, which can be used to study the bladder, ovaries, uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes.
These remove a sample of tissue to check for cancer. A breast biopsy is usually done to check a lump found during a breast exam or a suspicious area found on a mammogram or ultrasound. These procedures take just a few minutes to perform and are essentially painless. The Hospital offers stereotactic breast biopsy, a fast and minimally invasive way to obtain these tissue samples. Thyroid biopsies are performed to find the cause of an abnormality found in the thyroid gland during a physical examination or one found during a thyroid ultrasound or radioactive thyroid scan.
3-D mammograms FAQs
3-D mammography is a new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2-D digital mammogram.
During the 3-D part of the exam, the x-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple breast images. Then a computer produces a 3-D image of the breast tissue in one-millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible.
The additional 3-D images make it possible for a radiologist to gain a better understanding of the breast tissue during a screening and the confidence to reduce the need for follow-up imaging.
With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing the all the complexities of the breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes, patches of breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area.
By looking at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In this way, 3-D mammography finds cancers missed with conventional 2-D mammography. It also means there is less chance the physician will call you back for a “second look,” because now they can see breast tissue more clearly.
A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes, the radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images, which is called a diagnostic mammogram, to further evaluate an unclear area in your breast. Your doctor also may order a diagnostic mammogram if you have any symptoms, problems or change in your clinical breast exam.
Very low x-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same amount as a traditional mammogram done on film.
It is approved for all women who undergo a standard mammogram in both the screening and diagnostic settings.
White Plains Hospital has four easily accessible Women's Imaging Departments to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
- White Plains Hospital: 914.681.2929
- Rye Brook: 914.935.0011
- New Rochelle: 914.336.5900
- Armonk: 914.849.7979
The Hospital makes it easier than ever to get a technologically advanced, 3-D mammogram with three of the newest units in Westchester, including our newest location at the new Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery in White Plains. You will find a welcoming and supportive environment at any one of our following convenient locations.
- Women’s Imaging at White Plains Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery: 914.935.0011
- WP Imaging at New Rochelle: 914.336.5900
- WP Hospital Medical & Wellness at Armonk: 914.849.7979
For questions or help scheduling your appointment, you may also call 914.681.1260