MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Women’s imaging services at West Virginia Hospitals-East City Hospital in Martinsburg have moved to a new location within the hospital and expanded to include stereotactic biopsies.
The new Breast Care Center, located next to health information service off the main first floor hallway, is much easier for patients to access. The suite is larger to better accommodate City Hospital’s comprehensive program for the scr
eening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and benign breast disorders.
According to Shelley McClain, Breast Care Center supervisor, services include digital mammography, ultrasound, and a new digital stereotactic unit for minimally invasive breast biopsies. “We are also in the process of installing a new MRI which will be in service on January 3, 2012; shortly thereafter, breast MRI will also be available,” she added.
Stereotactic breast biopsy is a safe, fast and precise way to test breast tissue samples without surgery. The procedure is used when physicians can’t determine if lumps or abnormalities are non-cancerous or cancerous by a physical exam or mammogram, explained John Blanco, MD, radiologist.
“The procedure takes around 60 minutes and patients can return to normal activities shortly thereafter,” stated Blanco. A radiologist uses a mammography machine to guide instruments to a lump or abnormal breast growth. Once the area is found, breast tissue is removed using a needle. Results are normally available to patients within 48 hours, Blanco added.
The expansion of City Hospital’s Breast Care Center to offer stereotactic biopsies and, in the near future, breast MRI eliminates the need for residents to travel out of the area for the procedures, stated Anthony Zelenka, chief administrative officer at City Hospital. “Our ultimate goal is to become an accredited breast center,” Zelenka said, adding that this would be a huge enhancement to the WVUH-East Regional Cancer Program. “We want our patients to know that we’re dedicated to providing the highest level of care when it comes to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.”