Hospital offers state-of-the-art stereotactic breast surgery

WARWICK - In addition to the latest digital imaging technology for mammography screening, the St. Anthony Community Hospital Women’s Imaging Center is equipped to perform Stereotactic Breast Biopsy. Using a device called the “Mammotome,” along with digital x-rays and a computer monitor, the physician is able to guide a biopsy needle to the exact coordinates of the lesion thereby minimizing the surgical procedure. “Stereotactic Breast Biopsy,” said Dr. Clara Chudow, director of radiology, “is performed on an outpatient basis using a local anaesthetic and spares most women the discomfort and scarring associated with surgical breast biopsy.” The Women’s Imaging Center is located on Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Warwick. The staff consists of a specially trained team of experienced board-certified radiologists as well as mammography technicians with advanced certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. October was National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for more than 20 years, the program has educated women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. National continues reaching out to women with several key messages, most notably, the importance of early detection through annual mammography screening for women over 40, or earlier for women at increased risk. “We encourage all women over 40 to come to our Women’s Imaging Center for an annual mammography screening,” said Leah Cerkvenik, vice president/administrator. For more information, visit the hospital’s Web site at www.StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org. (Photos provided by St. Anthony Community Hospital)