Breast Imaging Center
From mammography screening to breast cancer diagnosis, the Emory Breast Imaging Center provides compassionate care using state-of-the-art imaging technology and biopsy methods.
Under the leadership of Michael Cohen, MD, the Breast Imaging Center offers the expertise of board-certified radiologists experienced in mammography and breast imaging procedures. Our breast radiologists direct mammography examinations, perform breast ultrasounds, interpret MRI's and conduct interventional procedures. Our promise to our patients is high-quality care with a personal touch.
To schedule an appointment, call (404) 778-PINK (7465).
Preparing For Your Procedure
First-time patients are requested to bring to their appointment any previous mammograms that have been performed elsewhere. This facilitates our ability to review changes in the breast and provide final results as quickly as possible. Patients can expedite the process of the first visit by filling out the necessary patient information from in advance of the appointment. Please click on the form below, print and fill out the form and bring to your appointment.
If you are a referring physician wishing to speak with one of our breast radiologists please visit our Refer a patient page.
Breast Imaging Services
The Emory Breast Imaging Center offers a variety of diagnostic options that include second opinions. The following procedures may be needed as determined by your radiologist.
Mammography uses an X-ray to detect early breast cancers. While under compression the breasts are imaged in multiple planes. Compression of the breasts helps to show subtle abnormalities and decreases the dose of radiation to the breasts. Check out our mammogram information page for more information on screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.
Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the breast to visualize breast cysts, nodules or lymph nodes. Although breast ultrasound is an excellent focused breast exam, it is not appropriate for screening and cannot be substituted for mammography.
Usually diagnosed with ultrasound, cysts are fluid collections in the breast. Occasionally, if a cyst is very large or painful, aspiration of the cyst is requested. Following administration of local anesthesia a small needle is used to drain fluid from the cyst. The procedure takes about 10 minutes.
Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration uses ultrasound to locate a problem area, followed by insertion of a small-gauge needle to area to withdraw cells for pathologic evaluation.
An ultrasound-guided core biopsy is another method of sampling abnormal breast tissue. Following the administration of local anesthesia a small needle is placed in the abnormal tissue and several samples of tissue are removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The procedure usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes.
A stereotactic core biopsy is an outpatient procedure used to sample abnormal tissue identified on a mammogram. During the procedure, the breast is compressed similar to a mammogram. Following local anesthesia, a small nick is made in the skin of the breast and a needle is inserted to obtain multiple samples of breast tissue for laboratory analysis. The entire procedure takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
A new technology that provides additional information in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound.
Uses magnetic resonance imaging to guide a needle into the breast tissue for sampling.
A ductogram is used to evaluate certain types of nipple discharge. A very tiny catheter is inserted into the duct and contrast is infused into the duct. The contrast helps to identify abnormalities within the duct. Mammographic images of the duct are then obtained. The procedure takes thirty to sixty minutes.
Needle localization is performed prior to breast surgery, needle localization is necessary when the surgeon is unable to feel the breast abnormality. A small needle is placed into the area of abnormality. After the radiologist is certain that the needle is in the correct position, a wire is placed through the needle. Mammographic images are then obtained and sent to the operating room with the patient.
Breast Wire/ Dye Localization
Breast wire/dye localization involves the insertion of wire into a problem area followed by the injection of dye to guide and mark the area for removal.
