| (631) 726-8466 | Information |
| (631) 396-6400 | Scheduling for Breast Imaging/Mammography, East Hampton, Hampton Bays and Southampton |
| (631) 726-8400 | Edna Kapenhas, MD, Medical Director |
| (631) 726-8402 | Oncology Nurse |
| (631) 726-8715 | Community Outreach |
The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center is proud to be designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Learn more about ACR accreditation. The Center offers a wide spectrum of breast health services, including education, early detection screenings and breast cancer treatment and support. The Center utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, including computer-assisted mammography, ultrasound and a breast biopsy system that locates breast abnormalities and obtains tissue samples.
Breast cancer is a mind-numbing experience, not only for each patient, but for their families and friends. In a time of tremendous stress, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Ellen Hermanson Breast Center offers a comprehensive patient-centric approach. Under the leadership of our fellowship-trained breast surgeon Dr. Edna Kapenhas, the Center includes Board-certified radiologists, pathologist, oncology nurse, radiology nurses, patient navigator, and certified technologists.
Satellite diagnostic services are also located in East Hampton and Hampton Bays.
Patient Stories
At the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center, every cancer patient’s journey is a testament to strength, hope, and the compassionate care provided by our dedicated team. These stories highlight the courage of our patients and their families, as well as the expertise and commitment of the healthcare professionals who support them throughout their cancer journey. Explore these inspiring stories to learn how we strive to provide exceptional cancer care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families every day.
Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too: John’s Story
For lifelong Riverhead resident, John Weiss, he knew breast cancer was a part of his family's history, but he never knew it could also be a warning about his own cancer risk.
A Breast Cancer Journey Rooted in Compassionate, Community Care: Melanie’s Story
For 43-year-old Remsenburg resident Melanie Lippman, making time for her annual mammogram turned out to be one of the most important decisions she could make for her health.
Connected Care from Diagnosis to Treatment: Erin’s Story
What began with concerns about a breast lump after two spinal fractures led Hampton Bays resident Erin to the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center, where she began a life-changing journey.
How a Mole Check-up Led to Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Jacquelyn’s Story
After a routine visit to her dermatologist led to a biopsy of suspicious lumps, longtime East Hampton resident, Jacquelyn Little, was referred to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Ellen Hermanson Breast Center
Learn From Our Experts
State-of-the-Art Technology for Timely Diagnosis and Treatment
The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center is fortunate to have the technology necessary for early detection and treatment:
Digital Mammography with Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography): The best screening tool for the early detection of breast abnormalities. A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded the addition of Tomosynthesis™ to digital mammography was associated with a decrease in recall rate and an increase in cancer detection rate.- High-Resolution Ultrasound: Used in conjunction with a palpable mass or questionable mammography to complete the diagnosis
- Hologic Affirm Prone Breast Biopsy System: The Affirm Prone Breast Biopsy System delivers faster, more comfortable procedures by increasing automation, providing superior imaging, and giving 360-degree access to the breast, creating a better experience for patients and providers. With high-quality 2D or 3D Tomosynthesis™ imaging and a field of view that is more than 6.5 times larger than older generations of prone biopsy systems, clinicians can visualize more tissue and pinpoint subtle lesions and faint calcifications that may not be visible on older systems.
- Breast MRI: Our technology uses the latest software available
- Ultrasound guided biopsies: Minimally invasive, used diagnostically in cases of a positive or suspicious finding
- Stereotactic Biopsy: Used diagnostically in the case of a positive or suspicious finding
- MRI Biopsy: Another diagnostic tool in cases of a positive or suspicious finding
- Nuclear Imaging
Your Results
One of our Board-certified radiologists will review your images quickly and convey the results to your physician, who will contact you directly. Our radiologist will review any films from previous tests to compare them against the current images. Following the interpretation of your mammogram, you will receive a letter explaining your results and recommending when you should return to the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center for your next examination. Results for patients having a breast biopsy require the pathologist to review pathology specimens and provide a report prior. This can take up to one week.
Surgical Consultation
We welcome referrals from physicians or you may call us directly to schedule an appointment. When you arrive, you will be greeted by a receptionist who will assist you with registration and a nurse will review your complete medical history. A clinical breast exam will be performed by Dr. Kapenhas. Working with the Board-certified radiologists, Dr. Kapenhas will discuss recommendations.
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital uses the latest screening and diagnostic imaging technologies including full-field digital mammography with Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with CAD. These images become a part of a patient’s electronic medical record. When indicated, advance minimally invasive diagnostic procedures are performed including stereotactic, ultrasound and MRI guided core biopsy, vacuum assisted core biopsy and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Surgical options include: excisional biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, prophylactic mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, sentinel node biopsy, and axillary node dissection.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early breast cancer rarely has symptoms. Self-examination, an annual clinical examination and, depending on your age and family history, an annual mammogram are key to detecting breast cancer as early as possible. While most breast changes are not cancerous, it’s important to have them evaluated promptly. If you discover a lump or any of the other warning signs of breast cancer, especially if the changes persist after one menstrual cycle or they change the appearance of your breast, see your doctor immediately. If you’ve been treated for breast cancer in the past, report any new signs or symptoms right away. Symptoms may include:
- A lump in the breast or a lump in the armpit that is hard and often does not hurt
- Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple (redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange)
- Fluid coming from the nipple
In the event of a breast cancer diagnosis, and once definitive surgery has been completed, the patient may be referred to a medical and/or radiation oncologist for further treatment.
Integrative Approach
Patients requiring a breast biopsy or breast surgery can take advantage of the complimentary service of Reiki (a relaxation technique to reduce stress) and/or guided imagery.
In addition, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Ed & Phyllis Davis Wellness Institute offers our patients a balanced approach to managing pain, symptoms and stress related to illness. Our Mind/Body Cancer Support program will teach you how stress triggers physical and emotional responses. You’ll learn to foster new behaviors and attitudes that encourage healing and self-care techniques such as relaxation, visualization and cognitive behavioral strategies. Better nutritional management and appropriate exercise will also be recommended. These tools will allow you to take a more active role in your healthcare and will help you cope with the side effects of treatment. For more information, call (631) 726-8800.
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Community Partnership (EHFCP), which unites Ellen Hermanson Foundation grant recipients in providing local women with free routine breast screenings regardless of immigration status, if they have no insurance or cannot pay. For patients with a diagnosis of breast and gynecological cancer, the EHFCP help facilitate access to quality medical care, support services, resources, and counseling through the partners' licensed social workers, community outreach coordinators/advocates and nurse practitioners. Members of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Community Partners include The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center; The Ellen Hermanson Foundation; OLA of Eastern Long Island; The Retreat; Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's Ellen Hermanson Breast Center; Stony Brook Medicine's Phillips Family Cancer Center and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Shinnecock Health Center. The partners meet monthly to exchange information and updates about emerging and existing community and hospital programs and services to support those in need throughout the East End's many diverse communities.
Coalition for Women's Cancers
Lucia's Angels
Ellen Hermanson Breast Center Naming Opportunities