Breast health

When you discover a breast problem, we understand you may have many questions. As you seek answers. we want your appointment to be as comfortable as possible.

For more information about our services, please call our Women's Imaging Center at (703) 639-9448.

Our amenities

Our center offers the following services and amenities:

• An expert, caring staff — Our specially trained physicians, technologists and office staff strive to make your imaging appointment a positive experience. Our dedicated breast care nurse navigators assist you through every stage of diagnosis and treatment, providing support and coordinating care with other hospital departments as needed.
• Comprehensive services — We offer a full range of tests for women's health, including mammography, ultrasound and bone density testing, all under one roof.
• Superior comfort in a peaceful setting — Our waiting area includes comfortable furniture, a complimentary coffee bar, a TV, a children's play space and other amenities to help you feel relaxed.
• Convenient scheduling — We schedule your procedure as soon as possible and at a time that works best for you, even if it's on a Saturday.

Breast mammograms

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of your breasts used to detect breast cancer. The detailed X-rays make it possible for our specialists to see changes in breast tissue undetected by manual exams. The detailed X-rays allow our specialists to see changes in breast tissue that have not become noticeable.

Our breast imaging center is proud to offer 3D mammography (also known as tomosynthesis) for breast cancer detection. A 3D mammogram consists of multiple breast images taken in just seconds to produce a 3D image.

Your radiologist looks through the breast tissue one thin layer at a time, similar to looking through the pages of a book. The fine details of the breast tissue are more visible in the 3D images, making it easier to detect abnormalities sooner.

Breast density tests

Breast tissue comprises a mixture of tissue types, including fibrous, glandular and fatty tissues. Fibrous and glandular tissues appear white on women's mammograms, while fatty tissue appears black. Your breasts are considered dense if you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue but not much fatty tissue.

Your radiologist can determine if you have dense breast tissue, making it more difficult to spot cancer. If you have dense breasts, talk to your doctor about whether additional screening methods are suitable.

Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound to form images allowing evaluation of lumps that are felt but may not show in a mammogram. Our center also offers 4D ultrasounds which create moving images of breast to help evaluate tissue movement. If you are 30 years old or younger, your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound before a mammogram.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Breast MRI uses powerful magnet technology (not radiation) and 3D techniques. It looks deeper into the breast to find abnormalities that might not be visible through other types of exams.

Breast MRIs may be used to:

• Screen women who are at risk for developing breast cancer
• Determine if silicone breast implants have ruptured
• Evaluate a tumor after a breast cancer diagnosis
• Evaluate an abnormality found on a mammogram

A breast MRI is not a replacement for a mammogram, which is still the best tool for breast health screenings.

Breast biopsies

Biopsy procedures allow physicians to obtain breast tissue for further testing. The procedure is usually completed after a mammogram or ultrasound discovers a suspicious area. We offer several types of breast biopsies, including:

• Core-needle
• Fine-needle aspiration
• Stereotactic breast biopsy

We understand that getting mammogram results and follow-up tests can be an overwhelming experience. That is why our breast care navigators are here to support you if your screening results are abnormal.

Members of our team will be available to answer your questions and provide results as quickly as possible. If we find signs of breast cancer, our breast care team will work with you throughout your journey, follow-up tests, and, if needed, treatment and recovery. We also offer specialized cancer care, cancer support groups and other resources.