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Women’s Imaging

Elevated Women’s Imaging Services

Women's wellness is important. Our caring staff uses the latest technology to provide comprehensive care from screening to diagnostic breast exams and biopsies. In addition, every breast study performed at our location is interpreted by sub-specialized breast radiologists at UVA Health. Their expertise and sole dedication to breast imaging means you can trust the results you receive.

We are an outpatient provider and a Certified Mammography Facility through the FDA with accreditations in Mammography and Breast Ultrasound. Our highly trained team of technologists works in collaboration with the UVA Health radiologists and our breast nurse navigator to offer a comprehensive approach for your imaging needs that you won't find anywhere else in the region. Our center is conveniently located in downtown Culpeper, making it easy for you to maximize your personal health by providing same-day appointments and extended weekend options for breast cancer screening.

Learn More About Women's Imaging Below

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What is a diagnostic 3D mammography exam?

A diagnostic mammogram is performed on the same machine, and in the same manner as a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is performed on patients who have symptoms such as pain, itching, swelling, palpable lump, discharge, etc. A patient whose screening mammogram detects areas of concern will also have additional images performed as a diagnostic mammogram.

In many cases, a diagnostic mammogram may also be used in conjunction with ultrasound to provide greater clarity of the breast tissue.

What is Breast Density?

While dense breast tissue is perfectly normal – affecting approximately 40 percent of the population – breast density cannot be felt and it is not related to breast size or firmness. It can only be seen on a mammogram.

Breast tissue is considered dense if there is a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue and not much fat. Fibrous and glandular tissue looks white on a mammogram, as does a possible tumor. This makes it difficult to tell the difference between a tumor and dense breast tissue on a mammogram.

Women with dense breasts should consider talking with their doctor about additional screening exams such as Fast Breast MRI

What is a breast ultrasound?

In certain cases, an ultrasound of the breast is performed in conjunction with diagnostic mammography. This exam is non-invasive and uses sound waves, rather than radiation, to produce images. The ultrasound technologist will move a wand coated in gel over the breast tissue to further examine areas of concern. The images produced can provide greater clarity in the evaluation of the breast tissue.

What is a breast biopsy?

A breast biopsy is performed to remove cells from a suspicious area and examine them under a microscope. This is done by the radiologist using a minimally invasive image-guided needle biopsy.

  • Ultrasound guided breast biopsy is performed by taking samples of an abnormality using ultrasound guidance.
  • Stereotactic breast biopsy uses a special mammography machine to help guide the needle to the site of the abnormality. Calcifications and architectural distortion indications will utilize this method as they are better seen with x-ray images produced by the mammography machine.

What is a Breast MRI?

A Traditional Breast MRI is an MRI exam of the breasts taking comprehensive images to screen for, diagnose, and monitor breast cancer. This exam may be used to assess extent of disease in a woman with a newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Traditional breast MRI is also recommended for the following:

  • Recommended as a screening exam in women at HIGH lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. This includes women with a known genetic mutation, a history of radiation to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30, or a calculated lifetime risk of breast cancer greater than 20%.
  • Used to assess breast implant integrity.
  • May be recommended by the radiologist to assess an ongoing breast problem not identified with a mammogram and/or ultrasound.
  • Under these diagnostic conditions, this procedure is typically authorized by insurance.

What is a Fast Breast MRI?

A Fast Breast MRI is an MRI exam of the breasts taking key images that require less time than a traditional MRI. This exam can find breast cancers which may not be found with mammography and/or ultrasound alone. Women with dense breasts and intermediate risk of breast cancer can use this exam in conjunction with a screening mammogram. The Fast Breast MRI exam is useful in all breast densities but most helpful in heterogeneously & extremely dense breasts. A Fast Breast MRI finds 200-300% more breast cancers than mammography alone in patients with the described risk factors.

Fast Breast MRI is also recommended for the following:

  • Women with an INTERMEDIATE (above average) lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Women with implants to screen the breasts for cancer, not to assess implant integrity.
  • Women who have been previously treated for breast cancer, if at least 1 year out from treatment. Many women with a personal history of breast cancer are at INTERMEDIATE risk for a future breast cancer.
  • This exam also requires an order from your provider, but will not typically be authorized by insurance, so a self-pay rate is offered.

We are proud to be the first to offer Fast Breast MRI in an outpatient setting to the Culpeper community and surrounding area.

Watch To Learn More

In addition to breast exams, many women may also benefit from a screening bone density exam. Bone loss can be caused by inherent traits, lifestyle choices and by certain health conditions or medications that are taken. Learn more about bone density exams.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Carrie Rochman discusses Fast Breast MRI as a useful tool for screening woman at average risks with dense breasts.

 

Watch to learn more about the Fast Breast MRI experience and how to know if this exam is right for you.

 

 

 

 

 

What you should know

Answers to frequently asked questions.

The decision to have a mammogram is a personal one and is dependent upon age, family history, the density of breast tissue, and discussion with your physician. Ultimately – it’s your decision – you do not need a recommendation from a physician for a screening mammogram. In terms of age, research clearly shows that annual mammography and breast cancer screen should start at age 40 and it is strongly correlated with significant improvement in survival rates of breast cancer.

We understand that the cost of a breast cancer screening exam can be a concern. We believe that price transparency is important so you can be prepared for your financial obligations, if any. Most insurers cover standard screening mammograms at no additional cost to the patient. If you elect to have a 3D mammogram for breast cancer screening rather than a standard digital exam, there may be an additional charge depending upon your insurance. To learn more about what your exam may cost, please click here.

The radiologist will review the Mammogram and provide a diagnostic report that will be sent directly to your provider. The report of your breast cancer screening is typically available to your provider within 24 hours. Many providers plan scheduled time to discuss results with their patients so you could check with their office to see when they will be available to review the information with you.

Prep for your exam

Please wear no deodorant, lotions, or powders. Please wear an outfit with a seperate top and bottom.

Forms

If you have any questions about your visit, please contact the imaging center at 540-321-3190.

Please review and fill out (where applicable) the following forms before your visit.

Mammography History Form

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