Appointments: (703) 670-1724 or (540) 659-1800, Ext. 1724
Potomac Hospital is proud to be one of the first facilities in Northern Virginia to offer digital mammography (also known as full-field digital mammography or FFDM).
Women’s Imaging at Potomac Hospital is performed on state-of-the-art equipment and includes:
- digital routine screening and diagnostic mammograms,
- diagnostic biopsies (before surgeries),
- stereotactic breast biopsies,
- MRI breast imaging
- ultrasound, and
- bone densitometry (measures bone health and screens for osteoporosis).
Potomac Hospital is an officially approved MQSA facility. The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) is a federal law that regulates all mammography facilities validated by inspectors to assure that a facility meets all quality standards under governance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To meet these standards, this act requires regular testing and maintenance of mammography equipment.
The MQSA also ensures that the people involved in your care are trained to provide high quality exams and must maintain annual continuing education so that they remain up to date on the latest mammography technology.
- Our mammography technologists are certified in mammography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Our radiologists are board certified and have completed specialty training in either mammography or ultrasound.
- The medical physicist who inspects and tests the equipment.
For more information, please use the links below.
Facts about breast cancer
Breast cancer (along with skin cancer) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among American females. Over the last 45 years, rates have risen from 1 in 20 in 1960 to 1 in 8 today. Breast cancer risk increases with family history, especially if the cancer occurred before menopause. However, 85% of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Mammography screenings among women aged 40 and older can reduce deaths due to breast cancer by 16%.
Breast cancer is not exclusively a woman’s disease. It occurs in men as well but is 100 times less common than in women. Men may need a mammogram if they have a lump in the breast area or increased breast size.
Why and when should I get a mammogram?
The American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society recommend having annual mammograms starting at age 40. A baseline study may be suggested at age 35 particularly for women who have a strong family history of breast cancer.
Your doctor may order a mammogram if (1) a lump is felt on a physical examination (2) if noticeable changes to the skin occur, (3) if nipple retraction occurs suddenly, or (4) if nipple discharge is present in non-lactating females.
Technology Definitions:
What is Soft Pad mammography?
Potomac Hospital is one of the few facilities in Northern Virginia to use the Soft Pad. A mammogram requires compression of the breast tissue to eliminate unwanted motion, to separate overlapping structures, and to improve image detail and quality. At Potomac Hospital, the technologist places a soft foam pad on the machine to reduce discomfort and make the machine feel warmer.
Digital versus Analog imaging technology
Potomac Hospital uses digital technology for its mammography procedures. Digital mammography is the newest technique for mammography and offers advantages over analog (film) mammography by improving contrast, resolution, and record more detail. This is accomplished by using a special detector instead of film. This computerized image can be manipulated in numerous ways such as altering the contrast and brightness, magnifying an area to enhance detail, and print original quality images. This makes digital mammography superior to analog imaging. From the patient’s experience, this enhanced imaging is acquired the same way as analog images are acquired.
In comparison, images recorded on film are referred to as analog. These images are permanent and unchangeable. Analog imaging suffers specific limitations in its ability to detect some cancers especially when it comes to imaging dense breast tissue.
What is Computer Aided Detection (CAD)?
Digital mammograms at Potomac Hospital are reviewed by the radiologists and Computer Aided Detection (CAD) to evaluate images for irregular densities or calcifications.
CAD evaluates each image in segments, breaking the information down into more manageable pieces. It is designed to assist radiologists in identifying suspicious features such as calcifications, spiculations, roughness, and shape.
How do I prepare for my mammogram?
Before your mammogram:
- A doctor’s prescription is required for a mammogram. Click here for information on making an appointment.
- If your breasts are very tender during your menstrual period, you should avoid scheduling a mammogram at this time. The best time to schedule a mammography appointment is usually the week following your period.
On the day of your appointment:
- Be sure to bring your prescription to your appointment.
- Bring with you any previous mammograms that were done at another facility.
- Inform the technologist before your mammogram (or other radiologic examination) if you think you may be pregnant.
- If possible, wear two-piece clothing (such as a shirt and pants or a shirt and skirt). You can wear pants or a skirt during the exam. We will provide a gown to wear on top.
- Do not wear deodorant, lotions, or powder.
How will I find out about the exam results?
On the day of your examination, a radiologist will review the images and any outside films you bring with you from another facility. After a thorough evaluation, a report will be sent to your doctor, and a letter will be sent directly to you explaining the results.
MRI Breast Imaging
Recent studies have shown that MRI can be useful in detecting cancers in young patients, those with dense tissues, and BRCA ½ gene mutations. This procedure is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but a supplemental exam for detecting breast abnormalities. It can be useful with difficult mammography findings, for patients with cancer, and for the evaluation of breast implants.
MRI of the breast may be performed to evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography, determine the integrity of breast implants, and distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent tumors. It can also be used to evaluate multiple tumor locations and determine whether cancer has spread. It can also help physicians evaluate the effect of chemotherapy and provide additional information on a diseased breast to make treatment decisions.
More about the mammography exam
A routine “screening mammogram” typically consists of four different pictures. Each breast is imaged from top to bottom and side-to-side. Patients with implants require at least eight pictures.
The technologist will position the breast between a detector and a flexible compression paddle. If all tissue is not imaged, additional pictures may be required for completeness.
Exams are considered “diagnostic mammograms” if there is a lump, nipple discharge, previous breast cancer, or any area you and your doctor consider worrisome. Standard views are performed and the radiologist reviews them while you are present in the department.
The radiologist may ask for spot compression, magnification views, and/or a sonogram to further evaluate an abnormal area.
Thank you for choosing Potomac Hospital for your mammogram. We look forward to serving you for your healthcare needs.
Other websites and resources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography)
Provides information for mammography facility personnel, inspectors, and consumers about the implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA).
FDA’s Office of Women’s Health (www.fda.gov/womens/default.htm)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Office of Women's Health (OWH) serves as a champion for women's health both within and outside the agency. The website provides valuable information for consumers on a variety of health topics, including mammography and breast implants.
Biolucent.com (www.biolucent.com/mammo/index.html)
For information about “soft” mammography and the Mammopad soft foam cushion.
R2Tech.com (www.r2tech.com/mammography/home/index.php)
Provides more information about Computer Aided Detection (CAD) technology
BreastBiopsy.com (www.breastbiopsy.com)
Provides information about minimally invasive breast biopsy for breast cancer diagnosis using the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System.
