IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE | Wednesday, September 22, 2021
IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
REFERRING PHYSICIANS:
We are making every effort to comply with public health and CDC guidelines, which include limiting patient exposure for non-essential services. Please only send patients for urgent imaging services until further notice.
PATIENTS:
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are working to continue providing exceptional care and in doing so may need to reschedule some non-emergent or non-critical procedures and appointments.
All scheduled patients will be screened during appointment confirmation calls.
All scheduled patients will also be screened at their time of check-in.
Please let us know if you have a cough, fever and/or shortness of breath or if you have been in close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the past 10 days. You will be imaged with special procedures to limit your time in the center.
No walk-in patients.
No visitor or companion may come in the center.
Caregivers may assist patients entering the center and then leave during the exam.
Mammography screening is the best method for finding breast cancer in its earliest stages, when cure rates are the highest. It can reveal small tumors up to two years before you or your doctor can feel them during a breast exam. If a tumor or other issue is detected, you may also need a diagnostic mammogram or other breast-imaging to pinpoint the cause.
At Novant Health | UVA Health System, our skilled technologists have advanced training in breast imaging and are certified in mammography. We are accredited by the American College of Radiology.
We use advanced digital mammography to produce images on a high resolution computer monitor. Because the technologist can view these images immediately, we’re able to reduce the amount of time you spend in the imaging suite and lessen the need for retakes. And these images can be brightened and magnified to highlight specific areas for further examination.
We offer both screening and diagnostic mammograms:
- Screening mammograms help us find unsuspected changes in your breast tissue
- Diagnostic mammograms are performed if we find a change in your breast tissue with a screening mammogram or if you have had a previous breast cancer diagnosis
- 3-D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) produces three-dimensional images of the breast, leading to better cancer screening and detection.
These tests use low-level X-rays, which are the best screening methods for the detection of abnormalities in your breasts.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 40 and older have annual screening mammograms to detect breast cancer, even when no symptoms are present.
For your safety
Tell your physician or the technologist performing the exam if there is any possibility that you are pregnant. Your doctor may postpone the exam to reduce the possible risk of exposing your baby to radiation.
Preparing for a mammogram
- Do not use deodorant, powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts before having a mammogram
- Wear a blouse or top that is easy to remove
- You will be asked to complete a series of questions about your medical history
- Tell your technologist if you have breast implants
What to expect during a mammogram
During your mammogram, your breasts will be gently but firmly compressed to provide a clear picture. This can be uncomfortable for some patients, but the test does not last very long. After your mammogram you may have some skin discoloration due to the compression. This is temporary and normal.
Results
A radiologist will review your exam images and report the findings to your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the findings and next steps with you.
