Screening Mammography

Screening Mammograms are recommended annually for women beginning at the age of 40. A Mammogram may be recommended for women under 40 if they have a history of breast cancer in their family or are at risk for developing it. Screening Mammograms allow women to discover breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.

If this is your first Mammogram, you may not be sure what to expect. Not to worry, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Do not wear any deodorant, perfume or powder on the day of your Mammogram, as it may show up on the Mammogram image. Before your Mammogram, we will ask you to undress above the waist and will provide a gown that opens in the front. The Technologist will position your breast in the machine in the proper positions. An upper plate will come down on your breast to compress and even out the tissue while images are taken. You may feel some discomfort with the compression, but this only takes a few seconds. At least two views of each breast will be taken: from the top and the side. However, additional views are sometimes needed after the Radiologist has interpreted the exam.

Inconclusive results may occasionally require a patient to return for additional views, or special techniques such as magnification. If this happens to you, there is no reason to be alarmed. This is very common and our breast imaging staff is here to assist you in scheduling a convenient appointment as quickly as possible. If you need to return for an additional evaluation of a finding from your Screening Mammogram, you will be given the results of the extra views before you leave the office.

At Fairfax Radiology, Digital Mammography with Computer Aided Detection (CAD) is our primary imaging technique. Computer Aided Detection is used as an interpretive aid during the image review process. The CAD software analyzes the image and identifies areas of interest that the Radiologist will evaluate before issuing a final report.

Most insurance plans cover the cost of Screening Mammograms without copayments or deductibles, but be sure to contact your health insurance company for confirmation of the cost and coverage.

Contact our Scheduling Department for an appointment:

Phone: 703.698.4488 Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm

Fax: 703.698.0864

Or click here to make an appointment request

Please have your written physician order and your insurance card in hand when making your appointment.

For your convenience, appointments are available mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends at the locations listed below. Click on the link for hours and information about each location.