Breast cancer is a scary diagnosis, not matter your age or stage of life. However, major advances in the detection and treatment of breast cancer have forever changed the landscape of this disease.
Fast Access
The minute you feel a lump, or are told you may have one, you want to talk to someone. We offer convenient scheduling via the internet or over the phone. You will be able to make an appointment with one of our breast surgeons and also talk to one of our breast patient navigators.
Breast Cancer Patient Navigator
We know how important the right people are to your treatment. That’s why we offer a Patient Navigator to our breast cancer patients. We have eight Oncology Certified Nurses on staff, including our Patient Navigator, who can help you find the right treatments, help you with your appointments and talk to you about your questions and concerns.
Breast Imaging
Sentara Northern Virginia Comprehensive Breast Center, which has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR), includes three locations:
Designed with the unique needs of women in mind to ensure comfort and privacy, Sentara offers breast imaging expertise. We’ll provide you and your doctor with timely access to screening and diagnostic services, test results, and consultations.
• Digital Mammography with Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) – Provides rapid, high-resolution images with less radiation than analog mammography. The digital mammogram images can easily be transferred to another location or to your healthcare practitioner. CAD assists the radiologist with examining each mammogram for suspicious calcifications and masses, adding another interpretive component to each study.
• Breast MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an integral tool for monitoring and managing breast cancer patients and evaluating high-risk patients, breast implants, and indeterminate mammogram and ultrasound findings.
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy – This minimally invasive procedure is often performed after suspicious findings are seen on a mammogram. Using highly precise digital images, a radiologist or surgeon guides a needle to the abnormal area and removes tissue for examination by a pathologist.
• High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound – Helpful for evaluating breast abnormalities and investigating abnormal MRI findings.
• Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy – This alternative to surgical biopsy is performed when a mass is seen on an ultrasound. Using ultrasound to guide the needle, a radiologist extracts tissue that can then be examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist.
Screening mammograms or other breast imaging services can be scheduled by calling (703) 523-1560 or online. A physician’s referral is not required for an annual screening mammogram.
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