Comprehensive breast care
Early detection of cancer increases your treatment options and best possible outcomes.
We bring high-quality breast screening and diagnostic services to the Seacoast Region. If cancer is detected, our teams focus on treating all aspects of your health, including your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Helping you maintain your breast health
Our team of experienced breast health experts will answer your questions and provide results in a timely and caring manner. The technologists work with your radiologist to complete necessary screening and diagnostic procedures.
Features of our breast care center
We offer the highest quality breast care, including: breast imaging center, we diagnose cancers using a full range of modalities and diagnostic tests, such as:
- Breast density evaluations
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Image-guided breast biopsies
- Mammography
- Ultrasound
If you are in a low-risk category for breast cancer, an annual mammogram is sufficient for screening. If you have an elevated lifetime risk because of family history or personal medical history, you are best served by a combination of breast MRI and annual mammography. We do not simply perform mammograms — we educate you about how you can avoid or fight breast cancer.
3D mammograms
We use 3D mammography as a way to detect breast abnormalities. Also known as digital mammography with tomosynthesis, it is the latest technology in breast imaging. 3D mammograms examine your breast tissue layer by layer. Instead of viewing all the breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.
We recommend 3D mammography if you have:
- Been previously called back for repeat breast scans
- Breast cancer or have a family history of cancer
- Dense breast tissue
- Previous mammograms with ambiguous or inconclusive results
Depending on your insurance coverage, additional fees may apply for 3D mammography. You will be informed about any fees that are your responsibility when checking in for your appointment.
Schedule a mammogram
You can now schedule a screening mammogram online. For assistance scheduling your screening or diagnostic mammogram, please call 603-433-5191.
Breast cancer services
Should you have an abnormality in your screening, the breast imaging navigator will help you schedule additional tests or a biopsy. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, we will connect you with a breast cancer nurse navigator who will work closely with you and your doctors. This team works together to offer the treatment, care, education and support you need.
We offer two main procedures for breast cancer lumpectomy and mastectomy, always choosing the right procedure for you and your unique health.
Minimal scarring breast cancer surgery
If you are concerned about scarring during your breast cancer procedure, our fellowship-trained breast surgeon will place the incision in a location that is hard to see, so that the scar is not visible when your incision heals. As a result, you have little to no visible reminder of the surgery or your cancer. This technique can be performed for a nipple sparing mastectomy or a lumpectomy procedure. Our goal is to give you the best surgical treatment and experience.
Recognitions
Our breast center is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in breast ultrasound, breast MRI and all breast biopsy modalities. We earned the title of a Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center. These prestigious accreditations signify our team meets rigorous national standards of excellence and is committed to outstanding patient care.
We are also fully accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This highly sought after accreditation status highlights our best-in-class care from a team of physicians and nurses who have special training and skills in diseases of the breast.
Before, during and after your mammogram
Screening exams last approximately 30 minutes. Diagnostic exams, however, last one to three hours.
How to prepare for your mammogram
To prepare for your mammogram:
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration. You can also register online.
- Be prepared to remove your top and bra. You will be provided a comfortable robe that will cover you from the hips up.
- If you have had a prior mammogram at another facility, please request a copy of your images to be sent to The Breast Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, or bring the disk with you to your appointment. It is important for the radiologist to compare prior images to your current images to determine if there have been any changes since your last mammogram.
- Please bring your insurance card, physician referral (if required) and personal identification.
- Please do not wear jewelry, deodorant, powder or perfume. These substances can cause a shadow to appear on your images.
What to expect during your mammogram
You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine, which has a platform for your breasts. One breast at a time will be lifted and placed between special plates that transmit the images. Each breast will be compressed when being analyzed, spreading and flattening the tissue for accurate results. To reduce discomfort, your technologist may provide you with a breast cushion.
At least two images of each breast are taken. For a primary image, you will face toward the platform. For a secondary image, you will stand beside the machine for a side view. Extra images may be needed if you have breast implants.
Mammogram results
For screening mammograms, our staff will provide personalized information about your results within 24 hours of your exam. Results will also be mailed to your home.
For diagnostic mammograms, images are reviewed at the time of your appointment by the radiologist who will provide you with your results before you leave.
To prepare for your mammogram:
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration. You can also register online.
- Be prepared to remove your top and bra. You will be provided a comfortable robe that will cover you from the hips up.
- If you have had a prior mammogram at another facility, please request a copy of your images to be sent to The Breast Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, or bring the disk with you to your appointment. It is important for the radiologist to compare prior images to your current images to determine if there have been any changes since your last mammogram.
- Please bring your insurance card, physician referral (if required) and personal identification.
- Please do not wear jewelry, deodorant, powder or perfume. These substances can cause a shadow to appear on your images.
You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine, which has a platform for your breasts. One breast at a time will be lifted and placed between special plates that transmit the images. Each breast will be compressed when being analyzed, spreading and flattening the tissue for accurate results. To reduce discomfort, your technologist may provide you with a breast cushion.
At least two images of each breast are taken. For a primary image, you will face toward the platform. For a secondary image, you will stand beside the machine for a side view. Extra images may be needed if you have breast implants.
For screening mammograms, our staff will provide personalized information about your results within 24 hours of your exam. Results will also be mailed to your home.
For diagnostic mammograms, images are reviewed at the time of your appointment by the radiologist who will provide you with your results before you leave.
Breast cancer survivor story
Upon going to a routine mammogram, Adrienne was diagnosed with breast cancer. Learn how the staff at our breast center supported her every step of the way while providing expert care.