The Wentworth-Douglass Breast Health Center offers advanced tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, proven to improve early detection of breast cancer and reduce unnecessary callbacks. The Breast Health Center is led by fellowship-trained breast radiologists.
Our location at the Portsmouth Outpatient Center offers convenient scheduling, close-to-home access, and ample free parking.
Services include:
Should you require further care or testing, our certified breast health nurse navigator can help coordinate and schedule appointments, answer questions and offer guidance and support throughout the course of your care.
Successful treatment and survival rates for breast cancer patients are dramatically improved by early detection. If we find breast cancer early, before it has spread to lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent. 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, has been clinically proven to help find cancers earlier.
This advanced technology takes multiple breast images in just seconds. Instead of viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image, the doctor can examine the tissue layer by layer. Fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below. This technology can be particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue.
More than 200 clinical studies have shown that by using this technology, doctors can screen for breast cancer with greater accuracy, which means better breast cancer detection and a reduced chance of being called back for additional screenings.
The process of a 3D mammography is like the conventional 2D exam. The technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take a 2D image and 3D images from different angles. There’s no additional compression required and it only takes a few extra seconds for an exam.
The technologist will view the images of your breasts at the computer workstation to ensure quality images have been captured for review. An experienced breast radiologist will then examine the images and report results to either your physician or directly to you.
If you are at high risk of breast cancer, our specialists can work with you to answer your questions and develop a personalized risk-management plan. This could include additional screenings. Our clinical experts include experiences breast radiologists, skilled breast surgeons and plastic surgeons, and medical and radiation oncologists. Your care and follow-up will be coordinated by our certified breast health navigator.
A breast biopsy is ordered when a mammogram indicates an abnormality such a suspicious mass, calcium deposits, or areas of abnormal tissue change. Our fellowship-trained breast radiologists use advanced stereotactic, ultrasound or MRI guided needle biopsies to provide the most accurate results.
A bone density test is a quick, painless test that can help determine if you are at risk for bone diseases like osteoporosis. Low bone density can increase your chance for fractures. If you have low bone density, your doctor can recommend treatments to slow or stop your bone loss.
Women who post-menopausal or age 50 and older—or a man over the age of 65— should talk to their doctor about getting a bone density test. For your convenience, bone density tests can often be scheduled on the same day as your mammogram.
Thanks for your interest in the Breast Health Center. If you want more information or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at (603) 610-8080.
When should I start getting mammograms?
We believe that every woman should have an annual mammogram beginning at the age of 40. That is the recommendation of the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging.
We believe these annual screening mammograms are important because with early detection, the five-year breast cancer survival rate is nearly 100%.
We recommend talking with your primary care provider and insurance carrier to determine the screening schedule that’s best for you.
Why do I need a follow up screening?
Rest assured, a call back does not mean you have cancer. Ten out of every 100 women who get a screening mammogram will be asked to return for an additional mammogram or breast ultrasound. Of those called back, the majority will have a normal result. Less than 10% will be referred for a needle biopsy.
At your follow-up appointment, the technologist will take focused breast images to get more details of a specific area. While you are waiting, these images are carefully reviewed by the radiologist to decide the plan of action. This entire process will often take longer than your usual screening mammogram.
Does a 3D mammogram require more radiation exposure?
The radiation exposure of a 3D mammogram is comparable to a conventional 2D mammogram. Both a well below the acceptable limits set by the FDA.
What does it mean to have dense breasts?
About 40% of women have dense breasts. Dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissues than fatty tissues. Dense breasts tissue can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, making annual mammograms even more important.
Mammograms of dense breast can be harder to read; however, 3D mammograms have been shown to improve the chance of finding cancer.
How can I determine if I am at high risk for breast cancer?
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and most those women have no family history of the disease. Your personal risk takes in to account your age, lifestyle, genetics, and other factors. A great tool to assess help you assess your risk is www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool.
We strongly encourage all women to discuss their cancer risks with their primary care providers, and to schedule an annual screening mammogram.
Thanks for your interest in the Breast Health Center. If you want more information or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at (603) 610-8080.
Breast Health Center
Portsmouth Outpatient Center - Building A
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a..m - 5:00 p.m.
Phone:
Office: (603) 610-8080
Fax: (603) 868-8371