Search In
for
Go

Find a Doctor
Maps & Directions
Classes & Events
services

Hospital Services

Avg ER Wait Time:
What does this mean?
Avg Emergency Room Wait Time: What does this mean?
On Your Phone: Text ER to 23000

 

Follow PortsmouthReg on Twitter



Hematology & Oncology Center

PRH's Hematology and Oncology Center represents a comprehensive, multi-specialty approach to the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of cancers (oncology) and blood diseases (hematology).  

Our highly experienced and Board-certified oncologists/hematologists work with physicians across many specialties to provide diagnosis and treatment of cancers ranging from breast, ovarian, prostate, and brain tumors to leukemias and lymphomas.

Contact the Hematology and Oncology Center at 603-433-5226.

This Web page provides an overview of our resources and philosophy, and links to further information of value to patients and families:

Leading Edge Diagnostic and Treatment Technologies

Portsmouth Regional Hospital has added PET Imaging to the leading edge diagnostic technology available to our patients.

PET Imaging is changing the face of disease detection in a variety of ways.

For cancer patients, PET is used to determine the exact location and stage of cancerous tissue which can prevent unnecessary surgery and biopsies and inappropriate treatments. PET imaging has a major impact on clinical evaluations of cancer patients and, in many cases, enables physicians to begin treatment earlier and increase the odds for successful outcomes.

PRH is now the only hospital in the region offering Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to patients with esophageal cancer and high grade dysplasia in Barretts esophagus, as a result of acid reflux. PDT is a minimally invasive, rapid response treatment that can dramatically improve the quality of life for may patients with advanced-stage cancer by unblocking partial or total obstructions caused by tumors. It can also obliterate the premalignant changes of Barrett’s with high grade dysplasia in a majority of patients.

PDT requires minimal sedation and is relatively pain-free. It involves the intravenous administration of a photo-sensitive drug that is subsequently activated by a non-thermal laser light. The laser illumination is then able to target the tumor, causing damage and death to its cells. No in-hospital stay is required in most cases.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital is the ONLY facility in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont offering PDT. Dr. Aristotle Damianos, Gasteroenterologist, has been specially trained to administer this treatment, using the only photosensitizing agent approved by the FDA.

PDT is an important new tool in our arsenal for improving the quality of life for our cancer patients and their families. This progressive treatment can offer relief and increased independence without invasive surgery or side effects. We welcome your questions and comments.

Diagnostic capabilities also include our state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit for visually examining internal organs, our Lightspeed CT Scanner and our advanced MRI scanner. Resources for breast cancer diagnosis include a mammography department fully accredited by the American College of Radiology, gadolinium-enhanced MRI scanning and the stereotactic system for breast biopsies.

Therapeutic resources include a comprehensive chemotherapy clinic, laparoscopic surgery capabilities for colon and abdominal procedures, image-guided-surgery technology for brain tumors, and an emphasis on alternatives to total mastectomy in breast surgery. Additionally, post-operative breast reconstruction is available for breast surgery patients.

Treating the Whole Person

The Hematology and Oncology Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital provides coordinated physical, educational and emotional care to cancer patients and their loved ones.Our chemotherapy clinic is committed to supporting patients emotionally as well as medically, with an emphasis on maintaining a relaxed, comfortable setting. Access to Reiki and therapeutic massage and a buffet lunch are part of the comforting environment. Good nutrition is very important during this time.

The clinic has a full patient resource library provided by The Guild at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. In addition, PRH offers cancer patients services in fatigue management, mental health, and nutrition education.

For more information, please click here for our Cancer Resource Guide.

Breast Cancer Wellness Support Group

Peer support and encouragement have proven to be very beneficial to the health and well-being of cancer patients. Our Breast Cancer Wellness Support Group meets on the first and third Monday of each month from 12:00 noon to 1:30PM at the 3rd Floor Solarium, Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Any questions, please contact Diane Zaidlicz (603) 433-6988 or Beth Chute (603) 433-4960.

Each Support Group session follows a similar format:

12:00 PM - 12:10 PM- Welcome and Greetings
12:10 PM - 1:00 PM-Presenters (when scheduled)
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM- Group Discussions
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM- Social Time
Bring Your Lunch!

Community Services

The Hematology and Oncology Center staff works to make certain that each patient is aware of all cancer related services available in the community. These resources include:

  • Lymphedema Program
  • Prostate Cancer Support Group
  • Massage Therapy
  • Reiki Therapy
  • Breast Cancer Support Group

Patient Information Resources

Cancer Care Guide

Cancer treatment has come a long way in the past 30 years.  An illness that was once almost always fatal is now curable in over 50% of patients and treatable in one form or another for the remaining group. This valuable guide, edited by our Oncology staff, answers many questions about cancer treatment, and the resources available to patients and their families.    

 Cancer Patient Journal

Print out this handy guide to help you track your personal medical information, record your cancer treatment information, access healthcare resources and treatment resources, and capture personal experiences. All of your cancer health information can be recorded and kept together in this one record.


Hematology and Oncology Center Annual Reports

These reports present our Center’s clinical performance data, information about our treatment programs and clinical trials and focused information about a particular kind of cancer. 

Annual Report 2007-2008
Annual Report 2006-2007
Annual Report 2005-2006
Annual Report 2004-2005
Annual Report 2003-2004

Links

Please visit the following related pages in the PRH Web site:

Breast Health
Surgery
Community Programs- Health Happenings
Library - Web Links

Contact the Hematology and Oncology Center at (603) 433-5226.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital
333 Borthwick Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Telephone: (603) 436-5110
You May Also Visit Us At http://www.hcacapitaldivision.com
Email This Page
Print This Page
Copyright © 1999-2010
ehc.com; All rights reserved.
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Statement