Breast cancer care in Portsmouth
A breast cancer diagnosis can be stressful and confusing. At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, you can trust us to stay with you throughout your journey. You benefit from our comprehensive cancer care program, which includes diverse medical specialists, highly trained surgeons and important support services to help you make the best choices for your care. We create a personalized plan for your breast cancer treatment and follow-up tailored to your specific situation.
For more information about cancer diagnostics, treatments and other services, call (603) 433-4969.
To request your Breast Imaging Records, please email prhp.tbcimagingrequest@hcahealthcare.com.
Comprehensive breast cancer care
We will integrate education and support through our program of care. Patients benefit from a broad range of services, including:
- A breast imaging navigator and breast cancer nurse navigator
- A survivorship care plan and treatment summary
- Access to clinical trials
- Educational materials and informative binder
- Genetic testing services to identify your own risk or your family's risk for breast cancer and provide genetic counseling
- Lymphedema services
- Rehabilitation services to help improve your quality of life
- Support groups to guide you from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and life after cancer
Breast cancer team
Our breast cancer team includes:
- Breast and plastic surgeons
- Medical oncologists
- Breast radiologists
- Breast cancer nurse navigators
- Mammography and ultrasound technologists
Breast cancer nurse navigator
Your breast cancer nurse navigator will work closely with your care team to ensure you understand all of your options and receive the care, education, and support you need. Your nurse navigator will also coordinate appointments with your care team and guide you through any further testing or high-risk counseling.
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening is one of the most proactive steps a woman can take in the early detection of breast cancer. Our hospital offers a complete spectrum of breast health and services, including:
- 3D mammography
- Breast density and risk assessment
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Breast ultrasound
High-Risk Breast Clinic
Portsmouth Regional Hospital is home to a High-Risk Breast Clinic. This clinic gives women with an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer access to counseling, supplemental screenings, and interventions.
Our breast health specialists work together to identify if you should be considered high risk and if you should consider supplemental screenings, such as:
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- 3D mammography
- Whole breast ultrasound
Breast cancer diagnosis
Our breast center staff will contact you with your screening results, as well as explain and schedule any additional diagnostic testing.
A positive breast cancer diagnosis is found through a biopsy (an examination of the breast tissue). A breast biopsy tells your treatment team about the type of breast cancer you have and helps your physician determine the optimal individualized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.
Types of breast cancer we treat
The two most common types of breast cancer are:
- Ductal carcinoma – where tumors form in the cells of the milk ducts
- Lobular carcinoma – which occurs in the milk-producing glands, or lobules
Breast cancer treatment
At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, we offer an array of treatment options for breast cancer that will help you get back to your family and everyday life. You benefit from our digital mammography technology for detailed breast imaging and diagnostic breast biopsy options, which deliver quick results that enable us to deliver the prompt and customized care you need. In addition you can take advantage of our full-treatment spectrum—including chemotherapy/infusion, cancer surgery and breast reconstruction—delivered and monitored close to home.
Surgery for breast cancer can be done in two ways. Our fellowship-trained breast surgeon will help guide you through decision making between lumpectomy and mastectomy. Lumpectomy is done with the goal of breast conservation in mind. Our surgeon removes only the tumor—and it can be done so that the scar is hidden. Mastectomy can be performed in either a nipple sparing (where you keep your own nipple), or a skin sparing fashion. Immediate breast reconstruction can be performed by collaborating with our plastic surgeons, if desired.
The Breast Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital ensures the highest level of breast cancer care through early detection, a variety of treatment options, rehabilitation and support services.
To schedule your mammogram, you can register online or call us at (603) 559-4190.
Accredited Breast Center
The Breast Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital has been awarded accreditation from the American College of Radiology in mammography, breast MRI and stereotactic breast biopsy for achieving high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, facility control procedures and quality assurance programs.
