deNicola Breast Health Center

The deNicola Breast Health Center has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, one of only a few in the state. "We are proud to be part of an elite group of Breast Imaging Centers nationwide to earn this designation," says Diane Dionne, Director of Radiology. "The Award means that we meet or exceed nationally accepted standards of care, which translates into a higher level of care for our patients."

If Your Screening Confirms Breast Cancer

Hearing the words, “You have breast cancer,” is difficult. We at The Medical Center understand that this is a life-changing diagnosis that affects both you and your family. The Cancer Center at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center offers you the latest technology and treatment options available today. You will be cared for by a multi-disciplinary team of board certified doctors and nurses who work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. As a breast cancer patient at The Medical Center, you will also have easy access to specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Gillette Center for Breast Cancer.

deNicola Breast Health Center is Fully Accredited

Located within the Radiology Department at The Medical Center, thec deNicola Breast Health Center is fully accredited in breast ultrasound and mammography by the American College of Radiology and certified by the Federal Drug Administration according to the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Your care is in the compassionate, expert hands of our board-certified radiologists, experienced in mammographic interpretation, and technologists with special certification in mammography. Our breast health oordinator guides patients through services, coordinates their care, and offers personalized support.

To make an appointment for a digital mammogram, please call Central Scheduling at (603) 577-2665.

For your convenience, the deNicola Breast Health Center now offers some same day appointments. For same day or evening availability, call deNicola at 603-577-2727 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Services we provide:

Mammography

A mammogram is a set of x-ray images of the breasts. Each breast is imaged from two different perspectives: from the top facing down, and from the side. The images are generated by a special machine that passes a radiation beam through the breast to form an image on film. The breast is compressed against a plate during each x-ray exposure to achieve the clearest possible image.

Breast ultrasound

Ultrasound employs sound waves to create an image of part of the body, and may be used as a complement to mammography. Since it is particularly useful in distinguishing fluids from solids, it can help detect cysts (fluid-filled structures) within the breast.

Ultrasound guided breast biopsy

Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it can also be used to guide procedures such as breast biopsies, in which needles are used to sample tissue for laboratory testing. This procedure is useful for masses that have been visualized under ultrasound.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is sophisticated, non-invasive technology that uses a computer, magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the soft tissues of the body. (To learn more, click here.)

MRI breast biopsy
MRI breast biopsy procedures are performed when a lesion is detected by MRI, and the lesion cannot be seen on mammography or ultrasound.  Prior to the biopsy, MRI images are taken to assist the radiologist in precisely locating and mapping the area to be biospied.  A needle is positioned at the area and the radiologist collects several tissue samples to ensure the most accurate diagnosis of the area in question.

Stereotactic breast biopsy

This test allows physicians to extract small samples of breast tissue via a hollow needle, guided by x-ray imaging and computer coordinates. Quick, definitive results are achieved with much less delay and discomfort than experienced with more invasive techniques.

Bone Densitometry

This painless test is performed in the Radiology Department. Learn more ►

For more information about breast cancer, go to WebMD's Breast Cancer Health Center. Breast cancer is 90% curable when caught early. Get in-depth information here about breast cancer, its symptoms and stages, and promising treatments. Plus, meet breast cancer survivors in online support groups.

Find more online resources at:

• Today's Health
• We recommend the American Cancer Society Guidelines for breast self-examination and screening mammography

Practice Spotlight

Sue Holmes, RN, BHS,CBCN, Breast Health Coordinator, works with patients, their families, and the deNicola team of breast health experts to ensure that every aspect of patient care is coordinated and communicated in a timely manner.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Holmes says, “Breast cancer is a uniquely personal experience. My goal is to make sure that all patients receive the emotional and physical support they need.”

Sue is a Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN), a distinction held by only a few nurses in the state of New Hampshire. She recently earned this credential from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

*Medicare will only pay for services it determines to be "reasonable and necessary" under section 1862 (a) (1) of the Medicare law. Medicare is likely to deny payment for a screening mammogram unless a full 365 days have elapsed since your last screening mammogram.