Breast Screening & Diagnosis
Guidance Through Breast Screening and Diagnosis
When an abnormality is found, it's natural to have questions: Do I need a biopsy? Who should I see? How soon can I get an appointment? How long will it take to get results?
At Exeter Hospital, our Nurse Navigator and expert mammography technologists will guide you through the process. They collaborate with our radiologists, explain next steps, and schedule follow-up appointments before you leave. With this coordinated approach, you spend less time waiting and more time focusing on your health.
We offer a full range of breast screening and diagnostic services — including mammograms, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and breast biopsy — to provide clear answers and help you make informed decisions about your care.
More About Breast Screening & Diagnosis
Genetic testing may be recommended if there's a concern about inherited risk for breast cancer. The good news is that most women do not carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, and not all breast cancers are caused by genetics.
Some women, however, may have a higher chance of carrying a mutation. Factors that increase risk include:
- Multiple close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer
- A relative diagnosed at a young age (before 50)
- Both breast and ovarian cancer in the family
- A male breast cancer in the family
- Ashkenazi Jewish heritage with certain family histories
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether genetic testing is right for you.
All women have some risk of developing breast cancer, but certain factors may increase that risk. If you believe you may be at higher risk, talk with your primary care provider. You may also benefit from an evaluation in the High-Risk Breast Health Program offered by Core Physicians, in affiliation with Exeter Hospital.
To schedule a risk assessment or learn whether additional testing may be helpful, call Exeter Hospital's Center for Breast Health at 603-580-6867.
Sometimes additional, less common imaging tests may be recommended. One option is ductography (also called a ductogram or galactogram), which helps doctors identify the cause of nipple discharge.
In this test, a mammogram is taken after a small amount of dye is gently injected into one of the milk ducts in the nipple. The dye shows the shape of the duct and can reveal if an abnormality is present. A doctor's order is required for this exam
