Frisbie Breast Imaging Center

Frisbie Memorial Hospital provides on-site breast imaging services for the Rochester community and surrounding Seacoast area.

Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm.

To schedule your screening exam, please call (603) 602-5197

Our breast imaging services include:

  • 3D digital mammography
  • Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Breast ultrasound
  • Bone density
  • Stereotactic and ultrasound guided breast biopsy

Mammography

Our team provides a wide range of mammography services, including:

3D mammography

A 3D mammogram (also known as tomosynthesis) allows the radiologist to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. The 3D images also allow fine details within the breast tissue to be more visible, making it easier to detect a tumor early. 3D mammography can show changes in breast tissue before it can be felt. This allows for early diagnoses and treatment when breast cancer is most curable. Ultrasound is complementary to mammography, and provides additional information regarding breast concerns.

Benefits of 3D mammograms

We are proud to offer 3D mammography and its many benefits to our patients, including:

  • Increased breast cancer detection rates
  • Earlier detection of breast cancers
  • Clearer images
  • Reduced need for unnecessary biopsies, minimizing patient anxieties and costs

Screening and diagnostic mammograms

A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram done every year. Depending on risk factors, it is recommended for patients 40 years old and older. Sometimes, the radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images, called a diagnostic mammogram, to rule out an unclear area in the breast. If there is a breast complaint or concern (such as a lump) that needs to be evaluated, you will need to be scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram.

How to prepare for your mammogram

To prepare for your mammogram:

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration.
  • Be prepared to remove your shirt and bra. One-piece dresses are not ideal for this exam, as you will be changing from the waist up off.
  • Please do not wear jewelry, deodorant, powder or perfume. These substances can cause a shadow to appear on your images. If you have to wear your deodorant before your exam, please know that you can always remove it beforehand. Inform the Technologist and she will provide you with wipes.
  • Please bring your insurance card, physician referral (if required) and personal identification.
  • If you have had a prior mammogram at another facility, please provide that information when scheduling your mammogram so the staff can request a copy of your prior images. It is important for the radiologist to compare prior images to your current images to determine if there have been any changes since your last mammogram.

What to expect during your mammogram

At Frisbie’s Breast Imaging Center, we understand the anxiety and discomfort that comes with breast imaging. We take great pride in accomplishing high-quality images and balancing that with quick and efficient patient care.

Mammography can be uncomfortable, as we need to hold the anatomy still for a clear image for the radiologist. We look for structures smaller than a grain of sand and just a patient’s heartbeat can cause enough movement on the image to where the fine detail is blurred and no longer visible. We want to work with you and provide the best quality care. If at any point of your exam, you need an adjustment made due to discomfort, please inform the technologist.

Breast cancer symptoms

Breasts differ in size, shape and density, and often, one breast will be slightly different from its partner. Also, events such as pregnancy and monthly menstrual cycles can change the size and tenderness of the breasts.

Know what is normal for your body. If you detect any of the following signs, don’t delay seeing a doctor:

  • Lump or mass in the breast
  • Lump or mass in the armpit
  • Breast skin changes, including skin redness and thickening of the breast skin, resulting in an orange-peel texture
  • Dimpling or puckering on the breast
  • Discharge from the nipple
  • Nipple changes, including the nipple turning inward, pulling to one side or changing direction
  • An ulcer on the breast or nipple, sometimes extending to the areola
  • Swelling of the breast

Breast cancer risk factors

There are factors you can and cannot control in terms of developing breast cancer. Some factors increasing your breast cancer risk are:

  • Family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
  • Starting menopause after 55 years old
  • Having your first period before 12 years old
  • High bone density
  • A male family member diagnosed with breast cancer
  • Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
  • Positive test for specific gene mutations
  • Previous biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or cancer
  • Prior radiation for childhood cancer


Some controllable risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, such as:

  • Being exposed to a large amount of radiation
  • High levels of estrogen in the blood
  • Obesity
  • Not breastfeeding
  • Having no children or having your first child at 35 years old or older
  • Postmenopausal hormone use
  • Taking birth control pills for five years or longer

Breast cancer in men

Although male breast cancers are rare (less than 1 percent of breast cancers), the incidence rate has increased by 0.8 percent annually from 1975 to 2008. It is not recommended for men to participate in screening mammography, but a self-exam is appropriate and a diagnostic mammogram might be ordered if a symptom presents.

Bone density testing

The primary purpose of bone density testing is to detect osteoporosis. This condition involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile, and more likely to break. The test is also used to assess your risk for developing fractures or track the effects of treatment for osteoporosis or other conditions that cause bone loss.

Osteoporosis often affects women after menopause but also may be found in men.

What to expect during your bone density test

A bone density test is simple, painless and takes about 20 minutes. It uses an enhanced form of X-ray technology known as DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) to determine the mineral density of bones and make an accurate diagnosis.

  • Please wear elastic waist pants with no metal on them, such as yoga or sweat pants to your exam.
  • Do not take any calcium supplements 24 priors to having your exam.
  • During the procedure, you lie on a cushioned table while a scanner passes over your body. A radiologist interprets your exam, and test results are sent to your ordering physician.

Our location

Upon arrival, use the main entrance of the Hospital. Frisbie Memorial Hospital’s Breast Imaging Center is located up one level next to Patient Access (registration).

The address is:

11 Whitehall Road
Rochester, NH 03867

To schedule your screening exam, please call (603) 602-5197.

If you have a breast symptom, please contact your healthcare provider so they can order the appropriate test for you.