Pella Regional Health Center has announced that Breast MRI scans can now be performed in Pella. Breast MRI, in combination with mammography and ultrasound, provides valuable information in the early detection of cancer. Patients will no longer have to travel out-of-town to have these scans completed.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a noninvasive way to image the breasts and unlike mammography, MRI does not use any radiation. Instead, MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses and a computer to produce images.

Pella Regional recommends patients talk to their primary care provider to determine if they meet high risk criteria and could benefit from this test. For certain women at high risk for breast cancer, a screening Breast MRI is recommended along with a yearly mammogram. Women in the high risk category include:

– Women with genetic mutations
– Women with a mother, sister or daughter with genetic mutations and the woman has not been tested
– Women with a 20-25% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer
– Women who have had prior radiation treatment to the chest wall
– Women who have certain other genetic disorders

For women of average risk of breast cancer, MRI is not recommended as a screening test by itself, because it can miss some cancers that a mammogram would find or it could produce a false positive. A primary care provider can help determine if a Breast MRI is the best option.

Other reasons a Breast MRI may be recommended include:
· Looking at the breasts if there are symptoms that might be from breast cancer
· To help determine the extent of breast cancer
· To help determine if a cancer has come back
· To check for silicone breast implant leaks

The Breast MRI service at Pella Regional Health Center is supervised by John Tentinger, MD, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist. He works with a team of specialty trained Breast MRI radiologists to ensure that high-quality clinical reports are sent to the ordering physician.