Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) is now offering Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) at the Paqui and Brian Kelly Comprehensive Breast Center.
MBI is a new breast imaging technology. Using highly specialized detectors that have only recently become available, MBI is performed on a scanner that looks similar to a mammography machine. The MBI scanner does not emit any radiation. Prior to scanning, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the patients arm. The tracer is absorbed by active tumor cells more than it is absorbed into healthy breast tissue. If a tumor is present, it shows up brightly while healthy tissue remains dark in the background.
The advantage of MBI is it provides functional images of the breast, and is not affected by breast density. For patients with dense breast tissue, and a family history of breast cancer, the results of an MBI exam combined with mammography may improve cancer detection.
“MBI will set the standard for care, allowing physicians another method of detecting abnormalities in some women,” said David Hofstra, Imaging administrative director at SJRMC. “SJRMC is committed to acquiring state-of-the-art technology to improve the quality of care for our patients. Bringing new technology that greatly benefits the health of our community is clearly part of our calling. We are very excited to be the first in the area to provide MBI scanning.”
The tracer used in an MBI exam is naturally removed from the body within 48 hours. Because SJRMC’s MBI scanner uses advanced detectors, the radiation risk from an MBI procedure is comparable to that of digital screening mammography.
“We are truly excited to be offering MBI to this community,” said Dr. Linda Tuthill, X-Ray Consultants radiologist at SJRMC. “The research has shown us that for women with dense breasts and risk factors, MBI may detect cancers two to three times more often than a mammogram alone.”
Not all women need MBI. A healthcare provider may most often recommend MBI when a patient has:
• Dense breasts and a family history of breast cancer
• A history of high-risk lesions by biopsy
• Qualified for an MRI, but unable to undergo the test
• A personal history of breast cancer
MBI is performed in addition to an annual screening mammogram and must be recommended by a healthcare provider. To find out more information about MBI, call the Paqui and Brian Kelly Comprehensive Breast Center at (574) 335-6216
About Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) is a not-for-profit, multi-hospital healthcare system located in North Central Indiana, offering a full range of services. SJRMC includes: a 254-bed acute care hospital at our Mishawaka Campus; a 58-bed acute care hospital at our Plymouth Campus; a 40-bed Rehabilitation Institute; Outpatient services of the Elm Road Medical Campus; and the Saint Joseph Physician Network that includes 26 practices with more than 75 providers. All inpatient rooms at all SJRMC facilities are private.
A Catholic Ministry Organization of Trinity Health, SJRMC offers personalized, faith-based care paired with the latest in advanced medical technology and procedures. In 2012 and 2014 SJRMC was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems and awarded Top 5 for Small Health Systems. In July 2012, for the second year running, SJRMC was named one of the “Most Wired” hospitals. For more information, please visit www.sjmed.com.
