Spencer Hospital Expands Comprehensive Breast Health Program with Breast MRI and MRI Guided Breast Biopsies
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on Friday, July 24, 2026
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Spencer Hospital has expanded its breast imaging services with the addition of Breast MRI and MRI guided breast biopsies, providing women throughout Northwest Iowa with access to advanced breast cancer diagnostic services close to home.
The addition of these services represents another significant step in the development of Spencer Hospital's comprehensive breast health program, designed to provide women at increased risk for breast cancer and those requiring additional diagnostic evaluation with expert care locally.
Breast MRI is an advanced imaging tool that can detect abnormalities that may not be visible on a mammogram or ultrasound. For women with dense breast tissue, breast MRI is a valuable screening tool because it can detect cancers that may be obscured on mammography, improving the likelihood of early diagnosis and treatment. If an area of concern is identified on a breast MRI, an MRI-guided breast biopsy enables physicians to accurately target and obtain tissue samples for a definitive diagnosis.
Breast MRI examinations performed at Spencer Hospital are interpreted by Dr. Tim Hurst of Midwest Radiology & Imaging, who also performs MRI guided breast biopsies locally at Spencer Hospital.
"Providing advanced diagnostic services close to home is an important part of our commitment to delivering exceptional health care for the communities we serve," said Brenda Tiefenthaler, President and CEO of Spencer Hospital. "When patients can receive high-quality diagnostic imaging, surgical care, and comprehensive cancer treatment in their own community, they remain close to their families and support systems during what can be an incredibly stressful time. That continuity of care leads to a better patient experience and supports better outcomes. We are proud to partner with our local radiologists with Midwest Radiology & Imaging, the skilled Northwest Iowa Surgeons, and the oncology team at Abben Cancer Center to provide seamless, coordinated care throughout every stage of a patient's journey."
Amanda Schany, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Spencer Hospital, said the expansion reflects both the hospital's investment in advanced technology and the expertise of its imaging team.
"Our goal is to provide patients with the highest quality breast imaging available while delivering compassionate, personalized care," Schany said. "Our experienced MRI technologists and breast imaging staff are dedicated to making every patient feel comfortable and supported throughout the process. Combined with our state-of-the-art imaging equipment and our outstanding partnership with local radiologists, patients can feel confident they are receiving exceptional care right here in Spencer."
The addition of Breast MRI and MRI guided breast biopsy further strengthens Spencer Hospital's comprehensive breast imaging program. Spencer Hospital is a Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center, the only hospital within a 90-mile radius to earn this distinction by the American College of Radiology. The designation recognizes accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, and ultrasound guided breast biopsy, demonstrating the hospital's ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of breast imaging services.
Patients who require Breast MRI or MRI guided breast biopsy are typically referred by their primary care provider or specialist. Together with advanced diagnostic imaging, expert surgical care through Northwest Iowa Surgeons, and comprehensive oncology services at Abben Cancer Center, Spencer Hospital continues to expand access to high-quality breast cancer care so patients throughout the region can receive the services they need close to home.
For more information about breast imaging services at Spencer Hospital, contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department at 712-264-6181 or visit SpencerHospital.org.
- breast
- cancer
- imaging