Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
What is Infrared Breast imaging?
Infrared breast imaging, commonly referred to as breast thermography, is a quick, safe, accurate, noninvasive test that can often detect changes that accompany breast disease earlier than breast self-examination, doctor examination or mammography.
The earliest stages of breast cancer are accompanied by changes in blood supply and altered breast temperature. These changes can often be seen on a thermal image long before a visible tumor develops.
Our thermal imaging system scans the breasts using an extremely sensitive thermal imaging camera that requires no radiation or breast compression. The resulting images are evaluated by experienced doctors using sophisticated technology to determine if the breasts appear to be at risk for disease.
What are doctors looking for in a breast thermography screening?
Breast disease alters the breast temperature and the surrounding blood supply creating reliable signs that can clearly be seen on a thermal image. Your doctor is looking for the first signs of an existing or potential problem. Early recognition of a problem allows for early treatment of the problem.
Are there any controversies in Breast Cancer Screening?
In today’s medical world the first-line strategy for the detection of breast cancer still depends essentially on clinical examination and mammography. Limitations of the former are well recognized and clearly are not equally effective for all women.
Despite better equipment and regulation with mammography; variable interpretation, tissue density, the risk of radiation and compression has prompted a new look at Breast Digital Infrared Technology as a significant screening tool for improving breast health for all women.
What is the main difference between breast thermography and mammography?
Mammograms use radiation to distinguish dense anatomical structures consistent with tumor growth. Thermograms look at physiological changes that accompany breast disease. Thermograms don’t see tumors. They detect vascular activity and temperature.
At what age should women get breast thermography?
Early thermal screening establishes a baseline from which to monitor breast health. Even at the age of 25 we can tell how healthy your breast tissue is and recommend annual screening; screening at 3 to 6 month intervals when there are suspicious thermograms or other diagnostic indications; or evaluating the efficacy of a treatment.
What does my thermography report tell me?
Your thermography report evaluates your risk for breast cancer. According to level of risk, you may be advised to follow a home program to reduce risk; to consult a specialist for an intensive, personalized risk reduction and prevention program; or to undergo further diagnostics.
What can I learn from thermography?
Thermograms take the temperature of the breasts. Temperature differentials may be normal for you, or may reveal underlying physiologic changes. These changes may reflect infection, inflammation, neurology, hormonal imbalance, or cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. Thermograms can track changes as physiology returns to normal.
Are there any limitations or disadvantages to breast thermography?
Breast thermography does not replace mammography. It may not detect slow growing cancers where vascular levels remain largely unchanged. When breast exams, thermography, and mammography are used as complementary diagnostic techniques, the accuracy rates in detecting breast cancer increase dramatically.
What happens during a Breast Thermography screening?
The whole exam takes place behind the privacy of a screen. You will not be directly touched by the clinician. The only discomfort from the exam may be chilliness, as the room has to be kept at a specific, cool temperature for the pictures to be accurate. The clinician will instruct you to disrobe from the waist up. You will be asked to acclimate to the temperature for 15 minutes. Then with your hands on your head (hands not touching your breasts) your scanning will be quickly completed.
Digital infrared thermal imaging has been recognized as a viable diagnostic tool by the FDA, the AMA Council on Scientific Affairs, the ACA Council on Diagnostic Imaging, the Congress of Neurosurgeons and by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
