Breast Thermography

WHAT DOES THERMOGRAPHY DETECT?

Blood flow to the breast (and the rest of the body) is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). When the body is cold, the ANS constricts the blood vessels. Abnormal and cancerous tissues operate outside this ANS system, creating chemicals that dilate the blood vessels and completely bypass the ANS. So when the hands are placed in cold water to cool the body, the ANS normally constricts vessels everywhere, including the breast. This shows up as a "hot spot". This “hot spot” can be predictive of future cancer diagnosis.

ABOUT THE INFRARED CAMERA

Infrared imaging was first used for military purposes in WWII. Since the 1950s medical technology has had an interest in Thermography. In recent years the infrared camera has evolved to become valuable in detecting serious diseases. Infrared imaging is an FDA 510K approved screening device.

DOES THE THERMOGRAM DIAGNOSE BREAST CANCER?

Breast Thermography detects physiologic changes in the breast tissue that correlate with cancer. Breast cancer can only be diagnosed by microscopic examination of tissue by a pathologist. Thermography shows earliest detection of abnormal cells, up to 8 years earlier than a standard Mammogram.

WHEN BREAST THERMOGRAMS ARE POSITIVE

Thermograms receive ratings TH1 (no detection) thru TH5 (cancer detected). Women may have personal variances of circulation that show up as "warm spots" that lack specific criteria of “hot spots” that are definitively associated with breast cancer. Ratings of TH3 are “fence sitters” requiring repeat thermal imaging between 3-6 months to reveal whether the initial areas of thermal concern will resolve, stabilize, or worsen.

Depending on the thermography rating and clinical findings, a referral may be made to a Specialist for further assessment.

Physicians trained in holistic medicine may recommend preventive, such as nutritional, environmental or lifestyle changes to address early thermal abnormalities of the breast.

WHO SHOULD HAVE A THERMOGRAM?

Any woman or man desiring a risk-free, painless procedure, to screen for breast cancer is a candidate for Thermography.

We recommend that women having one or more risk factors have an annual Thermogram. The American Cancer Society says women are at risk for breast cancer if they:

• Began menstruating before age 12
• Have not had children
• Had their first child after 30 years old
• Stopped menstruating after age 50 years old
• Have a personal history of radiation exposure to the chest
• Are currently taking (or have recently taken) hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for longer than five years
• Are obese

WHAT TO EXPECT

The technician takes the images in a relaxed, private setting. The first three breast images are taken after the patient disrobes above the waist and acclimates to the room temperature for ten minutes. The patient holds their arms over their head and away from the heart, facing three different angles. The second set of  images are taken exactly as th first three, but after the hands are submerged in very cold water to lower body temperature. This creates contrast in the images.

ADVANTAGES FOR SCREENING THERMOGRAPHY

A BREAST THERMOGRAM . . .

• Does not compress or touch breast tissue.
• Is safe, easy, pain free, and without radiation.
• Detects changes in breast tissue that accompany abnormal tissues.
• Images the entire breast area, including in the upper chest and underarm regions.
• Differentiates between fibrocystic breast disease and masses with a risk of malignancy.
• Safely screens breasts with implants, and dense breast tissue.
• Evaluates the post-mastectomy chest wall.
• Is safe and reliable for nursing mothers.
• Gives opportunity for early intervention.

BEFORE YOUR THERMOGRAPHY SCAN:

PREPARATION GUIDELINES . . .

• Do not smoke or use caffeinated beverages for 2 hours before your scan
• Do not exercise, bathe, or shower for 1 hour before your scan.
• Do not shave your underarms or use skin creams, lotions, deodorants or powders on your breasts or underarms, on the day of the scan.
• Do not tan the chest (natural or artificial) for at least 7 days before the scan.
• Do not use a sauna, steam-room or a hot/cold pack on the breasts for 24 hours before the scan.
• If you have had a fever, wait minimum of 36 hours after the fever is gone to have your scan.
• Wait 3 months after breast surgery or a biopsy, completion of chemotherapy, or radiation, before your thermal scan.