Breast Thermography

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about Breast Thermography:

Thermal breast imaging, commonly referred to as breast thermography, is a quick, safe, accurate, non-invasive 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, 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 technicians using sophisticated technology to determine if the breasts appear to be at risk.

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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 detection allows for early treatment of the problem.

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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.

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Early thermal imaging photos establish a baseline from which to monitor breast health. Comparative studies allow for early detection of changes. Thermography is recommended on an annual basis, for women 30 and over, but may be recommended every 3 to 6 months when there are suspicious thermograms or other diagnostic readings; when evaluating the effects of hormone replacement or the efficacy of a treatment; or when there is any other cause for concern.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The whole exam takes place behind the privacy of a screen. You will not be directly seen nor 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 sit or stand with your hands on your hips (hands not touching your breasts) for about 15 minutes, while your upper body cools, enabling the technician to take an accurate thermal picture.

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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.

However, it’s important to note here that neither mammograms nor breast thermography can diagnose breast cancer. The only diagnostic for breast cancer is breast biopsy.

“How effective is Breast Thermography in preventing breast cancer?â€

In 2007 my husband Marcel (a fellow naturopathic doctor) and I journeyed to Bangkok, Thailand, for screening healthcare at one of the most highly-rated hospitals in the world. I had a mammogram and a breast ultrasound, both of which were completely clear. 

A few months later at a medical conference in Las Vegas, Dr. Chi, a brilliant practitioner of Eastern Medicine, read my tongue and fingernails, informed me that I was at a very high risk for breast cancer and suggested a treatment protocol. I thought that was ridiculous, given my clear screening tests and my perceived state of hormonal balance.

Coincidentally, my office had purchased breast thermography equipment and, as I was being trained by Dr. Robert Kane in my office to do breast thermography, we discovered that one of my breasts had a very high-risk rating for breast cancer. Using thermography, I was able to track the efficacy of my naturopathic treatment protocols over three-month intervals of time and I am happy to report that my breast cancer risk rating is now quite low.

Have any questions? Make an appointment.