Breast thermography is a new, non-invasive imaging procedure that utilizes infrared heat sensing technology to detect changes in metabolism in the breast. Abnormalities can be detected long before the tumor is present. Because the researchers recognize the importance of prevention and early detection as a key to long -term breast health, breast thermography quickly becomes an important diagnostic test to increase health care regimens.
To do breast thermography, a special camera that is equipped with hot sensing, or infrared, technology takes breast images and images sent to the computer. Some images are taken from several different angles to give three dimensional results. These images are processed digitally by sophisticated equipment to make detailed thermal maps.
Because every individual has a unique ‘thermal fingerprint’, the picture helps your doctor to determine the normal thermal state of your breasts. That way, if changes occur, the diagnosis can be determined quickly. The picture revealed to the doctor whether both breasts have the same temperature pattern and whether there are different areas from one breast to another. Abnormalities in infrared images, including changes in temperature, blood flow, hormone levels, or metabolic activity, can show current or potential tumor growth. The diagnostic steps needed are then taken to determine the nature of the disorder.
During mammograms, the estimated weight of compression in the breast, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, can be some pounds up to more than forty pounds. In addition, radiation is collected in breast tissue during mammograms; The more breast radiation exposed, the higher the risk of cancer. Unlike mammograms, thermography does not require breast compression and infrared scanning process involves radiation or contact with the body.
Mammograms can only detect tumors that have developed. As a comparison, breast thermography gives a picture of physiological changes to the breast which can cause tumor growth in the future. One of the thermal abnormal patterns, the dominance of estrogen, can be a precursor of breast cancer. If the dominance of estrogen is found, hormone levels can be balanced using natural methods; Thus, preventing cancer. Breast thermography can also detect small growth – which is too small to be seen in mammograms or ultrasonography – because this small mass emits heat.