Breast Thermography

Breast Thermography is a non-invasive clinical test that gives people of all ages the opportunity to increase their chances of detecting breast disease at a very early stage. Using digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI), there is no painful compression of the breast, and absolutely no exposure to radiation or any other harmful substance. 

Regular scans allows the opportunity to detect subtle physiologic changes which accompany disease at a very early stage, often prior to any discomfort or formation of a mass. Each breast has a ‘thermal fingerprint’, which remains essentially unchanged throughout life except in the presence of disease. A thermographic baseline is established by having two scans, three months apart. This baseline is then compared with annual scans to monitor any abnormal changes in the thermal presentation

Breast Thermography has the ability to detect angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels which is one of the first signs that a cancer may be forming and can present up to ten years before there is a mass. Mammography will not see these changes because it visualizes anatomical changes (masses), rather than physiological changes. Thermography allows evaluatioin of the tail of the breast, armpit, upper breast, and just under the collarbone, which a mammogram cannot see because these are outside the area compressed by the plates.

Many cancers have been growing for years before there is a detectable mass and by that time, treatment options usually involve surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. With early detection of imbalance, gentler and more natural means of rebalancing the body can be used and may prevent a tumor from becoming established.

It is important to remember that no test is 100% accurate for detecting cancer. In the presence of abnormal changes in the breast, no single test should be used as the sole basis to make treatment decisions. Each type of test has specific abilities to be leveraged and interpreted by a qualified health practitioner.

Our scans are interpreted by board certified medical doctors specializing in digital infrared thermal imaging. Each yearly scan is compared to the individually established baseline and carefully evaluated for any changes.

How should I prepare for Breast Thermography?

For 24 hours prior to your scan, avoid heavy exercise, acupuncture, massage, saunas or steam rooms. Do not have physical therapy or electromyography before your exam. For 2 hours prior to your scan, avoid smoking, exercise and showering in hot or cold water. Do not shave under your arms or use deodorant, skin creams, liniments, or lotions in the areas to be imaged on the day of the test. Avoid sun exposure the day of the test. For best results, you should not have had a sunburn, sunbathed, or have used a tanning bed within a week of your test.

No changes in diet or medication are necessary. Please inform your technician of any medications taken at the time of your test.

Please note that you must wait 3 months after major breast surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, or biopsy before having a breast scan, and at least 1 month after minor surgery, such as mole removal, for results to be accurate. Please also note that breastfeeding does affect the physiology of the breasts, and those breastfeeding should wait 3 months prior to the end of lactation to begin to establish a thermographic baseline of the breasts.

What happens during the procedure?

The test takes approximately 30 minutes. Your Thermographer will review your history and breast questionnaire prior to your scan. Please inform the Thermographer if you have had any recent skin lesions (rashes, cuts, or abrasions) on your breasts, as the inflammation might affect the findings.

You’ll then be asked to remove all upper body clothing, jewelry, and to arrange long hair so it is off the shoulders and neck. After allowing your skin to adjust to room temperature, six images will be taken of the breasts and surrounding area. The procedure is entirely non-invasive. There is no contact with the body at any time and the camera emits no radiation.

How much does it cost?

The cost for Breast Thermography is $215 paid via cash or check, or $222.80 paid via card.