Breast Thermography

What Are the Advantages of Thermographic Imaging?

Thermography is the earliest method of breast pathology detection known. It can identify changes in local physiology and blood flow before other clinical examinations or screening tests are able to detect a problem. Unlike mammography, accuracy of the test is not compromised by the denser breast tissue in women under 50 years old. Compared with X-Rays, CT scans, ultrasound and MRIs, DITI is unique in its ability to show physiological and metabolic changes. DITI is also very cost-effective when compared to these other screening and diagnostic tools.

How Does Breast Thermography Compare to a Mammogram?

Both are screening tests that do not specifically diagnose breast cancer, but screen for changes in local tissues due to various causes. Both are superior to clinical or self-examination for detecting early pathological changes. Mammography detects anatomical changes and is more precise than thermography in identifying the exact location of a lesion, while thermography detects physiological changes that occur much earlier than anatomical changes.

Thermography has been shown to detect the precancerous state of breast tissue up to 10 years before breast cancer is identified by other methods, and a positive thermographic image represents the highest known risk factor for the future development of breast cancer, 10 times more significant than any family history of the disease. Compared with mammography, 7 out of 10 times infrared imaging is the first alarm that something is happening.

Can Breast Thermography Diagnose Breast Cancer?

No. Like mammography, it is a screening test. More specific diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or biopsy are needed to diagnose and stage breast cancer.

Does Breast Thermography Replace a Mammogram?

No. Both are useful screening tools with relative strengths and weaknesses. Thermography is most useful in women who are not good candidates for mammography or who prefer to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. Mammography can be a useful follow-up screening tool when thermography reveals a suspicious finding. When used as part of a multi-modal approach (clinical examination + thermography + mammography), 95% of early stage breast cancers can be detected.

How Often Should Breast Thermography Be Done?

An initial thermogram with a 3-6 month follow-up establishes a baseline. Thereafter , annual thermograms are generally recommended.

Can Thermography Be Used for Other Conditions?

Yes, there are a number of conditions where thermography has proven to be a useful diagnostic procedure as well as a way to measure treatment progress. These conditions include local pain conditions including:

• Arthritis
• Tendinitis and tenosynovitis
• Neurological conditions
• Atherosclerotic heart disease
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Vasculitis
• Raynaud’s disease.

Finally, licensed acupuncturists can use thermography to detect slight temperature variations which reflect disturbances in the flow of Qi and blood, which can result in pain and dysfunction. Concrete evidence that acupuncture therapy actually restores blood flow and normalizes disrupted temperature patterns has been proven by thermographic studies.

SOMA Acupuncture & Natural Health Clinic Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc 1615 20th St • San Francisco CA 94107 • 415-643-6600 Website: www.SOMAacupuncture.com Naturopathic Medicine • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Supplements Nutrition • Women's Health • Weight Loss • Breast Thermography Smoking Cessation • Work-Related Injuries