Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging

Breast Thermography

Breast thermography empowers women to take charge of their breast health in a proactive, holistic way.

It is not a replacement for mammography but serves as a powerful adjunct tool for comprehensive care.

What is Breast Thermography?

Breast thermography, a specialized application of Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), is a non-invasive, radiation-free method of screening for breast health. It uses infrared technology to measure heat patterns and detect abnormalities in the breast tissue.

By analyzing temperature variations and vascular changes, thermography provides a detailed thermal map that can indicate potential areas of concern, such as inflammation or abnormal blood flow.

How is Breast Thermography Used Today?

  • Breast thermography is primarily used as a complementary screening tool for assessing breast health. It provides early indication of physiological changes that may precede visible or structural abnormalities detectable by mammograms or ultrasounds.

  • Thermography is also a useful monitoring tool for women with dense breast tissue, implants, or those seeking a non-invasive alternative for regular breast health screenings.

    That's how early indication works! Being proactive provides knowledge for creating your healthy lifestyle!

  • A baseline for the breast region requires 2 appointments. An initial scan is taken and, in 3 months, a second scan is taken for comparative analysis to determine your unique, individual thermal patterns.

  • Once a baseline is established, standard recommendation is re-imaging bi-annually for consistent monitoring for change in the breast tissue physiology. For instance:

    Lymphatic Congestion
    Estrogen Dominance
    Vascular changes
    Fibrocystic activity

Why is Breast Thermography used?

Breast thermography is valued for its ability to detect early physiological changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is particularly useful for women who:

  • Prefer a radiation-free and non-invasive option for breast screening.

  • Have dense breast tissue, which can make traditional mammograms less effective.

  • Are under 40, where mammography is not routinely recommended.

  • Are looking for a more comprehensive approach to their breast health.

Unlike traditional imaging methods, thermography does not rely on structural changes like lumps to signal a problem. Instead, it captures thermal and vascular activity, often identifying risk factors years before they develop into detectable issues. It is safe for all women; free from radiation, breast compression, and breast trauma.

Benefits of Breast Thermography

  • Non-invasive & painless

    No contact or discomfort during the scan.

  • Radiation-free

    Safe for all women; free from radiation, breast compression, and breast trauma.

  • Early indication

    Identifies physiological changes before structural abnormalities occur.

  • Supports preventive care

    Provides extra reassurance for women with a family history of breast issues or dense breast tissue.

  • Monitors Changes Over Time

    Tracks breast health and helps identify patterns or risks.

  • Real-time imaging

    Captures heat patterns that reflect current health issues.

Thermography is used in both medical and wellness fields as a complementary dysfunction tool.

It is often employed for early indication of health issues, preventative care, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. Thermography technology captures real-time data, giving healthcare professionals a unique view into the body’s issues without exposure to harmful radiation or invasive procedures.

These FAQs aim to educate and empower women to make informed decisions about their breast health.

If you have further questions or wish to schedule your thermography scan, we are here to help!

  • Yes, a thermal scan is different. Unlike mammograms or ultrasounds, which focus on structural imaging to identify lumps or abnormalities in the tissue, thermal imaging measures the heat patterns on the surface of the skin. This difference makes thermography a functional tool that can detect physiological changes, such as increased blood flow or inflammation, which may signal early-stage issues before structural changes are visible.

    It is safe for all women; free from radiation, breast compression, and breast trauma.

  • No, thermal imaging is not a replacement for mammograms or ultrasounds. Instead, it is a complementary tool. While mammograms and ultrasounds detect structural changes, thermography highlights functional changes. Together, these methods provide a more comprehensive approach to breast health, helping identify potential issues at different stages and from multiple perspectives.

  • Thermal scans are suitable for:

    • Women of all ages, including younger women under 40 who may not qualify for mammograms.

    • Women with dense breast tissue or implants.

    • Individuals with a family history of breast cancer.

    • Those seeking early detection or monitoring tools as part of a proactive health plan.

    • Pregnant or nursing women, as it is a non-invasive and safe procedure.

  • No, thermography is completely radiation-free. It uses infrared technology to capture heat patterns, making it a safe and non-invasive screening option for women of all ages.

  • Yes, clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of thermal imaging as a screening tool for breast health. Thermography has been recognized for its ability to detect early changes in tissue that might indicate abnormalities. Research has shown that thermography can identify risks up to 8-10 years before structural changes become apparent in some cases.

  • No, thermography is entirely painless. There is no contact, compression, or invasive procedure involved. The scan is taken using an infrared camera that measures heat patterns, ensuring a comfortable experience.

  • Yes, a thermogram can be a valuable addition to your diagnostic process. While it is not a diagnostic tool for breast cancer, it can provide additional insights into physiological changes, such as inflammation or abnormal vascular patterns, which may guide further testing or treatment decisions. Always consult your healthcare provider for a complete evaluation.

  • Thermography is a relatively newer tool in breast health compared to mammograms and ultrasounds, which are more established in traditional medical practices. Awareness about thermography is still growing, and not all healthcare providers are trained in its use. Additionally, the lack of standardized guidelines for thermography can affect its widespread adoption. However, as interest in non-invasive and complementary health tools increases, thermography is becoming more accessible.

  • Yes, breast thermography is safe for women with breast implants. Since it doesn’t involve compression or invasive procedures, it poses no risk to implants and provides a reliable way to monitor breast health.

  • Yes, thermography is completely safe for pregnant and nursing women. It is non-invasive, does not involve any radiation or compression, and has no known risks for mother or baby.

Contact Andrea for any questions or to schedule a Thermography appointment.