Thermography: The First-Step in Breast Screening
Written by Katherine Evans

What is Breast Thermography?

Digital infrared Breast Thermography is a laboratory test used in many countries as a first-line screening procedure for monitoring breast function. In order for solid mass cancer tumours to grow circulation gradually changes to feed them. These early circulatory changes are detectable with digital infrared cameras. During the thermology test, infrared scans are taken of both sides and the front of the torso. Then to distinguish normal from abnormal tissue circulation, the hands are immersed in cold water for one minute to provide a cold challenge to the body’s nervous system and then the scans are repeated. Normal cells will show a decrease in heat production as the nervous system will make the blood vessels contract to conserve heat when challenged with cold. The cells with abnormal circulation will maintain or increase their heat radiation, as they do not have this normal control from the nervous system.

What can Thermography provide that Mammograms can’t?

Because mammograms detect structural changes, a lump large enough to detect on X-ray is already present by the time a problem is found. The next step may be further investigation by ultrasound and then a biopsy to diagnose the nature of the lump or mass. At this point, it is often too late to implement preventive strategies alone and medical intervention is the norm of treatment.

In contrast, Breast Thermography detects functional changes, where the blood flow is altered in breast tissue before tumours form and when the tumours are too small to be detected with X-rays. This is done without radiation, compression, contact or needles. Unlike mammography, thermography can be used for women of all ages and with all types of breast tissue and for men as well.

The non-invasive nature of thermography also allows for many repeat scans allowing your health care provider to compare changes over time and monitor the results of preventive strategies to protect breast tissue.

What will the report tell your health care provider?

The international standardized grading system used in professional reporting is called the Marseille System of Classification, which provides strict criteria for a rating of TH-1 to TH-5:

• TH-1: normal tissue
• TH-2: normal tissue with some metabolic dysfunction
• TH-3: atypical tissue
• TH-4: abnormal tissue
• TH-5: severely abnormal tissue

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Medical Thermography International Inc: A new approach to breast screening using Digital Infrared Imaging. Non-invasive, painless with no radiation. Good for all ages, including pregnant, lactating and both pre and postmenopausal women. Can also be used for men and other parts of the body. Early detection provides the best outcome.

About The Author:

Contact: Katherine  Evans

Address: 9251 Yonge Street Suite 8-410
              Richmond Hill ON, L4C9T3

ph# 905-770-7458 | fax# 905-508-7845
E-mail: kevans@medthermonline.com
Website: www.medthermonline.com