Thermography for Early Detection and Monitoring Of Health Issues
Thermography, a cutting-edge technology using thermal imaging, offers a potentially life-saving approach to detecting abnormalities and monitoring health conditions. While not a replacement for mammograms, it provides valuable insights, particularly for women with dense breasts or those hesitant about radiation exposure.
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women after skin cancer, with an estimated 310,720 cases expected in 2024 alone. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and regular screenings like mammograms play a vital role. However, mammograms can be uncomfortable, and some women with dense breasts may experience limitations in their effectiveness.
Thermography offers a promising alternative. This non-invasive technology provides valuable insights into breast health by detecting variations in thermal patterns. While not a definitive diagnostic tool, thermography can be a powerful ally in early detection, particularly for women seeking a more comfortable screening option or those with limitations regarding traditional methods.
By incorporating thermography alongside established screening practices, men and women in the USA can be more proactive when it comes to their health and potentially improve their chances of early detection and successful outcomes.
What Exactly Is Thermal Imaging?
Thermography, also known as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), relies on the principle that healthy and abnormal tissues emit different heat signatures. A thermal image, analyzed by a trained professional and subjected to specialized software, can reveal potential health issues through variations in infrared patterns. These variations may not be readily detectable by other methods like CT scans, X-rays, or even MRIs.
Thermography For Breast Health
Many women are aware of the importance of regular breast cancer screenings but may face limitations. Younger women might not be eligible for X-ray mammograms, while implants or fibrocystic breasts can hinder how effective they may be.
Additionally, some women may just find mammograms uncomfortable, making thermography a valuable alternative or even just an additional diagnostic tool in such a scenario.
We cannot stress enough the importance of early detection for managing potential health issues. Thermography can provide that warning sign, allowing you to discuss concerns with your doctor and explore treatment options before the problem progresses.
Furthermore, it can also be used to track changes in an existing condition over time. Once you have a baseline thermal image, subsequent scans can reveal any significant temperature deviations, providing valuable information for both you and your healthcare provider.
Going Beyond Breast Health
While not a deep-tissue imaging technique, thermography can detect thermal indications of abnormalities near the body’s surface, potentially associated with the following:
- Inflammatory conditions like arthritis
- Arterial blockages
- Soft tissue and sports injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Spinal disc and back problems
- Metabolic disorders
- Cluster headaches
- Autoimmune diseases
- Rheumatic conditions, including vasculitis
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
- Nerve problems, including diabetic neuropathy
- Some thyroid conditions
- Internal growths and some types of tumors
It’s important to understand that thermography, like most other diagnostic tools, has limitations. Breast size, obesity, and implants can affect its accuracy. Therefore, combining thermography with other tests, especially for dense breasts, is advised for a comprehensive picture of what’s going on in the body.
The Stigma of Dense Breasts
The mammogram industry has, unfortunately, portrayed dense breasts as a negative or abnormal finding. In reality, dense breasts are perfectly healthy and quite common. The concern lies in the fact that mammograms often struggle to detect tumors within dense breast tissue due to similar densities. It’s almost like trying to find an ice cube frozen within a larger block of ice in an X-ray – it would be nearly impossible!
Mammography standards have been influenced by this difficulty, with some advocating for a later mammogram starting age (around 50) due to the assumption that breast density decreases with age. However, many women in their 50s still have dense breasts.
Add to that the fact that some mammogram accuracy studies have conveniently excluded women with dense breasts from their research, skewing the results to show a higher success rate than what’s reflected in the general population, and you’ve got statistics that don’t quite align with reality.
Thermography and Dense Breasts
While thermography can’t definitively diagnose cancer, it can identify areas of abnormal heat patterns that warrant further investigation. Combining thermography with other screening methods, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, provides a more comprehensive picture of breast health, potentially leading to earlier detection and better outcomes.
What To Expect
A thermography scan is a quick and painless experience. You’ll disrobe from the waist up and stand in a temperature-controlled room for a few minutes. Images are captured using a specialized camera, and the entire process typically takes around 20-30 minutes. Plan on being at our center for about 45 minutes, and expect your results back within a week.
The initial scan will determine the recommended follow-up schedule. Typically, with no concerning findings, follow-up is recommended annually. If monitoring is needed, scans may be suggested every 3-6 months.
Thermography is highly accurate (over 99%) in detecting areas of abnormal heat patterns. However, these heat variations can have various causes. Therefore, there aren’t necessarily “false positives” with thermography, but further investigation may be needed to pinpoint the underlying reason for the heat variation.
The Final Word
Thermography is a valuable tool for those looking to be proactive when it comes to healthcare, more so when combined with other established methods. Limitations aside, it’s a powerful ally in early detection, especially for those who can’t work with traditional screening methods.
Your doctor can help you determine whether this would be a good tool for you to use, or you can reach out to us for advice on how to move forward.
Pricing and Scheduling
You can find prices and details for scheduling an appointment below. Currently, thermography is not typically covered by insurance. While it’s an advanced technology, the cost reflects the equipment and center operations.
The following are performed by a BTI-certified technician, including interpretation and report with rainbow (shows heat) and inverse gray scale images (shows vascular patterns).
Breast Thermography (30 minutes at $249.00)
30 minutes for 1 region of the body.
Kids under 16, FREE Tech Service (30 minutes at $55.00)
For children of current/future patients. 6 views, pay interpretation fee only. Earlier screening is always recommended and better for all involved.
Female Health Screening (30 minutes at $349.00)
Cerebrovascular, Thyroid, Breast, Abdomen & Back. Pre-payment plan available.
Male Health Screening (30 minutes at $349.00)
Cerebrovascular, Chest, Thyroid, Abdomen & Back. Pre-payment plan available.
Full Body Thermography – (One hour for $549.00)
Pre-payment plan available.
Following your scan, it’s recommended that you schedule a consultation with Libby to discuss the results.
Have questions or concerns? Reach out to us to learn more about how this diagnostic tool can help keep a tab on existing health conditions or screen for health concerns.
Contact Details For Appointments
Janelle Solomon, CTT
Founder of Radiant Thermography & Wellness
Cell: 803.270.1422
Office: (877) 315-7226 Ext. 447
E-mail: janelle@flowwell.org