Breast Thermography

WHAT IS BREAST THERMOGRAPHY?

The use of digital infrared imaging has many uses in the medical world including monitoring tissue healing, monitoring bacterial or viral illnesses, and monitoring changes in overall health. It was first used for breast cancer screening in 1956. In 1982, the US Food and Drug Administration listed thermography as a diagnostic technique for breast cancer and reaffirmed that position again in 2005. Breast thermography permits non-invasive and radiation free evaluation of the breast tissue for any signs of increased metabolic activity. It is well established that cancer cells are highly active, increasing their own circulation by opening existing blood vessels and creating new ones. This process often results in an increase in regional surface temperatures of the breast tissue. Thermography uses ultra-sensitive medical infrared cameras and computers to detect, analyze, and produce high resolution pictures of these variations in temperature as a possible early clue of brewing breast cancer cells.

HOW BREAST THERMOGRAPHY IS PERFORMED

A breast thermogram begins with simple preparation steps that must be strictly followed before you arrive. You will be asked to complete a breast health history form and review pre-procedural instructions prior to your arrival. Dr. Edwards will then meet with you to review your history and perform a visual inspection of the surface of the breasts. Once this is done, you will be left for 15 minutes in order for your body to reach a steady temperature state so as to avoid any erroneous readings. After this brief waiting time, you will be positioned in front of the imaging system (essentially a large camera) so that the surfaces of the breasts, upper chest, and under arms are imaged.

DOES THERMOGRAPHY REPLACE MAMMOGRAPHY?

At this time, breast thermography is not yet considered 'standard of care' and as such, it cannot be recommended in place of your routine mammogram. The general consensus among physicians is that no one procedure of breast imaging is exclusively reliable for breast cancer screening. Thermography is felt to be particularly useful for picking up cancers missed by other tests and is the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer. Since it has been determined that 1 in every 8 women is at risk for developing breast cancer, every possible means of early detection should be utilized.

IS BREAST THERMOGRAPHY COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Unfortunately, no. However, Dr. Edwards offers this service to patients at a very affordable cost and Balance Health & Wellness Center is one of only a handful of centers in Kentucky providing women of the Bluegrass this very important service.