What is breast thermography?

Breast thermography is a screening procedure that images the breasts to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. It is based on the principle that chemical/metabolic/physiologic and blood vessel activity in both pre-cancerous tissue and the area surrounding a developing breast cancer is almost always higher than in the normal breast. Since pre-cancerous and cancerous masses are highly metabolic tissues, they need an abundant supply of nutrients to maintain their growth and this can increase the surface temperatures of the breast.

State-of-the-art breast thermography uses an ultra-sensitive infrared camera and sophisticated computers to detect, analyze, and produce high-resolution images of these temperature and vascular changes. The procedure is both comfortable and safe using no radiation or compression. By carefully examining changes in the temperature and blood vessels of the breasts, signs of possible cancer or pre-cancerous cell growth may be detected up to 10 years prior to being discovered using any other procedure. This provides for the earliest detection of cancer possible. Because of breast thermography's extreme sensitivity, these temperature variations and blood vessel changes may be among the earliest signs of breast cancer and/or a pre-cancerous state of the breast.

Is thermography different than mammography or ultrasound?

Yes. Unlike mammography and ultrasound, thermography is a test of physiology. It detects and records the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the breasts. It can help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology (that can later develop into a tumor detectable on mammogram).

Mammography and ultrasound are tests of anatomy. They look at structure. When a tumor has grown to a size that is large enough and dense enough to block an x-ray beam (mammography) or reflect a sound wave (ultrasound), it produces an image that can be detected by a trained radiologist. In the case of a mammogram, a tumor will be detected once it has grown to the size of a dime, and contains about 4 billion cells.

Is thermal imaging a replacement for mammograms or ultrasounds?

No. Thermal imaging should be viewed as a complementary, not competitive, tool to mammography and ultrasound. Breast thermography has the ability to identify patients at the highest level of risk and actually increases the effective usage of mammograms and ultrasounds. While some women make a personal choice to use thermal imaging instead of mammography for breast screening, other women who cannot use mammography for a number of reasons can use thermography instead of mammography. Most women use thermal imaging in addition to mammography and/or ultrasound.

The ultimate choice should be made on an individual basis with regard to clinical history, personal circumstances and medical advice.

Research confirms that thermography, when used with mammography, increases the detection rate to 95-98%, surpassing either technology as stand-alone therapy.

Who should have a thermogram?

All women can benefit from breast thermography screening. It is especially appropriate for younger women (30 - 50) whose denser breast tissue makes it more difficult for mammography to pick up suspicious lesions.

Also for women of all ages who, for many reasons, are unable to undergo routine mammography. For example, women with a history of fibrocystic breast disease, women with cosmetic breast implants, women with small breast tissue, women who cannot or do not want exposure to x-ray radiation, women with unusually sensitive breasts may find great reassurance and comfort with a thermogram reading. This test can provide a 'clinical marker' to the doctor or mammographer that a specific area of the breast needs particularly close examination.

It is recommended that since cancer typically has a 15 year life span from onset to death, that women begin thermographic screenings at age 25. The number one killer of women ages 40-44 is breast cancer, therefore a woman diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 possibly had the cancer as early as age 30. Since most women do not have a mammogram until age 40, there is a critical time period from age 25 to 39 that thermography could be beneficial.

Can thermography diagnose cancer?

Neither mammogram, ultrasound, nor thermography can diagnose cancer. Only a biopsy can diagnose cancer. But, when thermograms, mammograms, ultrasounds, and clinical exams are used together, the best possible evaluation of breast health can be made.

What are the guidelines for thermography testing?

One day there may be a single method for the early detection of breast cancer. Until then, using a combination of methods will increase your chances of detecting cancer in an early stage. These methods include :

• Annual breast thermography screening for women of all ages, starting at age 25.
• Mammography, when considered appropriate for women who are aged 50 or older.
• A regular annual breast examination by a health professional.
• Monthly breast self-examination.

What is the cost?

Click here for cost information.

Is this procedure covered by my medical insurance?

Insurance coverage for breast thermography varies by company and policy type. Although the procedure is not currently covered by most medical insurance companies, the procedure is surprisingly affordable for most women.

VisiScan does not bill medical insurance companies. VisiScan will provide you with the proper codes for insurance billing if required.

What is involved in the procedure?

Click here for a detailed explanation of the breast thermography procedure.

How do I make an appointment?

Appointments are easily made through our web based appointment system or by phone at 916-532-9419.
Click here for more information on appointments.

If I have a suspicious mammogram or a lump in my breast, should I have a thermogram?

Yes. The information provided by a thermography study can contribute useful additional information which ultimately helps your doctor with management decisions. It is also important to establish a baseline for future comparison in order to monitor changes and the progress of any treatment. Studies have shown that when a mammogram has shown an undiagnosed mass, performing a thermogram may indicate that a biopsy is not needed if no thermal or vascular abnormalities are found.