Breast Thermography

A Not-so-new method of Breast Cancer detection

More and more women ask me about breast thermography and its usefulness in detecting breast cancer. Concerns about radiation effects, discomfort, and efficacy rates of mammography appear to prompt these questions. The following article provides some background and general information about thermography and its efficacy. In general, I believe this technique offers a unique option in breast cancer screening and detection.

History of Breast Thermography

This technique surfaced as a breast cancer screening tool in the 1950's. Research for its utility began in the 1970's and continues today. Early results showed poor detection ability for breast cancer. Proponents of breast thermography state that the study results were due to new technology, faulty testing protocols, and poor interpretation skills.

These human and equipment errors have been corrected. A 1999 study showed a 96% accuracy rate of thermography for detecting and predicting breast cancer. Current use of thermal imaging for breast cancer screening requires the adherence to specific test administration protocols and certification of the image interpreters.

Thermography is FDA approved for breast cancer screening. However, because federal regulation of thermography does not exist yet, it is important to investigate the training of your technician and their interpreters. National and international societies exist to monitor the field and provide certification to technicians and the doctors reading the images.

Breast Thermography Basics

The imaging does not detect cancer cells. Breast thermography uses digital infrared imaging (DII) to detect and record temperature variations in the breasts and surrounding tissues. Precancerous and cancer cells exhibit elevated temperature readings due to increased metabolic activity and increased vascular circulation. The formation of new vessels increases nutrient availability to the cells and fuels the increased metabolic activity and growth of the cancer.

This process begins early on in the development of cancer. Before a palpable and detectable mass exists, the temperature of the tissue elevates in response to the increased activity. Therefore, thermal imaging detects cancer cells and cancerous changes earlier than any other diagnostic technique including mammography, ultrasound, and physical exam. Early detection and treatment increases survival rates tremendously.

A trained and certified doctor reads the picture to determine if any abnormality exists. Depending on the degree of abnormality other follow-up diagnostics may be required. For some, only subtle changes exist and preventative care is necessary. For others, follow-up diagnostics may include mammography, needle biopsy, or ultrasound.

Cancer diagnosis requires a pathological study of the cells themselves. As with any imaging technique a follow-up biopsy is required to firmly diagnose or rule out cancer.

Thermography vs. Mammography

Mammography relies on x-ray technology to take a picture of the breast and surrounding tissue. X-ray works by sending radiation into the body and reading the rays that bounce back into the machine. Bone and calcified tissue bounce back numerous rays, while soft tissue bounces back fewer rays depending on density.

X-ray provides excellent pictures of bone and calcified tissues. Cancer growths often present with calcifications making them visible to the x-ray. However, mammography requires this calcification and a tumor of a certain size in order to be accurate. Additionally, mammography accuracy decreases with larger breasts, breasts exposed to hormone replacement, and fibrocystic breasts. These breast variations pose no problem to thermography.

Mammography has an 80% efficacy rate in women over age 50 and about a 60% efficacy rate in women under age 50. Thermography has 87-96% efficacy rates regardless of age. While mammography and physical exam require the existence of a cancer growth to be useful, thermography allows detection of abnormality much earlier.

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Incidence increases with age. However, diagnosis in younger women often carries a more severe prognosis. Percentage-wise, more women die of breast cancer in the younger age groups.

Thermography provides a non-invasive, non-radiation, accurate method to detect early cancers for this age group. Baseline images taken in the early 20's will provide a marker against which change can be compared. This test provides crucial information to the individual and their physician in guiding preventative care recommendations.

Thermography lacks the ability to pinpoint the location of the tumor and becomes less accurate the deeper the tumor and tissue changes get. No one technique can accurately detect all breast cancers. However, thermography is an excellent compliment to currently available testing and provides a screening tool for younger women. Some research results show up to a 61% increase in survival rate when thermography and mammography are used together.

The Test Logistics

The test requires about a 30-minute appointment including a health questionnaire and information session. The individual stands in front of the camera exposing the breasts and the camera takes a thermal picture. Trained doctors interpret the picture and send a report to either the technician or your physician. Your physician will prescribe treatment recommendations and/or preventative strategies based on the report.

Unlike mammography and some other imaging modalities, thermal imaging does not require radiation, compression, contact with the machine, or intravenous injection. The procedure is very comfortable procedure and poses no health risk to the patient.

Cost: The cost of this test ranges from $150 to $200 including interpretation fees depending on the facility. Most insurance companies consider thermography an unnecessary test and so few cover the cost. The official recommendations for optimum breast screening include mammography only.

If you are interested in scheduling a test, a technician will be in Brattleboro on December 14th. Please call 802-254-4369 for more details.