Thermography.
Thermography is a state-of-the-art, and potentially life-saving, method of detecting cancer by using thermal imaging. The technology used to perform thermograms is considered one of the most reliable for risk assessment and detection, especially in the case of breast cancer — as opposed to potentially cancer-causing mammograms.
The theory behind thermal imaging, also called digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI), is that normal and abnormal tissues have different heat signatures. So a thermal image, when read by an experienced examiner and run through the proper computer analyses, may reveal the infrared evidence of a potential or actual health issue that may not yet be detectable by other means, such as an X-ray, CAT scan, or MRI.
Most women don’t have to be reminded of the statistics about the risks of breast cancer and the wisdom of having regular breast health screenings. But many women who are at risk are too young for regular X-ray screenings (mammography), or they have implants or fibrocystic breasts, which can make mammography less effective. The truth is that many women who are good candidates for mammography simply don’t get them because they find them uncomfortable. In these situations and others, thermal imaging can provide an important source of information about breast health.
With early warning of a potential problem, you can take immediate action to address the issue with your primary care physician, providing time to carefully consider all of your treatment options and perhaps even heading off the problem before it becomes serious.
In many cases, thermography can be useful to track changes in a condition. Once you have a baseline thermal reading, subsequent thermograms will reveal temperature deviations over time. This may provide valuable information to you and your physician for gauging whether a condition is getting better or not, and even whether a particular treatment is working well or not.
What Else Can Thermography Reveal?
Although thermography cannot see deep into the body, it can detect many of the thermal indications of abnormalities near the surface, including those often additionally associated with:
• Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis
• Arterial blockages
• Soft-tissue and sports injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Spinal disc and back issues
• Metabolic disorders
• Cluster headaches
• Auto-immune disease
• Rheumatic condtions, including vaculitis
• Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
• TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder)
• Nerve problems, diabetic neuropathy
• Some thyroid conditions
• Internal growths and some kinds of tumor
Thermography is a state-of-the-art, and potentially life-saving, method of detecting cancer by using thermal imaging. The technology used to perform thermograms is considered one of the most reliable for risk assessment and detection, especially in the case of breast cancer — as opposed to potentially cancer-causing mammograms.
The theory behind thermal imaging, also called digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI), is that normal and abnormal tissues have different heat signatures. So a thermal image, when read by an experienced examiner and run through the proper computer analyses, may reveal the infrared evidence of a potential or actual health issue that may not yet be detectable by other means, such as an X-ray, CAT scan, or MRI.
Most women don’t have to be reminded of the statistics about the risks of breast cancer and the wisdom of having regular breast health screenings. But many women who are at risk are too young for regular X-ray screenings (mammography), or they have implants or fibrocystic breasts, which can make mammography less effective. The truth is that many women who are good candidates for mammography simply don’t get them because they find them uncomfortable. In these situations and others, thermal imaging can provide an important source of information about breast health.
With early warning of a potential problem, you can take immediate action to address the issue with your primary care physician, providing time to carefully consider all of your treatment options and perhaps even heading off the problem before it becomes serious.
In many cases, thermography can be useful to track changes in a condition. Once you have a baseline thermal reading, subsequent thermograms will reveal temperature deviations over time. This may provide valuable information to you and your physician for gauging whether a condition is getting better or not, and even whether a particular treatment is working well or not.
What Else Can Thermography Reveal?
Although thermography cannot see deep into the body, it can detect many of the thermal indications of abnormalities near the surface, including those often additionally associated with:
• Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis
• Arterial blockages
• Soft-tissue and sports injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Spinal disc and back issues
• Metabolic disorders
• Cluster headaches
• Auto-immune disease
• Rheumatic condtions, including vaculitis
• Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
• TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder)
• Nerve problems, diabetic neuropathy
• Some thyroid conditions
• Internal growths and some kinds of tumor
Why Are Dense Breasts Stigmatized?
by Anthony Piana, DC, FPACT
The mammogram industry has created a view towards dense breasts that is rather demeaning, as if having dense breasts is similar to a disease. The truth of the matter is, dense breasts are perfectly healthy and normal.
The reason dense breasts have been stigmatized is because mammograms have a difficult time identifying tumors within higher density breasts. This could be caused by the breast being as dense as the tumor, making it hard to distinguish. A way of understanding this is if you were taking an X-Ray of an ice cube that was frozen in a slab of ice. This would cause it to appear no different than the rest of the surrounding area, because the density is the same.
Standards for mammograms have been specifically created around this idea that dense breasts are a nuisance or disease. This is why a few years ago the age recommendation for a mammogram was increased to the age of 50, based on the idea that breast density lowers with age. Still, many women in their 50s have dense breasts.
Another issue is that research studies related to the accuracy of mammograms have adjusted their research perimeters to not include women with dense breasts, despite them being over half of the population. The findings of the studies have shown greater results for mammogram screening, but ultimately they do not reflect well for the general population when identifying tumors.
This isn't to say that other tests are perfect, though. As an example, thermography has similar limitations when it comes to breast size, obesity, and breast implants. This is why it is important to understand that a combination of tests provide the best results — especially when dealing with dense breasts.
by Anthony Piana, DC, FPACT
The mammogram industry has created a view towards dense breasts that is rather demeaning, as if having dense breasts is similar to a disease. The truth of the matter is, dense breasts are perfectly healthy and normal.
The reason dense breasts have been stigmatized is because mammograms have a difficult time identifying tumors within higher density breasts. This could be caused by the breast being as dense as the tumor, making it hard to distinguish. A way of understanding this is if you were taking an X-Ray of an ice cube that was frozen in a slab of ice. This would cause it to appear no different than the rest of the surrounding area, because the density is the same.
Standards for mammograms have been specifically created around this idea that dense breasts are a nuisance or disease. This is why a few years ago the age recommendation for a mammogram was increased to the age of 50, based on the idea that breast density lowers with age. Still, many women in their 50s have dense breasts.
Another issue is that research studies related to the accuracy of mammograms have adjusted their research perimeters to not include women with dense breasts, despite them being over half of the population. The findings of the studies have shown greater results for mammogram screening, but ultimately they do not reflect well for the general population when identifying tumors.
This isn't to say that other tests are perfect, though. As an example, thermography has similar limitations when it comes to breast size, obesity, and breast implants. This is why it is important to understand that a combination of tests provide the best results — especially when dealing with dense breasts.
How long does a scan take to perform?
Approximately 20-30 minutes. Plan on being at our center for 45 minutes.
How long does it take to get the results?
In most cases, we will have the results back to in 1 week or less.
Is Thermography covered by insurance?
Not at this time. Keep in mind, cutting edge technology is not covered in most fields of medicine. Our centers charge a nominal fee for this technology despite the high cost of the equipment and the cost of running a center.
Do I need to get a mammogram?
That is between you and your primary physician. Thermography is an adjunctive procedure that offers extra information and can be combined with other testing.
How often will I need a thermogram?
Your initial scan will dictate what follow-up is necessary. With no suspicious findings, most follow-up recommendations will be 12 months. Scans that warrant monitoring typically will be 3-6 months later.
Are there many false positives with thermal imaging?
The purpose of the thermographic evaluation is to show areas of hot and cold in the body. Thermography is greater than 99% accurate for this purpose. Therefore, it can be said there are no false positives with thermal imaging. Heat can be present due to many factors. There is no such thing as "normal" inflammation in the body. This is due to a pathological process or injury.
Approximately 20-30 minutes. Plan on being at our center for 45 minutes.
How long does it take to get the results?
In most cases, we will have the results back to in 1 week or less.
Is Thermography covered by insurance?
Not at this time. Keep in mind, cutting edge technology is not covered in most fields of medicine. Our centers charge a nominal fee for this technology despite the high cost of the equipment and the cost of running a center.
Do I need to get a mammogram?
That is between you and your primary physician. Thermography is an adjunctive procedure that offers extra information and can be combined with other testing.
How often will I need a thermogram?
Your initial scan will dictate what follow-up is necessary. With no suspicious findings, most follow-up recommendations will be 12 months. Scans that warrant monitoring typically will be 3-6 months later.
Are there many false positives with thermal imaging?
The purpose of the thermographic evaluation is to show areas of hot and cold in the body. Thermography is greater than 99% accurate for this purpose. Therefore, it can be said there are no false positives with thermal imaging. Heat can be present due to many factors. There is no such thing as "normal" inflammation in the body. This is due to a pathological process or injury.
Pricing:
- Breast Thermography (6 images at $299.00)
30 Minutes. Performed by a BTI Certified technician. Includes Interpretation and Report with rainbow (shows heat) and inverse gray scale images (shows vascular patterns). Or 1 region of the body. - Kids under 16, FREE Tech Service (30 minutes at $55.00)
For children of current/future patients. Performed by a BTI Certified technician. Includes Interpretation and Report, rainbow (heat) & inverse gray scale images (vascular patterns). 6 views, pay interp fee only. The earlier the better for everyone! - Female Health Screening (20 images at $399.00)
Cerebrovascular, Thyroid, Breast, Abdomen & Back. Performed by a BTI Certified technician. Includes Interpretation and Report with rainbow (shows heat) and inverse gray scale images (shows vascular patterns). Pre-payment plan available. - Health Screening (20 images at $399.00)
Cerebrovascular, Chest, Thyroid, Abdomen & Back. Performed by a BTI certified technician. Includes Interpretation and Report with rainbow (shows heat) and inverse gray scale images (shows vascular patterns). Pre-payment plan available. - Full Body Thermography - (One hour for $599.00)
Performed by a BTI Certified technician. Includes Interpretation & Report w/ rainbow (shows heat) and inverse gray scale images (shows vascular patterns). Pre-payment plan available.
Note from Libby:
Please contact Janelle (see below) directly to schedule an appointment. Following your thermography scan you should contact my office to schedule a discussion of your results.
Please contact Janelle (see below) directly to schedule an appointment. Following your thermography scan you should contact my office to schedule a discussion of your results.
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To schedule an appointment clink link above or contact:
Janelle Solomon Certified Thermographic Technician Radiant Thermography & Wellness www.RadiantThermography.org [email protected] c. 803.270.1422 o. (877) 315-7226 Ext 447 |
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