SABRINA STINECEPHER
Thermographic imaging
How Does Thermography Work?
Modern Thermologists use digital cameras that record infrared radiation emitted by the human body and convert them into temperature readings and plot them on a computer screen. Thermologist's are then able to identify areas of hot and cold in relation to the opposite side of the body. Areas with decreased blood flow will have colder temperature readings and areas of increased blood flow will have warmer temperature readings.
Breast tumors and some other tumors are able to found on thermal imaging through the process known as Angioneogenesis, the formation of new blood vessel that supply nutrients to a tumor. This asymmetric increase in blood flow creates an increase in
temperature that can be picked up by medical thermal cameras. Many times this blood supply increases over time as a tumor grows and is an important part of baseline studies and the ability for them to identify a tumor at the earliest possible moment.
What Else Can Thermograph Detect?
- Breast Thermography is a versatile tool, offering insights into a variety of physiological aspects beyond breast health. It measures skin surface temperature and can play a part in detecting and monitoring:
- Breast Health: By establishing a baseline and identifying any temperature changes over time.
- Breast Cancer: It plays a supporting role in the detection process, used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures.
- Thyroid Pathology: Thermography may provide supportive information regarding thyroid health.
- Cerebrovascular Health: It can highlight potential issues related to blood flow in the brain.
- Nerve Pathology: Abnormalities related to nerve function might be suggested through thermography.
- Inflammation: By identifying areas of heat, it may indicate sites of inflammation in the body.
- Infection: Temperature patterns may help identify areas of potential infection.
- Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Thermography can monitor changes over time.
- Vascular Disease: It might be beneficial in recognizing signs related to vascular health.
- Lymphatic Stagnation: It may assist in identifying potential lymphatic congestion.
- Alterations in Skin Surface Temperature: Any changes can be monitored and used to inform further investigations.
It's important to note that while thermography provides valuable adjunctive data, it is not a standalone diagnostic tool for these conditions. Its strength lies in complementing other tests and procedures as part of a holistic health assessment approach. Always consult your healthcare provider for comprehensive examinations and interpretations of your thermography results.
FDA - Cleared Adjunctive Applications of Medical Thermography Include:
- Breast cancer screening
- Thyroid pathology
- Cerebrovascular screening
- Peripheral vascular disorders
- Neuromuscular conditions
Medical Thermography in a clinical setting may aid the doctor to detect:
- Systemic conditions
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Toxicity
- Dysfunction of the lymphatic system
- Testicular disorders
- Any disease that may increase or decrease skin surface temperatures