What is the breast thermography procedure like?

Breast thermography is a non-invasive procedure that takes approximately 15 minutes for the actual scan. This means there is no contact with the body, no radiation and the procedure is painless. Thermography detects even the most subtle changes that accompany cancer, vascular or fibrocystic disease and infections.

When you contact our center for an appointment, you will be provided with pre-examination instructions that must be strictly followed. (i.e. no sun exposure prior to test, no lotions the day of your test, etc.) Once at our center, you will be asked to complete a breast health history form. After this form is completed, you will meet with a member of our qualified staff to review your breast health and receive a walk-through of the procedure.

The initial period of the examination will include a visual inspection of the breasts. This is necessary to complement the breast thermogram in comparing surface findings to the thermogram results. You will then be asked to stay in the exam room for approximately 15 minutes for your body temperature to adjust to the temperature conditions of the room. Once your body has achieved this level, you will be placed in front of the imaging camera to capture the necessary infrared images.

The images taken from the sensitive infrared imaging camera are then sent to a computer for analysis. The computer program used is highly technological that allows for recognizing temperature variations. From here, the results will be reviewed and analyzed by a physician. Once images have been analyzed, they will be graded using a very strict protocol of five categories:

• TH 1 – Normal uniform non-vascular
• TH 2 – Normal uniform vascular
• TH 3 – Equivocal (questionable)
• TH 4 – Abnormal
• TH 5 – Severely abnormal

Depending upon the results of the exam, further tests or scans may be performed to monitor progression.