The Safest Breast Test: Thermography Is Hope For The Future
Is a Thermogram Safer Than a Mammogram?
To diagnose breast cancer, there is more than one option, namely mammograms, ultrasounds, and thermography. Doctors typically recommend mammograms, despite the fact that thermography has been shown to be safer and more accurate in determining if precancerous or cancerous cells are present or not. And it doesn’t hurt! Here’s why doctors won’t recommend thermography to their patients and how the technology works.
What is a Thermogram?
A thermogram is an advanced type of screening tool used to determine possible cancerous and precancerous cells in an individual’s breast tissue. Although similar to a mammogram, it relies on infrared imaging rather than X-rays to make its determinations. In addition, it is able to take multiple images of one breast at once as opposed to just one like with regular mammograms. Because of these factors, thermography has been shown to be much more accurate than traditional mammography when it comes to identifying potential issues within the breast tissue.
Can Thermogram identifies precancerous or cancerous cells earlier than Mammogram?
Studies show that a thermogram identifies precancerous or cancerous cells earlier, and produces unambiguous results, which cuts down on additional testing–and it doesn’t hurt the body. So why isn’t more popular? […] A thermogram is similar to mammography: you are placed in an imaging machine and exposed to low-dose radiation. However, with a thermogram, you won’t have to fear the harmful effects of radiation—which is why it has some proponents calling for its replacement of mammograms.
The role of a Thermographer when performing a Thermography scan
Think of a radiologist. They work with x-rays and other forms of imaging to diagnose illnesses in people’s bodies. Think of a thermographer as similar, but instead of using traditional radiology equipment, they use thermal imagery to diagnose problems within your body. In short, a thermographer is more like your doctor when it comes to trying to help you understand if there is anything wrong that needs attention. A thermographer may also be known as a thermal imagist or infrared imaging specialist. It’s important to note that not all medical professionals can perform a thermography scan on patients; only specially trained individuals are able to do so.
How early can a thermogram find cancer?
Because thermal imaging finds changes at the cellular level, research has suggested that this test can be found at the beginning of activity that could lead to a tumor, which could be as much as 8 to 10 years before other tests show any change. As such, it offers the opportunity to observe cellular changes before a tumor even forms. According to some studies, a tumor may not be visible by conventional means of physical examination or mammography until it has already grown to 1,048,576 cells, which would take about five years. (An average 8-year-old has 3.2 trillion cells.) By contrast, thermal imaging can find cancerous activity at around 1,000 to 2,000 cells–or as little as two years before other tests might be able to find anything. This means that thermography may allow doctors to treat cancer much earlier than they would otherwise be able to do so–and with far fewer risks for patients than current procedures entail.
How long does it take to get these images done
Depending on your practitioner, thermography images can be taken as quickly as a few minutes. During your appointment, you’ll lie on an imaging table and wear loose-fitting clothing. Sensors will be placed in several places on your body. These sensors gather heat emitted from your body and display it in color gradients on a computer screen. Within minutes, you’ll have an accurate thermal map of your body that includes any possible abnormalities. The interpretation of these findings will be discussed during your consultation.
3 Interesting facts about thermography tests you might find interesting
1. The body’s normal temperature is generally considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but that number varies depending on factors like age and gender. (Women tend to run a bit warmer than men, for example.)
2. Whereas mammograms may miss an average of one in every 25 breast cancers, thermography is reported to have only about an 11 percent failure rate—meaning it’s more likely to catch a tumor before it spreads than other imaging tests are.
3. Studies show that a thermogram identifies precancerous or cancerous cells earlier, and produces unambiguous results, which cuts down on additional testing–and it doesn’t hurt the body. So why isn’t more popular? Because, unlike mammograms, thermography isn’t covered by insurance companies or Medicare yet; you’ll pay out-of-pocket if you want to get tested. But keep in mind: That’s not necessarily a bad thing!
Final note: What to look for when looking for a Thermographer?
It is essential that you know what to look for when choosing a thermographer. There are several things you will want to consider before deciding on one for your services. For instance, do they have certification and proper training? Are they certified by an accredited training program? What about the experience? Is their work backed up by any research or studies? Can they provide references from past clients or patients who can vouch for their work? All of these questions should be answered as honestly as possible when looking into a company or individual who does thermography imaging. A qualified professional will not only be able to answer all of these questions but also show evidence of their qualifications in their portfolio of previous works and patient testimonials.
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