| Breast thermography is a new, non-invasive | | | | compression weight on the breast, which can be |
| imaging procedure that utilizes infrared | | | | uncomfortable and sometimes painful, can be |
| heat-sensing technology to detect metabolic | | | | several pounds to over forty pounds. In addition, |
| changes in the breast. Abnormalities can be | | | | radiation collects in the breast tissue during |
| detected long before a tumor is present. Because | | | | mammograms; the more radiation the breast is |
| researchers are acknowledging the importance of | | | | exposed to, the higher the risk of cancer. Unlike |
| prevention and early detection as the keys to | | | | mammograms, thermography does not require |
| long term breast health, breast thermography is | | | | compression of the breasts nor does the infrared |
| fast becoming an important diagnostic test to add | | | | scanning process involve radiation or contact with |
| to health care regimens. | | | | the body. |
| To perform breast thermography, a special | | | | Mammograms can only detect tumors that have |
| camera equipped with heat-sensing, or infrared, | | | | already developed. In comparison, breast |
| technology takes pictures of the breasts and the | | | | thermography provides images of physiological |
| images are sent to a computer. Multiple images | | | | changes in the breasts that could cause future |
| are taken from several different angles in order | | | | tumor growth. One such abnormal thermal |
| to provide a three-dimensional result. These | | | | pattern, estrogen dominance, can be a precursor |
| images are digitally processed by sophisticated | | | | to breast cancer. If estrogen dominance is found, |
| equipment to create a detailed thermal map. | | | | hormonal levels can be balanced using natural |
| Because each individual has a unique 'thermal | | | | means; thereby, preventing cancer. Breast |
| fingerprint,' the images help your doctor to | | | | thermography can also detect small growths - |
| establish the normal thermal state of your | | | | those too small to be visible on mammogram or |
| breasts. That way, if a change occurs, a diagnosis | | | | ultrasound - because these tiny masses radiate |
| can be determined quickly. The images reveal to | | | | heat. |
| the doctor whether the two breasts have the | | | | Breast thermography provides important, |
| same temperature patterns and whether any | | | | relevant, and necessary information about your |
| areas differ from one breast to the other. | | | | health without exposure to radiation. This |
| Abnormalities on the infrared images, including | | | | diagnostic test, which compliments clinical |
| changes in temperature, blood flow, hormone | | | | examination and mammography, should be added |
| levels, or metabolic activity, may indicate current | | | | to your health care regimen. Prevention and early |
| or potential tumor growth. The necessary | | | | detection are the keys to long term breast and |
| diagnostic steps are then taken to determine the | | | | whole body health. By providing essential |
| nature of the abnormalities. | | | | information early, breast thermography can save |
| During a mammogram, the estimated | | | | your life. |