FAQ

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Will a thermographic scan tell me if I have cancer?

• Mammograms, Thermograms, MRIs, X-Rays or any other imaging scan cannot diagnose cancer. The most common way to make a cancer diagnosis is by taking a biopsy and having a lab analysis. A thermogram is able to detect areas of dysfunction in the body by imaging hot and cold areas. The reason this is so important, is that a change in temperature is one of the first signs of disease. This is the reason that areas of dysfunction can show up so much earlier with a thermographic scan.

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Is thermal imaging FDA registered?

• Yes. DITI was FDA registered in 1982.

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How long does a thermogram take?

• A thermography scan appointment will typically take 20 minutes for the breast area and 40 minutes for full body thermography.

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How will I get my report for the scan?

• Your report will be emailed to you usually within 5 to 7 working days of the day of your scan.

 

Who evaluates my scan?

• All images are interpreted by MDs specifically trained in thermographic interpretation and certified by a thermography medical board based in the United States. The interpreting M.D. will write the report and return it to the thermographer within a few days.

 

Will my insurance cover the infrared procedure/test and the office visits?

• At the present time, most insurance companies do not cover the procedure. You will be given a receipt for your visit, which can be used as a medical expense for your taxes if applicable.

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Is breast thermography safe for breast implants?

• Yes. The accuracy of thermography is not affected in patients with implants. Since there is no compression there is zero risk of causing damage to the implants.

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Why is thermal imaging useful for breast imaging?

• Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) offers the opportunity of earlier detection of breast disease than has been possible with breast self-examination, physician palpation or mammography alone. Each individual has her own thermal pattern (normally symmetric) that is accurate and static throughout her lifetime. Any changes to her normal “thermal fingerprint” caused by early cell changes (pathology) will become increasingly apparent. Monitoring changes over periods of time with DITI is the most efficient means of identifying subjects who require further investigation. DITI is a non-invasive test. There is no contact with the body of any kind, no radiation and the procedure is painless. The scanning system merely detects and records the infrared radiation that is emitting from the patient’s body. Utilizing sophisticated infrared technology and innovative computer software, thermal imaging technicians simply capture a digitized image of the breast in the form of an infrared thermogram, or heat picture.

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Is a thermal scan different than a mammogram or ultrasound?

• Yes. Unlike mammography and ultrasound, Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is a test of physiology. It detects and records the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the body. It can help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology and the establishment of risk factors for the development or existence of cancer. Mammography and ultrasound are tests of anatomy. They look at structure. When a tumor has grown to a size that is large enough and dense enough to block an x-ray beam (mammography) or sound wave (ultrasound), it produces an image that can be detected by a trained radiologist. Neither mammogram, ultrasound, nor DITI can diagnose cancer. Only a biopsy can diagnose cancer. But, when DITI, mammograms, ultrasounds, and clinical exams are used together, the best possible evaluation of breast health can be made.

 

Is thermal imaging a replacement for mammograms or ultrasounds?

• No. While some women make a personal choice to use thermal imaging instead of mammography for breast screening, other women who cannot use mammography for a number of reasons can use thermography instead of mammography. Most women use thermal imaging in addition to mammography and/or ultrasound. We believe that (DITI) should be viewed as a complementary, not competitive, tool to mammography and ultrasound. DITI has the ability to identify patients at the highest level of risk and actually increase the effective usage of mammograms and ultrasounds. Research confirms that DITI, when used with mammography, can improve the sensitivity of breast cancer detection. The ultimate choice should be made on an individual basis with regard to clinical history, personal circumstances and medical advice.

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How often should I have a thermal scan?

• Once a reliable baseline has been established, which normally requires two studies 3-months apart, you should have an on-going annual comparative study to detect any suspicious functional (physiological) changes, warranting further investigation. Depending on your personal history and risk for breast disease, your doctor can advise how often you should have a thermal scan repeated.

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What to expect from the thermogram appointment?

• The procedure is done in our office in a carefully monitored environment.  Prior to having the thermogram you will be asked to sit on a stool wearing only a loose cotton gown disrobed from the waist up in order to allow your skin to cool to room temperature.  You will remove all jewelry and clothes from the part of the body being scanned (for full body scans you leave underpants on). Your hair needs to be pulled up away from your neck to allow complete exposure of your upper chest and neck.  A folding screen ensures complete privacy. After a few minutes of letting your body temperature stabilize to the room temperature, our certified medical thermographer will then focus the infrared camera to obtain images of your breasts in several specific views: frontal, left side, and right side.  We expect your appointment should take no more than 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.

      The procedure is both comfortable and safe using no radiation or compression.