Thermography is method based on heat emission for detecting abnormal temperature areas in the body. It helps to identify tumors like breast cancer. Why are tumors hot spots? Tumors create their own blood vessels. Where there are more blood vessels, there is more heat. It is in these areas on the body that the camera detects changes in heat or temperature. This equipment uses the infrared heat released from the tumor to correctly map the presence of abnormality in areas like breast. Thermography can be used to measure temperature changes anywhere in the body. It also identifies circulation issues and inflamed areas.
Unlike mammography, there is no radiation or painful compression of breast exposure involved with Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI).
CHECK LIST FOR A SUCCESSFUL THERMAL SCAN
Patient Preparation:
You must wait at least 3 months after major breast surgery, completion of chemotherapy, or radiation before a thermal exam.
You must wait at least 1 month after a biopsy or minor surgery.
Avoid tanning or sunburn about 1 week before the exam.
- DO NOT EAT 1 HOUR PRIOR TO YOUR EXAM
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK CAFFEINATED PRODUCTS 2 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAM
- DO NOT SMOKE OR USE ANY PRODUCTS CONTAINING NICOTINE 2 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAM
- DO NOT EXERCISE OR SUNBATH 12 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAM
- DO NOT USE LOTIONS, POWDERS, OR DEODERANTS ON THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM
- AVOID TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTS ON THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM**
- PLEASE WEAR LOOSE FITTED CLOTHING
- IF HAVING A FULL BODY SCAN PLEASE WEAR OR BRING SOCKS WITH YOU TO THE EXAM
Please inform your Thermography Technician about any recent skin lesions or bruising, Rosacea or any other skin disorders as it may cause false positives on reports.
Procedure:
To receive accurate results, the equilibrating time is 15 minutes and temperature is between 68-72 degrees.
You will be asked to disrobe according to the type of scan chosen; the images, again depending on the type of study being done, will take approximately 20 - 45 minutes.
Test Results:
Reports are generally received within 7 to 10 BUSINESS DAYS after your initial visit.
**Necessary medications-such as blood pressure or heart medications are permitted-please notify the technician.
