Thermography is a sophisticated diagnostic modality that examines skin temperature changes on the surface of the body. It is a non-invasive, radiation-free approach that analyzes the skin – the largest, most intelligent, and easily accessible organ of the human body. The technique uses an infrared camera to detect and record the temperature variations that occur on the skin surface, which can provide valuable information about underlying physiological functions and pathological conditions. Thermography is a highly sensitive tool that can be used to monitor a wide range of health concerns, including breast cancer, vascular disease, neurological disorders, and pain management.

Our skin is like the central processing unit of our body. It functions as a central communication hub that seamlessly connects and shares information between all bodily systems, including the immune, neurological, and endocrine functions and pathways. The skin contains valuable information, and thermography acts as a monitor by measuring and evaluating metabolic signals, telling the story as it happens.

Thermography is an imaging technique that captures the physiological activity of the breast instead of just the structure. For instance, an X-ray of the heart will reveal its size and location within the chest, while an EKG will display how the heart functions. Similarly, thermography captures the functional activity of the breasts and provides an insight into their overall health.

Many tests can only detect an existing mass without being able to differentiate between a benign lump and a cancerous tumor. However, the formation of blood vessels needed to feed a tumor occurs many years before the tumor itself becomes visible. This vascular formation produces heat that can be detected using thermal imaging. If thermal imaging indicates the presence of heat, it could be the result of your body preparing to produce a cancerous tumor or that the existing mass is most likely cancerous.

It’s important to understand that there is a significant difference between healthy breasts and breast cancer. Knowing where you land on this spectrum can help maintain good breast health. Several factors can contribute to unhealthy breasts, such as dense and fibrocystic breasts, inflammation, calcifications, lymph congestion, thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalances, and more. Ignoring these factors can lead to an unfavorable diagnosis in the future.

It is important to take steps to prevent diseases. One of the first things to do is to identify your risk factors. Once you know your risk factors, you can create a plan to improve your health and even reverse some existing health problems. Remember, knowledge is power, so take action towards a healthy and happy life!

It is important to note that no single test is perfect for evaluating breast health. While useful, Mammography, MRI, US, and thermography should not be used in isolation. For decades, mammography was considered the “gold standard” and used as a stand-alone test. However, long-term studies have revealed that mammography’s effectiveness has been overestimated while its limitations have been underestimated. For instance, mammography can miss up to 50% of tumors, especially in women with high breast density. Additionally, it often identifies “suspicious” areas that require a biopsy, resulting in unnecessary biopsies 80% of the time. Similarly, the other tests are not foolproof and can also miss tumors.

Research studies have established the importance of conducting multiple tests to achieve the optimal level of sensitivity and specificity. In light of this, it is recommended that, in addition to thermography, an anatomical test, such as an ultrasound, be conducted annually, along with a physical examination. In the event of any symptoms, such as lumps, further investigation is crucial and should include a biopsy for a tissue diagnosis.