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What is Thermography?

Thermography is a whole body analysis for assessing skin surface temperatures that can be correlated by a physician to assess for abnormal physiology.  Uses for thermography are similar to that of an oral thermometer, a stethoscope, or any other medical test that assesses patient function.  There are several type of medical devices used by the medical thermologist. These include contact sensors, infrared cameras, and point analysis systems. The most technical and advanced system is the infrared thermal camera which is the choice technology of Breast Thermography International and the Professional Academy of Clinical Thermology.  Infrared cameras measure radiation in the infrared electromagnetic emission that the human body emits. The sensors on the thermal camera read varying degrees of  infrared emittance and through proper calibration, translates it in to a temperature reading. The information is then plotted in a digital format in a color palette.  The most commonly used palette is the full spectrum rainbow (ROYGBIV) which shows hot measurements as red and white and cold measurements as magenta and black.  These patterns are then analyzed and physiological assessments are made.

What Can Thermography Detect?

Thermography picks up skin surface temperatures on the human body that can be used for analysis by a trained thermologist.  Any disease process that emits heat or decreases circulation can possibly be detected through infrared thermal imaging.  The FDA has cleared the following as adjunctive screening methods with thermography:

  • Breast Cancer

  • Thyroid Pathology

  • Cerebrovascular Health

  • Neuro-muscular Pathology
     

Other promising and emerging areas deserving consideration include:

  • Infection

  • Fibrocystic breast disease

  • Vascular disease

  • Lymphatic stagnation

  • Breast Health

  • Skin Cancer

  • Testicular Cancer
     

FDA – Cleared Adjunctive Applications of  Medical Thermography Include:

  • Breast cancer screening 

  • Thyroid pathology

  • Cerebrovascular screening

  • Peripheral vascular disorders

  • Neuromuscular conditions
     

Medical Thermography in a clinical setting may aid the doctor to detect:

  •  Systemic conditions

  • Infection

  • Inflammation

  • Toxicity

  • Dysfunction of the lymphatic system

  • Testicular disorders

  • Any disease that may increase or decrease skin surface temperatures

THERMOGRAPHY CASE STUDIES

9x7x5 cm Tumor

This breast thermography case study shows the thermal effect of a 9 cm tumor. The heat can be seen leaching out away from the breast tissue and into the lymphatic region surrounding the breast. Thermography is a great tool for assessing the extent of potential damage from breast cancer.

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6 Month Follow-up

This breast thermography case study shows the importance of regular follow-up scans.  As seen here, changes can happen rapidly with active breast cancer. In some cases, waiting one year or longer for a follow up scan can be detrimental. More frequent follow-up scans such as 3 months may be warranted. As always, we strongly recommend adhering to the follow up recommendations made by our board-certified interpreting physicians.

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Lymphatic Involvement

This breast thermography case study demonstrates breast cancer with lymphatic involvement. The areas of intense red on the left breast indicate heat due to the extreme inflammatory nature of breast cancer. The thermal heat pattern can be seen continuing from the breast, down into the abdomen. This indicates there is involvement of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system can act as a highway, transporting cancerous cells from the breast to other regions of the body. Evaluating lymphatic involvement with breast thermography is an important aspect in determining the extent of the cancer’s damage and its potential for metastasis (spread to other regions of the body).
 

Thermal Effects of Aberrant Posture

Thermography can be used for more than just breast studies. This full body thermography case study shows the stress of poor posture on the human body. Here, a lateral thoracic translation can be seen. The red areas are areas of hyperthermia (increased heat), indicating biomechanical stress in the form of inflammation. Full body thermography is an effective way to assess for and monitor improvement of musculoskeletal dysfunction.
 

36 Chiropractic Treatments

Thermography can effectively monitor progress in neuromuscular conditions. This full body thermography case study shows the improvements made by a Chiropractic patient. The physician treated her neuromuscular complaints and took follow up scans at 12 visit (1 month) increments. Thermography is a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring improvement in neuromuscular conditions.
 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This thermography case study shows a squamous cell carcinoma that was caused by radiation therapy from a contralateral lymphoma. Notice the areas of heat surrounding the center. On thermography, areas of excessive heat (red and white) could be indicative of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels which results in increased blood flow to the area, supplying tumors and cancer cells with the nutrients they need for growth and reproduction.
 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

This breast thermography case study shows the rapid progression that inflammatory breast cancer can present with. This patient attempted several alternative treatments. She refused surgery and traditional forms of cancer treatment, against the recommendations of her doctor. Breast thermography can aid in monitoring breast cancer throughout the treatment process. Thermography is 100% safe and radiation free which allows for imaging as frequently as necessary for peace of mind while undergoing traditional forms of cancer treatment.

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