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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

Factors Affecting the Results of Breast Thermography

  • Not all tests are perfect or 100 percent accurate.  It is important to combine testing for optimal outcome. 
    The following will limit successful outcome measurements to a point”

  • Patient’s age

  • Ability to stay still in the proper positions

  • Excessive use of bras

  • Seat warmers, over exercising, caffeine use

  • Medications usages including hormone pills and birth control

  • Obesity

  • Extra large breasts

  • Implants

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