Why should I have a Breast Thermogram?

If a significant change in breast cancer mortality is to be realized, we have to rethink what screening tests truly are. Are we currently providing "screening" or "detection"? A critical look at our current breast cancer screening strategy must be made. A change from sole dependence upon procedures that only provide detection of existing cancers to technologies that reflect the early cancerous process itself provides women with true screening. Thermography has this ability to act as an early warning system. Studies have shown that thermography has the ability to warn that this process is underway 8-10 years before any other test can detect it - even before the cells become cancerous. This, coupled with a possible role in breast cancer prevention, makes thermography one test that no woman should be without.

Why is a thermogram so effective?

Prior to a tumor being formed, cells in the breast begin to create a cancer-friendly environment. Part of this process involves angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels. These blood vessels provide a blood supply to the area for the cancer to grow. The process of angiogenesis creates heat patterns. Thermography, being sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, can detect these changes in the breast far earlier than other screening methods. Numerous studies have shown that infrared can detect the signs of developing cancer years before modalities such as mammography; by up to 10 years, and that it is a good indicator of risk for breast cancer.

Does Digital Infrared Imaging (Breast Thermography) replace mammograms?

Absolutely not! However, do mammograms replace DII? The answer to this is also a resounding no; the two tests complement each other. The consensus among health care experts is that no one procedure or method of imaging is solely adequate for breast cancer screening. Breast thermography has the ability to give a warning signal in advance of invasive tumor growth.  A positive infrared image is also the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer. It is DII’s unique ability to monitor the abnormal temperature (physiological) changes produced by diseased breast tissue that allows for extremely early detection. Since it has been determined that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, we must use every means possible to detect these tumors when there is the greatest chance for survival. When used as part of a multi-modal approach (clinical examination + thermography + mammography), 95% of early stage breast cancers can be detected.

Is Digital Infrared Imaging an approved procedure? 

Yes, DII is approved by the FDA for use as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure since 1982. This was published in the Federal Register: Vol.147, No.20, pp.4419-4420, Jan.29,1982

Is Digital Infrared Imaging (Breast Thermography) safe?

Breast Thermography is FDA Approved in the United States.  It is completely safe, non-invasive and painless. There is no exposure to radiation and no breast compression.

I have breast implants. Can I have a Thermogram?

Yes. Breast implants do not interfere with thermography. Breast Thermography is painless and safe, using no radiation or compression. It can be used effectively and safely for all women including pregnant or nursing women, women with dense breast tissue, and women with breast implants.

Can women too young to take mammograms have a Thermogram?

YES! This exam is especially helpful for women not eligible yet for mammograms. Women in the 18 to 40 age category now have another tool in addition to a clinical breast exam that can detect breast cancer.

Can Thermography be used on women who have had a mastectomy?

Yes. Thermal imaging is useful in detecting local variations in temperature in women who have had partial or radical mastectomy as part of follow-up screening.

How Often Should Breast Thermography Be Done? 

An initial thermogram with a 3 month follow-up establishes a baseline. Thereafter, annual thermograms are generally recommended.

What do I have to do to prepare for a Thermogram?

There are a few guidelines for preparing for a thermal scan: 
- Do not have physical therapy, massage, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, or strenuous exercise on the same day of the scan prior to the exam.
- Do not smoke for 2 hours before the test 
- Do not use lotions, deodorants, or powder on the areas to be scanned.
- Stay out of strong sunlight on the day of test 
There are no dietary or medication restrictions on the day of your scan.

How Much Does Breast Thermography Cost?

The thermography session costs $175.00 and takes about 30 minutes. Results are reviewed by a physician trained in the use and interpretation of thermographic images, and a report of findings and images are sent  directly to you within 10 days.

Who Interprets the Scans?

Thermographic breast analysis is an extremely complex topic and should only be performed by a qualified doctor. We use Electronic Medical Imaging (EMI) who employs board certified medical doctors, who have had additonal training in interpreting thermal images.

Do you take credit cards?

No, we are only accepting cash and checks right now.

Is This Procedure Covered by my Medical Insurance?

Because this is FDA approved it is reimbursable by some insurance companies depending on your individual policy. Thus far Medicare is not covering this procedure. Advanced Thermography does not bill medical insurance companies; however, we will be happy to provide you with codes necessary for insurance billing if requested.

I understand you also do full body thermography, what can I expect to learn from that?                                                                                                                              

Full body thermography includes a breast scan, so it is comprehensive.  A full body thermogram which is suitable for both females and males, young and old, can identify pre-existing conditions, acute or chronic issues as serious as cancer, cardiovascular circulatory conditions , pre-stroke, nervous system disorders, repetitive strain injury, TMJ, arthritis, diabetes, melanoma, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disease, lung conditions, dental infections and, finally, breast cancer.

Is special training required to perform Breast Thermography?

Yes. Carol has received her certification as a Clinical Thermographer through the AmericanCollege of Clinical Thermography (ACCT) which is affiliated with Duke University.

What is the attitude in medical oncology for this procedure and breast disease?

Honestly, most physicians have very little knowledge about this topic. Most use traditional, older tools to study breast disease. However, in 1998, cancer researchers at Ville Marie Breast and Oncology, in Montreal, Quebec, published an article in The Breast Journal related to DITI. In the closing remarks, the authors wrote, "Our initial reappraisal would also suggest that infrared imaging, based more on process than structural changes and requiring neither contact, compression, radiation nor venous access, can provide pertinent and practical complimentary information to both clinical exam and mammography."

Fee Schedule

Cash or Check only, Sorry...No Credit Cards Accepted

Breast Scan                                                             .....$175

Single Region of Interest                                           .....$175

Add on additional region of Interest                           .....$50

Upper Body/Women's Health Screening
Carotid, Thyroid,Head, Neck, Breast,                 (Our Best Value)
Abdomen, and Back                                                .....$350

Whole Body Scan                                                    .....$400

3 Month Breast Recall with any of the above scans     .....$125
(only required after initial breast scan)



*All packages include the following