Is thermal imaging FDA registered?

Yes. DITI was FDA registered in 1982.

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Will a thermographic scan tell me if I have cancer?

Mammograms, Thermograms, MRIs, X-Rays or any other imaging scan cannot diagnose cancer. The most common way to make a cancer diagnosis is by taking a biopsy and having a lab analysis. A thermogram is able to detect areas of dysfunction in the body by imaging hot and cold areas.

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How long does a Thermogram take?

A thermography scan will typically take 20 minutes for the breast area and 40 minutes for full body thermography. From start to finish, an appointment generally takes one hour.

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How will I get my report for the scan?

Your report will be emailed to you usually within 5 to 7 working days from the day of your scan.

 

Who evaluates my scan?

All images are interpreted by PACT-board certified MD’s in the United States

 

Will my insurance cover the infrared procedure/test and the office visits?

 At the present time, insurance companies do not cover the procedure. You will be given a receipt for your visit, which can be used as a medical expense for your taxes if applicable.

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Is breast Thermography safe for breast implants?

 Yes. The accuracy of thermography is not affected in patients with implants. Since there is no compression there is zero risk of causing damage to the implants.

 

Why is thermal imaging useful for breast imaging?

 Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) offers the opportunity of earlier detection of breast disease than has not been possible with breast self-examination, physician palpation or mammography alone. Each individual has her own thermal pattern (normally symmetric) that is accurate and static throughout her lifetime. Any changes to her normal “thermal fingerprint” caused by early cell dysfunction (pathology) will become increasingly apparent. Monitoring changes over periods of time with DITI is the most efficient means of identifying subjects who require further investigation. DITI is a non-invasive test. There is no contact with the body of any kind, no radiation and the procedure is painless. The scanning system merely detects and records the infrared radiation that is emitting from the patient’s body. Utilizing sophisticated infrared technology and innovative computer software, thermal imaging technicians simply capture a digitized image of the breast in the form of an infrared thermogram, or heat image.

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Is a thermal scan different than a mammogram or ultrasound?

 Yes. Unlike mammography and ultrasound, Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is a test of physiology. It detects and records the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the body. It can help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology and establish risk factors in the development or existence of cancer. Mammography and ultrasound are tests of anatomy. They look at structure. When a tumor has grown to a size that is large enough and dense enough to block an x-ray beam (mammography) or sound wave (ultrasound), it produces an image that can be detected by a trained radiologist. Neither a mammogram, ultrasound, or DITI can diagnose cancer. Only a biopsy can diagnose cancer. But, when DITI, mammograms, ultrasounds, and clinical exams are used together, the best possible evaluation of breast health can be made.

 

Is thermal imaging a replacement for mammograms or ultrasounds?

 No. Most women use thermal imaging in addition to mammography and/or ultrasound. We believe that (DITI) should be viewed as a complementary, not competitive, tool to mammography and ultrasound. DITI has the ability to identify patients at the highest level of risk and actually increase the effective usage of mammograms and ultrasounds. Research confirms that DITI, when used with mammography, can improve the sensitivity of breast cancer detection. The ultimate choice should be made on an individual basis with regard to clinical history, personal circumstances and medical advice.

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How often should I have a thermal scan?

 Once a reliable baseline has been established with no red flags, which normally requires two studies 6-months apart, it is recommended to have an on-going annual comparative study to detect any suspicious functional (physiological) changes, warranting further investigation. Depending on your personal history and risk for breast disease, your doctor can advise how often you should have a thermal scan repeated.

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What to expect from the Thermogram appointment?

 The procedure is done in our office in a carefully monitored environment.  Prior to having the Thermogram you will be asked to stand behind a private curtain undressed (for full body scans it is most beneficial to remove all clothing, including undergarments).  This will allow your skin to cool to room temperature.  You will remove all jewelry and clothes for the part of the body being scanned. Your hair needs to be pulled up away from your neck to allow complete exposure of your upper chest wall and neck line. It is crucial not to touch your face or any other part of your body while acclimating. Once your body has acclimated to the room temperature the exam will begin. For full body scans, the scan will begin with your lower extremities so you are able to put your undergarments on as the scan continues upward.

 

 

Key terms to understand in Thermography:

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PACT- Professional Academy of Clinical Thermology, founded in 2011 medicalthermology.org

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CTT- Certified Themographic Technician

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BTI- Breast Thermography International btiscan.com​

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DITI- Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging