Pink rose bouquet in support of breast cancer research
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in women. Therefore, any means available to detect breast disease is a welcome addition to medical science.
Definition of Breast Thermography
Breast thermography is a physiological, non-invasive test that checks for structural and temperature changes in breast tissue. The American College of Clinical Thermology states that subtle types of these changes can indicate early stage breast disease.
History of Breast Thermography
Breast thermography was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1983 as an adjunct means to detecting breast disease.
Performance of Breast Thermography
During the procedure, the patient's uncovered breasts, chest and area under the arms are imaged with an infrared imaging camera. The images of the breast tissue are then graded into any one of five thermobiological categories, ranging from normal uniform breast tissue to several abnormal breast tissue categories.
Benefits of Breast Thermography
As stated by the International Academy of Clinical Thermology, one primary benefit of breast thermography is that it is able to get a clear picture of breast tissue condition without the use of radiation, as is the case during a standard mammogram.
Expert Insight
According to William Cockburn, D.C., D.A.B.F.E., F.I.A.C.T, breast thermography can allow women as young as 18 years of age to get baseline views of their breast tissue. This baseline view enables a physician to compare any suspicious tissue changes in following years.
Tags: breast tissue, breast disease, breast cancer, Breast Thermography, Breast Thermography Breast
