Breast thermography is an alternative to mammogram. This uses infrared thermography, which measures variations in temperature on the body's surface. The infrared radiation emitted by the skin is converted into a visual image called a thermogram. By looking at these thermograms, you can assess the heat patterns in the body. If certain parts of the body are abnormally hot or cold, that might indicate the presence of inflammation or disease.

Since breast thermography is radiation-free and non-invasive, it's safer than other medical imaging tools. However, it is recommended that it be used in conjunction with other tools for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some myths about thermography, debunked:

Myth: You Can Detect Cancer With Breast Thermography

Thermography, a great alternative to mammogram, measures temperature variations within the body. If a tumor is present, it may have increased blood flow, which might show up in a thermogram. However, many tumors are benign, which means that a mammogram or biopsy is needed to determine whether a person has cancer.

Myth: You Can Do Thermography in Place of Mammography

Thermography and mammography are both diagnostic tools that can help determine whether a person has breast cancer. Thermography has 69.7% accuracy while mammography has 76.9% accuracy. Eventually, it's the biopsy that will definitively tell the patient whether they have breast cancer or not.

Myth: Thermography Is as Anatomically Detailed as a CT Scan

The fact is that breast thermography can only penetrate up to 5 mm, so it gives you more of an idea of surface heat on the body. It can't go all the way into the body and give you the kind of anatomical details that a CT scan can.

Myth: Thermography Works Equally Well on Everyone

Since thermography can only give you an idea of surface heat, it doesn't work as well on patients who are obese or have large breasts. Additionally, thermography is not that effective in advanced stages of cancer due to the depth limitation and the complexity of the tumor environment.

Myth: You Are Exposed to Radiation in Thermography

The fact is that thermography is 100% radiation-free, unlike other diagnostic tools like X-rays and mammograms. This is why it is gaining popularity, especially among women who want to avoid radiation exposure.

Myth: Thermography Is Accurate

Different studies report different degrees of accuracy when it comes to thermography. Thermography can't detect the presence of cancer or any other disease with 100% accuracy. However, if it is conducted at the right room temperature and humidity, by an operator with a high degree of expertise, then the results are more likely to be accurate.

Myth: Thermography Can Only Be Used to Detect Breast Cancer

Although thermography isgaining popularity as one of the tools used to diagnose breast cancer, it can also be used to detect the following:

• Vascular disorders such as deep vein thrombosis and peripheral vascular disease.
• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
• Neuropathy and musculoskeletal syndromes.
• Digestive disorders, including appendicitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Thermography can also detect cardiovascular health issues since it detects circulatory problems like varicose veins.
• Lymphatic and reproductive disorders, like endometriosis.
• Endocrine disorders can also be detected by thermography, which can help assess hormonal changes and thyroid issues.
• Skin conditions like tumors and wound healing can be detected and monitored with thermography.

Myth: Thermography Is Painful and Uncomfortable

Nothing could be further from the truth about breast thermography, an alternative to mammogram. Thermography simply involves standing before a specialized infrared camera, capturing images. It's a non-invasive, painless procedure. When used with other tools, thermography can help diagnose various diseases. It's a simple tool that doesn't involve any radiation exposure, and you can use it to maintain a proactive lifestyle.Contact us to learn more about thermography and its uses.