Thermography

Thermography is a noninvasive adjunctive diagnostic technique that allows the examiner to visualize and quantify changes in skin surface temperature. An infrared scanning device is used to convert infrared radiation emitted from the skin surface into electrical impulses that are visualized in color on a monitor. This visual image graphically maps the body temperature and is referred to as a thermogram. The spectrum of colors indicate an increase or decrease in the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from the body surface. Since there is a high degree of thermal symmetry in the normal body, subtle abnormal temperature asymmetry’s can be easily identified.

Thermography’s role in breast cancer and other breast disorders is to help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology and the establishment of risk factors for the development or existence of cancer. Thermography does not entail the use of ionizing radiation, venous access, or other invasive procedures; therefore, the examination poses no harm to the patient.

 

Breast Only    30 minutes  $200

1/2 Body         40 minutes  $300

Full Body        50 minutes  $435

 

 

Preparation for Thermography

3 month prior

No major breast surgery

No chemotherapy or radiation

Stop lactation and breast feeding

1 month prior

No minor breast surgery, i.e. breast biopsy

1 week prior

Avoid tanning or sunburn

Remove casts, bandages, or other factors that inhibit skin exposure to a temperature equilibrium environment

24 hours prior

Avoid exercise, massage, or chiropractic adjustment

Refrain from steam room, sauna, hot or cold packs

Avoid hot tub, hot bathing

Reschedule if you are sick with fever

Day of the image

Do not shave underarms

Avoid the use of deodorants or creams in the area to be imaged

2 Hours prior to image

Refrain from tobacco or coffee

Avoid hot or cold liquids

Refrain from exercise, bathing, showering,

Avoid eating or chewing gum if you are scheduled for head and neck scan

Avoid sitting directly in front of auto air conditioner when driving to appointment