Thermography

Thermography is a non-invasive 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 indicates 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 can be easily identified. Your appointment includes a color-coded description of your results read by a radiologist that is mailed to your home. You have the option to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors (if you are not a current patient) to interpret your results and have possible treatment recommendations made for you.

Preparation for Thermography

  1. 3 months prior

    No major breast surgery.
    No chemotherapy or radiation.
    Stop lactation and breast feeding.

  2. 1 month prior

    No minor breast surgery, i.e. breast biopsy.

  3. 1 week prior

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

  4. 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.

  5. Day of the image

    Do not shave underarms.
    Avoid the use of deodorants or creams in the area to be imaged.

  6. 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.


Service Image

Pricing

Breast Only: 30 minutes~$200

1/2 Body: 40 minutes~$300

Full Body: 50 minutes~$435

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.