Thermography, originally used for detection by firefighters, airport security, building construction, and other uses, is making its breakthrough in the world of medicine. It has a non-invasive and highly accurate property for viewing the body which provides patients to partake a role regarding their health. More recently it is growing in popularity for breast cancer testing and monitoring.
Here’s how it works…
The advantage of using the thermograph in imaging is that it is safe, painless, and easy- most applicably during breast examinations. With no radiation involved, tests could also be conducted without the uncomfortable touching or compressing. It’s as simple as taking pictures of the body as thermal patterns form on a computer screen representing the patient’s body heat in the form of a digital image which then could be analyzed. Although this procedure is not the medical standard during breast procedures, it is FDA registered in the USA.
It can detect abnormal cell inflammation and show positive results of the treatments. And since it doesn’t require invasive procedures or use chemicals or radiation, it is believed to be the diagnostic tool of choice in the near future. It must be noted though that the Australian standard does not acknowledge this method.
After the first session, the patient’s thermal signature should be provided. This first set of images most often shows no abnormal cell activity or inflammation. The subsequent sessions should assure that the patterns remain unchanged. Yet, in the early stages of cell disease, some cellular changes could occur which could be detected before its abnormal growth. This could be detected because these suspect that cells will urge new blood vessels to grow. In brief, more blood means more heat. These “hot spots” could then be early signs of abnormal activity.
What then?
If changes could be seen in the thermal signature, then it is possible to intervene and change the outcome. Further testing could be done and treatment could be started sooner than later. The earlier it is detected, the better the treatment options will be, which then could result in a better outcome. Naturally, the treatments strategies include focus for inflammation reduction at the cellular level, including recommendations of dietary changes to make sure that the patient gets sufficient levels of anti-inflammations, abundant in doses of omega 3 and fruits and vegetables which are high in anti-oxidants, as well as high grade of fish oil, vitamin D, and iodine supplements. The goal of natural medicine support would be to improve the treatment outcome and reduce side effects of orthodox treatment.
Who could benefit?
Basically, it takes years for breast abnormalities to develop to the stages before mammogram or ultrasound tests could detect it. Thermography, on the other hand, is ideal to identify changes over time. It is highly suggested that women get tests and follow-up images every year, particularly younger women and those with a family history of breast cancer. It is recommended to take a combination of methods which include annual thermography and mammography screenings, breast self-exams, and regular breast exams by a health care professional.