Thermography, also known as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), uses an FDA-approved, high- resolution camera to measure body surface temperature. The information is presented as a digitized color map, which displays an accurate temperature measurement sensitive to 0.01 degrees Celsius.
The spectrum of colors indicates an increase or decrease in the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from the body surface. A normal, healthy body is thermally symmetrical and subtle asymmetries can indicate a possible problem. For example, chemical and blood vessel activity in inflamed tissue, as well as pre-cancerous tissue, is almost always higher than in normal tissue, and will show up as a varying color on the thermogram.
While X-ray, CT, ultrasound and MRI are all tests of anatomy that measure the structures of the body, thermography shows the physiological and metabolic processes occurring in the body, thus allowing for earliest possible detection of abnormalities and intervention.
Some studies have shown a 95 to 97 percent accuracy rate in the detection of breast disease through thermography, and detection two to five years earlier and with minimal false positives, compared to traditional forms of screening. Further studies have shown a 61 percent increase in survival rate when thermography is added to routine breast-health checkups. As health experts question the safety and effectiveness of traditional methods of breast testing, more women are seeking less invasive ways of monitoring breast health, and thermography has become the answer for many.
Although thermography is often referred to as a breast-screening process, images can be taken of the entire body or regions of interest, and to monitor therapy progress for conditions and injuries, including digestive disorders, back injuries, arthritis, headache, nerve damage, pain, fibromyalgia, TMJ, and dental and cardiovascular issues. The digitized images are sent electronically to a thermologist, a medical doctor certified in thermal interpretations, for analysis and report. The report is sent directly to the client and to other healthcare professionals at the client’s request. Schedule a thermography appointment by calling Abundant Life Wellness at 770.663.7898.