The Center for Women's Health now offers Breast Thermography

Breast Thermography is a test that identifies subtle abnormalities in breast tissue that can appear before a cancer is detectable by mammogram. It uses Digital Infra-red Thermal Imaging (a temperature sensitive photograph) to locate areas of increased temperature in the breast, which are usually reflective of increased blood flow or metabolic activity (cell growth). Because cancerous tissue is associated with increased blood flow and cell growth, thermography is used to identify areas of concern in the breast that require further investigation.

Some of the advantages of thermography include:
1) Early detection of breast tumors without radiation.
2) The procedure is pain free and does not involve any sort of breast compression.
3) The test is FDA approved.
4) All women can benefit, especially younger women (30-50) with dense breasts where mammography is less accurate.

Thermography is not designed to be used instead of mammography. We believe the best role of thermography is in addition to standard breast cancer screening, giving us more information to make the best decisions about breast health. For example, a thermogram may tell us that further testing is indicated even in the presence of a normal mammogram. Thus, women at increased risk for breast cancer are ideal candidates for thermography.

Protocol: Because thermography is designed to detect a change in temperature, a baseline and 3 month follow up exam are required in the first year. Annual photographs are appropriate in subsequent years. Dr. Evans will meet with all patients approximately one week after the procedure to discuss the results in detail.