BREAST HEALTH
Breast health can be monitored by regular Thermography of the breast region. This provides the earliest detection of changes in breast tissue that may be developing pathology not only in the breast tissue, but also in the surrounding areas. In 1985 the FDA approved Breast Thermography devices for adjunctive breast screening.
Why it is Valuable:
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Breast Thermography has the ability to detect subtle tissue changes several years before a lump can be detected by breast self examination, doctor examination, mammogram or ultrasound. The visible thermal abnormalities in the breast tissue display physiological changes which may include new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), metabolic (chemical) activity, inflammation, lymphatic congestion and/or drainage. These changes may be supporting pre-cancerous tissue, a developing or existing tumor. The major benefit is in early detection and monitoring of changing physiology that indicates developing breast disease. Objective findings of DITI may target a dysfunction that allows you and your doctor to discuss monitoring processes and additional testing. Early detection is aimed at prevention, which may include treatment of inflammation, fibrocystic disease, lymphatic congestion, or estrogen dominance.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Breast Thermography vs. Mammogram:
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Thermography does not provide any of the same information or findings compared to mammogram or ultrasound, it is a different screening modality, and not a replacement for mammogram. Breast Thermography shows information relating to tissue changes, vascular activity, inflammation, lymphatic activity, hormonal dysfunction, metabolic processes, and other "functional" (physiological) abnormalities. Mammogram, CT scan, X-ray, Ultrasound and MRI are all tests of "structure" (anatomy) - tissue density can be evaluated, tumors and calcifications can be measured and localized. Therefore, no comparison or competition exists between Breast Thermography and Mammogram because they are two different tests that provide different results. When used in conjunction, Thermography and Anatomical Testing together form a comprehensive picture from which diagnosis can be made.
Fibrocystic Changes
Features of Breast Thermography:
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No radiation (radiation is a cancer-causing agent that is cumulative and remains in the body).
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No painful compression that may damage breast tissue.
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Non-invasive.
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Detects early changes years before tumor formation.
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Effective for younger women/teens, women with dense breast tissue, fibrocystic breasts, breast implants, or post-masectomy.
Inflammatory Breast Disease
Positive comparative study showing changes over one year:
Baseline
3 Months
12 Month
Establish Your Baseline:
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The purpose of the two inital breast studies (3 months apart) is to establish your normal baseline pattern ("thermal fingerprint") to which all future thermograms are compared. Once your normal pattern has been established, standard thermography is suggested annually or every 2 years (based on age).
DITI Detects Changes:
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Inflammatory pathology (inflammatory breast disease, inflammatory carcinoma).
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Infections.
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Lymph dysfunction (lymphatic congestion or drainage, lymph node pathology).
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Vascular changes (development of new or abnormal blood vessels - angiogenesis).
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Suspicious changes outside the range or scope of other tests (axillary area, sternum, outside the breast border).