Medical thermography can be used to detect changes in the surface temperature of the skin, but it is not a diagnostic method for specific types of cancer. However, thermography can be used in the additional screening process for breast cancer. Changes in skin temperature or thermal patterns can provide clues, and these can be a factor in assessing breast health and potential abnormalities. However, it is important to understand that thermography cannot provide a definitive diagnosis for breast cancer and cannot replace standard diagnostic methods such as mammography or biopsy.
THERMOGRAPHY
Medical thermography is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses body temperature measurements to detect and evaluate changes in blood flow and body tissues. This method is based on the principle that areas with health problems can show changes in temperature, because blood flow and local metabolism can be affected.
Price: 170 RON + VAT (one area) / 260 RON + VAT (whole body)
What is medical thermography?
Medical thermography is a non-invasive and painless technique that uses thermal imaging to detect changes in body temperature. This method can be used to detect cancer, especially breast cancer, by identifying areas of abnormal temperature that may indicate the presence of a tumor.
How does thermography work?
This method is non-contact, non-invasive, non-radiating and can be repeated as many times as needed, being practically a photograph of the body's thermal energy emissions. The temperature gives us information about the physiological processes taking place, and these processes are disturbed long before the structural changes of an organ appear. That's why thermographic signs appear before the changes that can be seen with other diagnostic methods, so that a very early warning can be made regarding a possible emerging tumor.
Thermography is not a painful analysis, it does not create any discomfort and does not last more than 30 minutes - during which the specialist obtains a series of at least 6 images at the level of a single area.
Thermography results are generally received on the spot, but they must be interpreted by a specialized medical staff.
When is medical thermography recommended?
By definition, thermography detects temperature differences. By definition, a cancerous tumor must grow. It is known that in order to grow, it creates neoformation vessels through which it brings the elements necessary for growth. Increased vascularization means increased temperature! This increase in temperature is highlighted on thermograms! If the tumors are located close to the skin, then it is easy to highlight this increase in temperature. Due to this acute need to transport the elements necessary for growth, it is very likely that the network of neoformation vessels will become visible thermographically before the tumor has a sufficient size to be diagnosed by the classical methods, ultrasound and mammography.
For this reason, 3 types of cancer will especially benefit from thermovision diagnosis, skin cancer, thyroid cancer and breast cancer.
Breast thermography
Breast cancer = is a disease on the rise, being the first cause of cancer in women. Statistically in Romania, 1 out of 10 women will get sick with c.s. The maximum incidence of the disease is between 45-55 years old, but recently a dramatic decrease in this age has been observed, with cases also occurring at 14-16 years old. In fact, it has a long evolution between 7-15 years, so that women who are diagnosed at 45, practically got sick at 30-35, but then the cancer was invisible for the classic diagnostic methods.
The size of the tumor is particularly important, so at 30mm the survival rate is 50%, 20mm-65%, 10mm-80%, smaller than 10mm[1] 95%, that's why early diagnosis is vital! Mammography and ultrasound are used as screening methods. Mammography involves physical pressure (trauma) of the breast and exposure to ionizing radiation (which can cause cancer).
Ultrasound is a non-invasive method, but it requires a well-trained specialist and a high-performance and very expensive ultrasound. Thermography - very sensitive and very cheap - the ideal method for screening.
Thermography for detecting other pathologies
Medical thermography can be used to detect or monitor several types of pathologies and conditions other than those previously mentioned. Since thermography is based on the detection of subtle variations in body temperature, it can provide important clues regarding the following pathologies and health conditions:
Problems with the vascular system: Thermography can help detect problems with the circulatory system, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral arteriopathy or chronic venous insufficiency.
Neurological conditions: Thermography can be used to assess temperature changes in the skin caused by neurological conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Inflammatory problems: Inflamed areas of the body can show increases in surface temperature, and thermography can help identify these areas and monitor the evolution of inflammation over time.
Dermatological problems: Thermography can be used to assess the condition of the skin and to detect changes in temperature that may indicate dermatological conditions, such as dermatitis or psoriasis.
Arthritis: In cases of arthritis, thermography can help evaluate joint inflammation and temperature changes associated with it.
Musculoskeletal conditions: Thermography can help identify areas with inflammation or musculoskeletal injuries, such as tendinitis or sprains.
Dental problems: Thermography can be used to detect dental infections or inflammation of the oral cavity.
Breast cancer: In combination with other screening methods, thermography can be used to evaluate thermal changes in the breasts, especially in cases of additional screening for breast cancer.
Benefits of medical thermography
Non-invasive method: This diagnostic imaging method is non-invasive, painless and risk-free.
Lack of exposure to radiation: Unlike other diagnostic imaging methods, thermography does not involve the use of radiation, which means that it has no negative impact on the body. It does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation, such as mammography or CT.
Thermography results are relevant: Used as a screening method, thermography provides valuable information. For example, it can detect breast cancer long before mammography. Specialists are of the opinion that thermography can detect breast abnormalities up to 8-10 years before other diagnostic imaging methods detect a problem.
It can be used on one area or on the whole body: Tissues, blood vessels, digestion, the colon, the lymphatic system, the nervous system, the lungs, the thyroid gland, the sinuses - all these and more can be monitored with the help of thermography.
Affordable price: Unlike MRI or computed tomography, thermography is a fairly affordable testing method.
Repeated use: Thermography can be used repeatedly to monitor the evolution of a condition or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Our team of thermography specialists
Our team of thermography specialists is made up of qualified professionals with experience in the use of this diagnostic imaging technique. These specialists are dedicated to providing high-quality services and correct interpretation of thermographic images to help identify and evaluate various ailments and pathologies.
Our team of thermography specialists work together to ensure that the thermography procedure is performed correctly and safely, and the resulting images are accurately interpreted. Thermography results are essential for the correct diagnosis and treatment of various ailments and for monitoring their evolution over time.
Frequently asked questions for THERMOGRAPHY
Preparing for a thermography is usually simple and does not involve complicated procedures. However, it is important to follow the instructions given by the medical staff or the technician performing the procedure. As a rule, preparation for a thermography can include:
Avoiding the use of cosmetics, lotions or other substances on the skin area that will be photographed with thermography, because they can affect the temperature of the skin.
Avoiding exposure to excessive heat or the sun before the procedure, as this can affect the temperature of the skin.
Reaching a stable body temperature before the procedure, so that the skin temperature is relatively constant.
Thermography is considered a safe and non-invasive screening method, as it does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation or invasive procedures, such as biopsy. However, as in the case of any medical procedure, it is important that it is performed by qualified medical professionals with experience in interpreting thermographic images. Thermography can provide clues and additional information, but it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Any anomaly or change identified during thermography will require additional medical evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment.
The duration of a thermography session may vary depending on the area or areas to be examined and the details of the procedure. Usually, a thermography session can last between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the needs of the patient and the specific protocol of the clinic or medical center. It is important to talk to the medical staff or the technician to get precise information about the estimated duration of the procedure in your case.
For an appointment at Quantica720°, you can contact us at 0723 271 738 to discuss your needs.