Breast Thermography Specialist in Elmhurst, IL

Breast thermography is an innovative and non-invasive medical imaging procedure. This technique employs infrared imaging to detect thermal patterns on the breast surface. These thermal patterns can provide crucial insights into underlying physiological processes such as metabolic activity and vascular circulation in both precancerous tissue and the area surrounding developing breast cancer. These patterns tend to exhibit higher temperatures than normal breast tissue, offering potentially early detection of breast cancer.

Our practice fully appreciates the potential of breast thermography in detecting variations in temperature patterns. These variations may point to the presence of abnormal cells, increased blood flow associated with tumors or inflammation, impaired circulation due to blockage, or altered cell metabolism linked to precancerous or cancerous cells.

Thermography is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool; it cannot pinpoint the specific area within the breast where cancer is present. As such, we utilize it as a complementary tool alongside mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.

At Integral Med, we stress the importance of a multimodal approach to breast health evaluation. Breast thermography fits perfectly within our holistic approach to healthcare, aligning with our commitment to employing the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Breast thermography operates on the understanding that cancerous cells, due to their rapid growth and multiplication, require increased blood flow, and this results in elevated skin temperature in the affected area. Areas of higher temperature on a thermogram may suggest the presence of cancerous cells.

As part of our comprehensive services, our patients undergoing a thermography exam will be asked to disrobe from the waist up to allow the skin to adapt to the room temperature, ensuring an accurate reading. The patient is then positioned in front of a specialized infrared imaging system that captures thermal images of the breasts from different angles. These images, known as thermograms, are interpreted by trained professionals who identify patterns and abnormalities in thermal distribution.

It’s important to us that our patients understand that breast thermography is not a standalone diagnostic tool for breast cancer. Instead, it is primarily used as a complementary screening tool to mammography, especially for women with dense breast tissue or those who may be at higher risk for breast cancer. While thermography can detect temperature changes that may be indicative of cancer, it cannot determine the exact cause of these changes. Therefore, further investigations are needed to confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer. However, the ability of thermography to identify potential issues at an early stage makes it an invaluable tool in our holistic approach to healthcare and our fight against breast cancer.

We recommend breast thermography for:

• Women of all ages: We believe in the importance of early detection. Breast thermography offers younger women a safe and effective way to start routine monitoring and is also suitable for women who wish to avoid radiation exposure.

• Women with dense breast tissue: Our advanced heat-sensing technology can detect physiological changes associated with breast cancer, even in dense tissue, providing a clearer and more accurate image than traditional mammograms.

• Women with a history of breast surgery or radiation therapy: If you’ve undergone breast augmentation, reduction, or biopsy, thermography can be an excellent complementary screening method due to its non-contact and pressure-free procedure.

• Women concerned about radiation exposure: With breast thermography, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re not exposed to radiation during the screening process.

• Women seeking a holistic approach to breast health: We believe in a comprehensive approach to health. Thermography evaluates blood flow patterns and temperature changes, providing a well-rounded assessment of breast health.

• Women not yet eligible for mammograms: Breast thermography offers an earlier screening option for women under 40 who are concerned about their breast health.

• Women with implants: Our thermography technology can accurately assess breast tissue in women with implants, offering a safe and effective screening method.

• Women with a history of benign breast disease or fibrocystic changes: Thermography can help differentiate between benign and potentially cancerous lesions, reducing the risk of false positives.

• Women with a family history of breast cancer: If you have a family history of breast cancer, thermography can identify if you’re at a higher risk and may need more frequent screening.

Early detection is crucial in managing the risk and potential impact of breast cancer. We encourage you to consult with our healthcare providers to determine the best screening methods for your specific needs and circumstances.

Breast thermography has the potential to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue before they become visible in a mammogram. The ability to identify changes in temperature and blood vessels in the breast earlier can greatly enhance the chances of successful treatment and timely intervention.

As a non-invasive and painless procedure, breast thermography does not require any physical contact with the patient nor does it expose the patient to radiation. This makes it a safer alternative for routine screenings.

What sets breast thermography apart is its ability to be used for all women, regardless of age or breast density. This universal screening tool can complement mammography by identifying different physiological changes associated with breast cancer and guiding the decision-making process, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.

Despite the benefits, it is important to note that breast thermography has certain limitations. For instance, it is less accurate in diagnosing breast cancer than mammography, especially in young women with dense breast tissue. It may not always detect small or slow-growing tumors, or those located deep within the breast tissue.

The interpretation of thermal images requires specialized training. Variability in interpretation can lead to inconsistent results and there is a risk of false positives and negatives. Lastly, breast thermography is not currently an approved screening tool for breast cancer detection by recognized medical organizations and not all health insurance plans cover it, which could make it a more expensive option for some women.

At Integral Med, we believe in providing our patients with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. While breast thermography offers benefits such as early detection, safety, and universality, it also has limitations that need to be considered. We encourage all our patients to discuss these factors with our healthcare providers to determine the most suitable breast cancer screening method for them. We serve patients from Elmhurst IL, Westchester IL, Addison IL, Carol Stream IL, Franklin Park IL, Berwyn IL, Bloomingdale IL, and the surrounding areas!