Thermography Options for Breast Cancer Screening
Explore the differences between Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) and mammography for breast cancer screening. For more information, use a quick search below.
Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) is a form of thermography that detects temperature variations on the breast surface. However, it is not FDA-approved as a stand-alone screening tool, and there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in diagnosing breast cancer.
How DITI Works
The principle behind DITI is that cancer cells require more oxygen-rich blood to grow, leading to increased blood flow and a higher temperature around the tumor.
Advantages and Limitations
One benefit of thermography is that it does not emit radiation, unlike mammography, which uses low-dose X-rays to capture breast images. However, thermography is not as reliable as mammography in detecting breast cancer.
Comparison with Mammography
History and Efficacy
Thermography has been used in medicine since the 1950s and initially gained interest as a potential screening tool. However, a 1970s review by the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project found thermography to be far less sensitive than mammography, leading to a decline in its use.
Sensitivity and False Positives
Thermography is not an alternative to mammography due to its high false-positive rate, often detecting cancer when none is present. In a 1990 study of over 10,000 women, nearly 72% of those who developed breast cancer had normal thermogram results. Additionally, thermography struggles to differentiate between cancerous and noncancerous causes of increased heat, such as mastitis.
Mammography
While mammography can also produce false-positive results and occasionally miss cancers, it remains the most effective method for early breast cancer diagnosis.
Who Should Get a Thermogram?
Thermography is sometimes promoted as a better screening test for women under 50 and those with dense breasts, as mammograms are less sensitive for these groups. However, experts recommend not using thermography as a substitute for mammography. The FDA has only approved thermography as an adjunctive tool to mammograms or other primary screening tests.
Procedure Overview
On the day of the exam, you may need to avoid wearing deodorant. You will undress from the waist up to acclimate to the room temperature, then stand in front of the imaging system for six images of your breasts from different angles. The test takes about 30 minutes, and a radiologist will analyze the images, with results delivered to your doctor within a few days.
Risks and Side Effects
Thermography is noninvasive, involves no radiation, and poses no significant risks. However, its effectiveness is unproven, and it has a high false-positive rate. It is also less sensitive than mammography for early breast cancer detection.
Cost Considerations
A breast thermogram typically costs between $175 and $250. Medicare does not cover this cost, but some private health insurance plans may cover part or all of it.
Discuss with Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor about your breast cancer risk and screening options. Leading organizations like the American College of Physicians (ACP), American Cancer Society (ACS), and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) all recommend mammography for early breast cancer detection. Despite the minimal radiation exposure from mammograms, the benefits outweigh the risks, and technicians will minimize your exposure.
Depending on your breast cancer risk, your doctor might suggest additional tests like ultrasound, MRI, or thermography. For women with dense breasts, 3-D mammography (tomosynthesis) may offer a more accurate diagnosis, reducing false positives.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Am I at high risk for breast cancer?
- Should I get a mammogram?
- When should I start getting mammograms?
- How often do I need to get mammograms?
- Will a 3-D mammogram improve my chances of early diagnosis?
- What are the possible risks of this test?
- What happens if I have a false-positive result?
- Do I need thermography or other additional tests for breast cancer screening?
- What are the benefits and risks of adding these tests?
A mammogram remains the most effective method for early breast cancer detection. While thermography is safe and noninvasive, it should not replace mammography. Discuss your individual risks and screening options with your doctor to determine the best approach for your breast health.
