The 6 Incredible Benefits of Thermography

Overview

You’re curious about thermography/thermogram/thermograph images and the efficiency of one of today’s newest and hottest diagnostic tools in medicine. But what is this new technology? Thermogram is a medical imaging technique that uses infrared radiation to detect and produce an image of body tissues. To simplify that definition, this is an imaging technique for detecting heat. It will look white wherever the thermograph is hotter than the surrounding area. And everywhere that’s cooler, the image will appear black.

At first glance, thermography may seem like a sophisticated way of taking pictures. But this technology sends the body’s temperature information to the computer, displaying it as a color image. Doctors use this process to make a map of your body’s temperature.

An infrared thermogram is an image that can help doctors diagnose many diseases, including breast cancer. It’s most effective for women under 50. The screening tool also works for women with dense breasts. Thermography is a way to measure skin temperature. Medical professionals use the device for diagnosing cancer and other diseases. Areas that are cooler than the rest of the body may show something is wrong. Here are six incredible benefits of this innovative diagnostic tool.

1. Thermography is Cost-Efficient

Compared to other medical imaging examinations, an infrared thermograph is less expensive. A full-body scan for a woman costs around $200, while a mammogram can cost ten times more. With the high prices of health care, every dollar counts.¹ The thermograph is an excellent tool for women under 35 to check their breast cancer risk without costly mammograms or genetic tests. Doctors also use it to monitor breast health. Dr. Thomas Hudson explains,

“Thermography can detect physiological changes associated with breast cancer while it’s still at the cellular level—before it becomes visible on a mammogram.”

However, it’s not a replacement for other tests, so it’s best to consult your healthcare provider.

2.  Thermography Has Many Uses, and It’s Quick

A thermograph detects the location and extent of inflammation by measuring blood flow in areas of inflammation. The scan can help you detect breast cancer. The device’s also suitable for general health screening and wellness.

This scanning technology can show a problem with your skin, liver, nerves, kidneys, and heart. Thermography can also detect if someone has arthritis or gout.² It helps find inflammation, which leads to other diseases, like diabetes and high blood pressure. An infrared thermogram also shows possible cardiovascular issues, killing someone in the U.S. every 36 seconds.³

The pandemic has slowed down the health care industry. COVID-19 is still causing delays with medical appointments, tests, and even prescriptions. Quick thermography scans are easy to find out if someone has a problem. This is not expensive, and the procedure doesn’t take long. If you want to find out if something’s wrong and get the treatment you need, thermography can get you answers in a timely fashion.

3. Thermography is Simple to Use and Convenient

The test involves placing an infrared scanner near the part of your body you want to check. The machine emits harmless infrared energy, which is reflected in the scanner. A computer then processes the information into an image displayed on a monitor for your physician to review.

One of the most incredible benefits of thermography is that doctors can use it in the office, a wellness center, or even your home. The test takes an average of 20 to 40 minutes and is non-invasive, so it poses no risk. Combining the price, safety, and many uses makes the digital device easy to see how thermography is a smart choice.

One of the most exciting benefits of thermography is how fast a thermograph can diagnose conditions and diseases. The test results allow your doctor to make a quick diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Thermograms vs. Mammograms: Which is the more effective, safe, and #1 option?

4. Thermography is Safe and Non-Invasive

Thermography is non-invasive and doesn’t involve harmful radiation or chemicals. The diagnostic test works by measuring the amount of thermal energy emitted from a specific area. A computer analyzes the results to create a color-coded image that a doctor can detect problems.

Thermography is safer than other medical tests because the device uses infrared light. Unlike ionizing radiation, which has been used for mammograms and CT scans since the 1970s, the thermograph doesn’t go deep enough to affect your internal organs or reproductive system.

Unlike other imaging techniques, infrared thermography doesn’t require any medication or injections. The technology is safe and does not emit any harmful radiation. This means you can do it as much as you want without worrying about dangerous side effects.

5. Infrared Thermography Isn’t Painful

A patient doesn’t feel the heat because it emits harmless infrared energy. There’s no squeezing, pressure, or any discomfort. While it’s not a mammography replacement, it’s much easier for patients because it’s pain-free and non-invasive. Many women put off mammograms because they don’t like the squeezing, the pressure, or the discomfort. Also, the fact that it doesn’t hurt and comes with no risk, thermography is safe even for pregnant women and children.

6. Thermography is Accurate and Reliable

Besides being safer, medical professionals consider thermography an accurate and reliable diagnostic tool. This diagnostic modality is FDA-approved for the early detection of breast cancer, and they have even used the device in clinical research.⁴

A thermograph is FDA-approved for screening, but it doesn’t replace mammograms. It’s still important to get regular screenings because the infrared device only detects cancer in its early stages.

A reliable test is one that consistently produces accurate results. Thermography has shown promising results in the medical community, and they have proven it to find what’s wrong with patients in a practical, timely manner.

Final thoughts

Digital infrared thermal imaging, or DITI, is thermography used to diagnose breast cancer. Thermography differs from other tests. It uses harmless infrared energy and is pain-free, unlike other tests that use radiation or chemicals. One of the most incredible benefits of the device is that doctors can use it in the office. There are no special trips. And, since it’s non-invasive, there are no side effects.

To Your Health!

References

1. Questions | breastresearchawareness.com. (n.d.). BRAS: Breast Thermography, Breast Health, and Cancer Prevention. Retrieved January 16, 2022, from http://breastresearchawareness.com/thermography/questions/
2. Medical applications of infrared thermography: A review – ScienceDirect. (n.d.). ScienceDirect.Com | Science, Health and Medical Journals, Full-Text Articles and Books. Retrieved January 16, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1350449512000308
3. Heart Disease Facts | cdc.gov. (2021, September 27). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#
4. Thermal Imaging Systems (Infrared Thermographic Systems / Thermal Imaging Cameras) | FDA. (n.d.). U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA. Retrieved January 16, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/general-hospital-devices-and-supplies/thermal-imaging-systems-infrared-thermographic-systems-thermal-imaging-cameras