We know that regular cancer and breast cancer screening is extremely important to early detection and our long term health. However, many people may feel confused at the options when trying to book an appointment.

We now have options where in the past your only option was Mammography. Thermography and Mammography are each very powerful diagnostic tests – but what makes these technologies stand out from each other? In a deeper sense, each of these technologies have their own advantages and limitations. It’s important to understand that while no single procedure is 100% effective in diagnosing or treating patients, you have options.

How Does Thermography and Mammography Work?

Each test, Thermography and Mammography, collects valuable physiological information, however the way each test looks for evidence are completely unique.

Mammography uses x-rays beams fired from the side of the machine to produce shadows of dense structures. Doctors are then able to use these “shadows” to make decisions on whether there is concern.

Pictured below is a woman getting a mammogram.

Thermography is different in that it uses digital infrared thermal imaging
technology to “see” changes in your body’s biochemical reactions to pathology, infection or tumors. Since it is not an anatomy based test, it is free of some of the limitations of traditional mammography, and has in some tests performed as a more accurate diagnostic source.

Above is example of a patient getting a scan, and the lower is an example of the thermal imaging possible with Thermography.

Unable or don’t want to get a Mammogram?

In many cases, if you’re at high risk for breast cancer or other chronic conditions, it’s important to stay on top of your screening on an annual or biannual basis. However, many women are unable or just don’t want to be exposed to the radiation from a traditional mammogram due to individual concerns about safety or effectiveness.

For instance, it was recently found that hormone use could lessen the sensitivity of Mammography reports and lead to vague results. There have also been concerns for the effectiveness of mammography for those with breast implants or extremely dense breast tissue.

Radiologists also warn about risk of radiation exposure associated with Mammography. While many sources assure that the radiation is too low to be a concern, you should still avoid excessive screening to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure.

Dr. Joseph Mercola M.D. states Mammogram Radiation is Much More Damaging than a Chest X-Ray.

Mammograms use ionizing radiation at a relatively high dose, which can contribute to the mutations that can lead to breast cancer.

You can get as much radiation from one mammogram as you would from 1,000 chest X-rays. Mammography also compresses your breasts tightly, which can lead to a dangerous spread of cancerous cells, should they exist.

Dr. Samuel Epstein, one of the world’s top cancer experts, has stated:

“The premenopausal breast is highly sensitive to radiation, each 1 rad exposure increasing breast cancer risk by about 1 percent, with a cumulative 10 percent increased risk for each breast over a decade’s screening.”

Although these concerns about mammography are unique and should be dealt with on a case by case basis, it’s important to know that you have other options.

Is Thermography a safe solution?

Thermal imaging seems to be a viable safe solution and an exciting technology that will be increasingly and readily used in the coming years. One of the reasons Thermography is so exciting is that it is 100% radiation free and safe. It’s also extremely effective at finding early stage, aggressive tumors and chronic conditions.

There are many other unique benefits to Thermography, including that it samples a larger area for detection, and can also be used to access regions that could have been otherwise inaccessible or overlooked.

Although the safer means of imaging makes Thermography a viable option for any of diagnosis, it’s important to make sure that when scheduling a scan that you are with a registered and trained CCT using the proper equipment. Some Thermography clinics use a camera not optimized for the human body, which although can be effective – is not ideal, jeopardizing the credibility of the reports.

At Las Vegas Thermography, we use only equipment optimized for the human body. We’ve been serving Las Vegas since 2009, and we’re proud to bring this exciting technology to the community. If you’d like to make an appointment to get a scan, CLICK HERE.