Breast Thermography Now Available on Chicago’s North Shore

Early Detection Saves Lives Empower Woman May/June 2009
Breast Thermography Now Available on Chicago’s North Shore
By Dr. Michael J. Fox, Managing Partner Upright Imaging Center
Home of Upright MRI of Deerfield

My partners and I are thrilled to announce that new patient services are now being offered at the Upright Imaging Center. In addition to being home to Upright MRI of Deerfield (which features the most advanced, open MRI system in the world), we now offer diagnostic ultrasound and breast cancer screenings using state-of-the-art Thermography (Thermal Imaging). While we are very excited with all of our expanded services, Breast Thermography is generating a great deal of attention because it is truly saving people’s lives.

What is Thermal Imaging?
Using no radiation whatsoever, Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (known as DITI or Thermography) detects changes that occur in skin surface temperatures, creating images that illustrate heat patterns in the body. These thermal (heat) images are then analyzed for abnormalities that may be signs of disease including cancer, arthritis, digestive orders, and heart disease, among many others.

Although Thermal Imaging can be done on all parts of the body to detect and monitor a number of diseases and physical injuries, our practice is focusing a great deal of attention on the benefits of Breast Thermography.

The Advantages of Breast Thermography
Breast cancer is a major health concern for women of all ages. Thankfully, nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if they are found early enough. Breast Thermography offers women the earliest possible detection of cancer by spotting irregular heat patterns and/or vascular changes in the breasts…conditions that often occur before a noticeable lump has even been formed. Unfortunately, by the time a mass is spotted through x-ray Mammography, the tumor is already years into its growth cycle. Through Breast Thermography, which observes blood flow patterns, breast cancer can be found before it reaches this stage of development.

Why It Works
For cancer cells to grow faster than the surrounding tissue, they need additional blood flow. To get the additional blood flow, these cancer cells tell the body to build new blood vessels. They also tell the body to supply the greatest possible volume of blood from the existing blood vessels. Breast Thermography detects the increased blood flow that is needed by cancer cells in their early development by measuring the additional heat that is radiating from the skin. Sadly, one in eight women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Breast Thermography is EASY
This FDA-approved, non-invasive test is a valuable procedure for alerting your doctor to changes that can indicate early stage breast disease. There is no pain, no compression and no radiation! Patients are positioned in front of the Thermal Imaging Camera while a technician takes some digital pictures. Within 5-15 minutes, the test is complete. The pictures are then read by a certified doctor to analyze the amount of heat and the symmetry of the heat patterns (which may indicate infection, inflammation or a variance from the body’s norm). A report of findings is typically provided within 24- 48 hours.

Two Scans Recommended
It is strongly advised that patients have two breast scans done within a 3-4 month period. Active cancers double in size and heat approximately 100 days apart. If there are any increased heat patterns and/or vascular changes from the first breast scan to the second, additional tests will be requested by the doctor who interpreted the results. If there are no changes from the first to the second scan, an annual Breast Thermogram is recommended. All women can benefit from Breast Thermography. It’s a simple, non-invasive test that saves lives. And, now it’s available on Chicago’sNorth Shore!

Breast Thermography is saving lives. Without any radiation, compressions, or pain, this FDA approved screening method provides the earliest opportunity for detecting abnormalities in the breasts. Please call today to learn more 847-291-9321