Thermography v Mammography
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in this months newsletter we are sharing essential information that all women should know before making the decision to have a mammogram. Here at Hope Spring Clinic we have the advantage of offering our patients a full breast check using thermography as an alternative or initial breast check prior a mammogram.
Thermography and mammograms are two different imaging techniques used for breast health screening in the medical industry, each with its unique strengths and limitations. Below we share some of the potential benefits of thermography over mammograms:
Non-Invasive and Radiation-Free
All thermal cameras use infrared technology to detect heat and blood flow patterns in breast tissue. Unlike mammograms, it does not emit harmful radiation, therefore making thermography a much safer option for those concerned about repeated radiation exposure over time.
This lack of radiation is especially appealing for younger women or those with a family history of breast cancer who may require regular screening from an earlier age.
No Compression or Physical Discomfort
Mammograms require breast compression to obtain clear images, which can be uncomfortable and lets be honest very painful for some women, especially those with a fuller bust.
Thermography involves no physical contact or compression, making it a much more comfortable experience. Simply standing undressed in front of our thermal cameras, supported by our experienced clinician, Loulla, you will be in safe hands and have a good experience.
For those of you with sensitive breasts, dense breast tissue and fibrocystic breasts, thermography will provide a less invasive alternative.
Early Detection of Physiological Changes
While mammograms detect structural changes (like masses or calcifications), thermography detects physiological changes by capturing heat variations. These heat patterns may indicate increased blood flow or metabolic activity associated with tumour development, potentially identifying risk areas even before structural changes become visible. This can be particularly helpful for detecting early-stage cancer, as physiological changes often precede structural abnormalities.
Effective for Women with Dense Breast Tissue
Mammograms can be less effective for women with dense breast tissue because dense tissue can obscure the imaging results, making it harder to detect small tumours.
Thermography is not affected by breast density and can serve as a complementary screening method for women with dense breasts, where mammograms alone might not be as reliable.
Monitoring Changes Over Time
Thermography is useful for tracking changes over time, allowing our clinicians to observe shifts in breast physiology. We recommend using thermography as part of routine annual or bi-annual monitoring, to observe and compare gradual changes in blood flow and temperature over multiple screenings.
Thermography can also help in identifying areas of concern, such as dentistry, that may warrant closer monitoring or further investigation with other imaging techniques.
Personalised Breast Health Tracking
Last, but certainly not least thermography can be part of a personalised, risk-based approach not only to to breast health screening. It may also be useful for all individuals, including men, who seeking to take a proactive, whole-body approach to wellness, using thermography to monitor other parts of the body.
Limitations to Consider
While thermography offers several benefits, it's important to recognise its limitations:
Not a Replacement for Mammograms?: Thermography is generally considered a complementary screening tool rather than a replacement for mammograms. Should anything untoward be seen during your check a follow-up ultrasound will be advised in the first instance.
Studies show that the patient benefits when multiple tests are used together, and this multimodal approach includes breast self-examinations, physical breast exams by a naturopath, thermography, ultrasound, MRI, thermography, mammogram and other tests that may be ordered by your naturopath or doctor. Should there be any discrepancies, patients of Hope Spring Clinic will have access to an RGCC liquid biopsy (a simple blood draw) to confirm any malignancy.
Availability and Regulation: Thermography isn’t as widely available as mammograms, and its use in breast cancer screening is not universally accepted in conventional medical guidelines. Availability and standards of interpretation can vary based on the facility and the technician’s expertise.
Here at Hope Spring Clinic we have access to the most experienced Thermographer in the country, along with the latest technological equipment available, so you will be in very good hands.
In summary, thermography provides a radiation-free, non-invasive option for observing breast health and detecting early physiological changes, particularly for those with dense breast tissue or those who require a higher-than-average screening frequency.
Book your Discovery Call with us to learn move about this service. Email admin@hopespring.clinic or click here. This service is available at both our clinics in Marylebone, London and London Colney, Hertfordshire.
