Thermography is a valuable tool used by health care practitioners to evaluate the health of the body. Thermography uses a specialized camera to take pictures of an infrared image from the body. It serves as a clinical imaging procedure for detecting and monitoring a number of diseases and physical injuries, by showing thermal abnormalities present in the body. Thermography is painless and there is no contact with the body.
Breast thermography offers individuals an alternative or complimentary means to assessing tissue to evaluate breast health and potentially preventing major health challenges.
What is the difference between computer regulation thermography, standard breast thermography and mammography?
With breast thermography, a sensitive camera is used to pick up heat when directed at the breast (cancer cells hold onto heat); it lights up when the picture is taken. Breast thermography measures only the breast and results appear in a visual picture, whereas computer regulation thermography can detect disorders or irregularities throughout the body. Results are printed immediately and offer enormous insight into a person’s health.
A mammography is a screening option that specifically focuses on detecting breast cancer and does not evaluate other organs. It involves taking an x-ray of a breast to reveal any tumors that could possibly be malignant. The image, called a mammogram, can pinpoint where these tumors are.
Similar to computer regulation thermography, mammograms can result in false-negatives and false-positives. Mammography exposes the patient to a small amount of radiation with each visit, as explained in a fact sheet presented by the National Cancer Institute, so its frequency should be monitored by the patient's general practitioner.
Some doctors may recommend that their patient consider mammography and computer regulation thermography. It depends on the patient’s particular health circumstances.
Thermography for Breast Cancer Screening
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, with the exception of skin cancer. Still, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, which, according to the ACS, is believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.
Breast thermography can help address symptoms and disorders before they become problematic.
Breast thermography is safe; there is no radiation or compression (according to Dr. Mercola, risk increases by 1% to 2% ,per study). Women who opt out of mammography due to the increased risk associated with compression and radiation should choose annual or bi-annual thermograms to chart their progress.
How soon will I receive my results?
Results for thermography are immediate. Results are displayed in the form of graphs and diagrams for analysis, which can provide a unique biochemical profile for each individual tested. An asymmetry and temperature elevation indicates an increased risk that will be addressed with a prevention protocol and a close follow-up using thermography and sonogram. A subsequent scan will reveal the effectiveness of the intervention strategies. Results are read and interpreted by a physician, certified in Breast Thermography.
Based on the results of your thermogram, you can be proactive in your health care to try to balance any systems that are out of balance.
Prevention is so important. It is easier to stay healthy than to get healthy.
You can participate in your own health care by self-educating and being proactive. Have an educated discussion with your health care professional to decide which option is right for you.
The Northport Wellness Center is pleased to collaborate with holistic physician, Moshe Dekel, MD, to offer breast, thyroid and dental thermography to our patients and provide greater opportunities for achieving optimal health and wellness with safe, effective and non-invasive screening. Dr. Dekel's practice is located at 1461 Lakeland Ave, Suite 9, Bohemia, NY 11716.
To make an appointment with Dr. Dekel or to learn more about thermography, contact Dr. Dekel's assistant, Dorothy McCurdy, at (843) 422-8328.
