Breast Thermography
At Midwest Thermography, annual Breast Thermography is recommended as part of a proactive approach to breast health. Thermal breast imaging records the natural heat patterns of the breasts, providing information about vascular and lymphatic circulation and the effects of hormonal activity. Comparing studies over time helps identify changes that may be important in breast health risk assessment.
Annual breast thermography may be especially beneficial for women with one or more the following:
- Obesity or excess abdominal fat
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Previous or current use of birth control medications
- Hormone Imbalance
- Fibrocystic breast changes
- Dense breast tissue
- Family history of hormone-related cancers
- Personal history of hormone-related cancer
- Diet high in conventionally grown foods
- Exposure to environmental xenoestrogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals
What Thermal Breast Imaging Shows
Thermal breast imaging uses a high-resolution computerized infrared camera to record the natural infrared heat emitted from the breasts. These images create a map of thermal activity that is analyzed by the Board Certified Clinical Thermologist, Dr. Robert Kane.
The Board Certified Clinical Thermologist evaluates the images for thermal findings, including thermal activity, vascular patterns, temperature asymmetry, and other physiologic changes that may reflect inflammation, altered metabolism, vascular changes, or other disturbances in normal breast tissue function.
Your thermal imaging report documents these findings so they can be compared with future studies to monitor for changes over time.
Understanding Your Thermal Imaging Report
Your thermal imaging report explains the thermal findings identified during your breast imaging study and provides information that can be compared with future thermal imaging studies.
Thermal (TH) Score
The Thermal (TH) Score reflects the level of thermal activity identified within each breast. Comparing TH Scores over time helps monitor changes in thermal activity and aids in breast health risk assessment.
Vascular Display Grade
The Vascular Display Grade describes the pattern of vascular thermal signals within the breasts. These vascular patterns may be associated with inflammation, lymphatic circulation, estrogen stimulation, certain medications, and other physiologic factors.
Follow-Up Recommendations
Your thermal imaging report may recommend follow-up with your doctor, additional breast imaging, or repeat thermal breast imaging to monitor for changes over time.
Any breast or axillary symptoms, including lumps, swelling, skin changes, nipple changes, discharge, thickening, or other clinical concerns, should be evaluated by your doctor regardless of the level of thermal activity identified on your thermal imaging report.
The timing of follow-up thermal breast imaging is based on your individual thermal findings and the recommendations of the Board Certified Clinical Thermologist.
Important Information
Thermal breast imaging is used together with standard breast screening and diagnostic examinations as part of a comprehensive approach to breast health risk assessment.
Thermal breast imaging is not a stand-alone examination and cannot diagnose or rule out the presence of breast cancer regardless of the TH Score assigned. Because thermal breast imaging records physiologic biomarkers rather than structural changes, the Board Certified Clinical Thermologist interprets these findings as part of your thermal imaging report. Depending on your thermal imaging findings, additional breast imaging or medical evaluation may be recommended.
All thermal imaging studies are performed using a high-resolution computerized infrared imaging system in a carefully controlled environment following standardized patient preparation protocols established by the American Academy of Thermology and the International Academy of Clinical Thermology.
Monitoring Changes Over Time
One advantage of Breast Thermography is the ability to compare studies over time. Comparing thermal imaging studies may help guide follow-up recommendations and evaluate the effects of healthy lifestyle choices and wellness interventions that support breast health.
Sample Breast Thermogram Report