Does Thermography Replace Mammography?

When we talk about breast health most women are familiar with a mammogram, am I right? So, when the topic of thermography and breast health arise it’s natural that women ask if it replaces a mammogram. The simple answer is NO!

The in-depth answer is: Mammograms are used to monitor structural changes in the breasts. The machine uses contact. They use radiation. They are invasive.

Thermographic imaging (or medical infrared imaging) is used to monitor the physiological change in the breasts. They use highly sensitive cameras to see if heat is isolating in certain areas. They are non-contact. They use no radiation. They are non-invasive.

You have 5 options, in terms of tools, in your breast wellness: MRI, mammogram, CT scan, ultrasound, and thermogram. Biopsies are also in the toolbox, but the first 5 are the initial layer of choices. It is worth noting that ultrasounds and thermograms are the only two that have no radiation. Due to what they are tracking, thermographic images are highly effective as a preventative diagnostic tool.

When a woman adds thermography to her resources, she also reduces the occurrences of overdiagnosis, which happens more often than most people realize.

Know all your options.

Advocate for yourself.

Research.

Ask lots of questions.

Cheering you on,

Noelle