Thermography, also known as digital infrared imaging, is a non-invasive imaging technique that captures and analyzes the heat patterns emitted by the body. It is commonly used for various medical purposes, including breast health assessment and the detection of vascular irregularities. Here’s an overview of the thermography procedure:

 

   – There is typically minimal preparation required for a thermography procedure.

   – Patients are advised to avoid factors that may affect body temperature, such as vigorous exercise, hot showers, or the use of certain lotions or creams on the day of the exam.

 

   – The patient is positioned in a controlled environment with a stable room temperature to allow for accurate thermal imaging.

 

   – An infrared camera, which is sensitive to heat radiation, is used to capture thermal images of the body’s surface. The camera detects and records the infrared radiation emitted by the skin.

 

   – The patient may be asked to disrobe or wear a specific type of clothing during the imaging session to expose the area of interest.

   – The infrared camera is then directed towards the body part being examined, and a series of thermal images are captured.

 

   – The captured thermal images are processed and analyzed using specialized software. These images display variations in temperature as different colors or shades.

 

   – A trained healthcare professional, often a thermography technician or a physician specializing in thermography interpretation, reviews the images.

   – The professional assesses temperature patterns and temperature differences between specific areas.

 

   – A detailed report is generated, summarizing the findings and providing an analysis of temperature patterns observed in the thermal images.

 

   – Thermography results are often considered alongside other clinical assessments, such as physical examinations, laboratory tests, and medical histories.

 

   – Breast Health Assessment: Thermography is sometimes used as an adjunct tool for breast health assessment. Changes in temperature patterns can be indicative of variations in blood flow, which may be associated with certain breast conditions.

  

   – Vascular Assessment: Thermography can be used to identify variations in skin temperature associated with vascular irregularities, such as deep vein thrombosis or peripheral artery disease.

 

   – Thermography is a non-invasive imaging modality that provides valuable information about temperature patterns on the body’s surface. While it has applications in various medical fields, it is essential to note that thermography is not a standalone diagnostic tool, and its results are typically considered in conjunction with other clinical assessments.