Can Thermal Imaging Detect Cancer?

Thermal imaging is a method of capturing infrared or heat images of any part of a body. This type of technology can reportedly detect abnormalities and defects within the cells. Its effectiveness to detect breast cancer has been under discussion for quite some time.

Here, we will discuss whether thermal imaging can detect cancer.

Thermal Imaging: How It Works

The basic concept behind thermal imaging, or thermography, relies on the growth pattern of the cancer cells. In fact, when the tumor or cancer cell is growing, the blood flow in that area is much higher than elsewhere in the body.

The enhanced blood flow tends to increase skin temperature. Thermal imaging can detect this rise in temperature, which could be a sign of cancer. The cameras used to create a thermal image are ultra-sensitive. Computers detect the temperature difference by analyzing these images.

Although thermography is one of the various ways to diagnose cancer, the debate regarding the efficiency of this method is still going on among the doctors. The American Cancer Society has suggested that it will take the time to analyze whether thermography is better than other methods of cancer detection.

Breast Cancer and Thermography

Studies have shown that thermography, or thermal imaging, can help detect breast cancer. It is a non-invasive physical test that may last for 15 to 20 minutes. Since it is a non-compressive method, there is no need to press or squeeze the breast to perform the test.

In addition, thermal imaging is specifically useful for women under the age of 50, as mammography is less effective at this age. Thermography utilizes infrared imaging technology to identify the slightest changes in the symmetry of a breast when compared to the other. However, this type of screening doesn’t provide the required results if the patient has undergone a mastectomy.

The process of thermal imaging is usually conducted in a doctor’s office. The patient is asked to stand in front of the camera at a distance of six to eight feet away from the camera. It is a non-invasive test, which doesn’t involve any kind of radiation.

Key Facts About Thermal Imaging

Given below are key facts associated with thermal imaging.

• Thermal imaging can detect active and fast-growing tumors.
• This type of screening test is a viable option when it is not possible to use another.
• It can detect cancer at its earliest stage, making it possible to treat the tumor and improve survival rate.
• Doctors can use the “baseline” thermal image to compare and evaluate the prevailing condition of the patient.

Verdict

Although thermal imaging is not intended to treat cancer, it serves as a viable method to detect early signs of breast cancer. Thermography test is suggested to women under the age of 50 to conduct a risk assessment. In fact, mammography (breast cancer screening test) often fails to provide accurate results at this age. Therefore, thermography, or thermal imaging, can be used as an effective method to detect breast cancer.