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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Breast thermography
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Breast thermography
by LI Girl, Jun 03, 2004 12:00AM
Hi, in the past year I have had two mammos and three ultrasounds and been seen by a breast surgeon, all say I have no problem. I went for a thermogram in November and it was equivocal - then I did a follow-up in April and the right breast (my one of concern) showed up as abnormal. Now I feel that I am at future risk, where do I go from here? I am 32, no kids, mastitis early last year. How reliable are these, they have glowing internet reports. Any credence? Does it put me at higher risk? I am terrified!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jun 04, 2004 12:00AM
Dear LI girl, The best explanation I've seen is from Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book which I have attached here for you: "Thermography is based on the concept that cancer gives off more heat than normal tissue. It was originally a much-heralded technique, since it doesn't involve radiation, or putting anything else into the body. Unfortunately, this technique hasn't proven accurate -- there are too many false positives and false negatives. Not all cancers give off heat, and those that do are too deep, or located under wedges of fat, and heat doesn't register on the device."
As to future risk, because thermography has so many questions regarding the interpretation of results, it would be difficult to use as a predictor of future risk.
If you feel, based on family history and childbearing status (mastitis is not a risk factor for breast cancer), that you are at higher than average risk, then you could meet with a genetic counselor who could determine your specific risk and plan for surveillance.
As to future risk, because thermography has so many questions regarding the interpretation of results, it would be difficult to use as a predictor of future risk.
If you feel, based on family history and childbearing status (mastitis is not a risk factor for breast cancer), that you are at higher than average risk, then you could meet with a genetic counselor who could determine your specific risk and plan for surveillance.
Member Comments (2)
by surgeon, Jun 03, 2004 12:00AM
Thermograms, despite what you read on the internet, are among the most UNRELIABLE of breast imaging studies. Having had two mammograms, three ultrasounds, and the evaluation of a breast surgeon, it sounds like things are fine. You didn't state what the issue was that led to all the studies; but assuming there's some symptom of concern to you, you ought to continue with a program of regular followup. But don't base concern on the thermogram. The reason hardly any reputable place does them is that they are simply not very useful or reliable.
