Thermographic Breast Screening
As a discreet, non-invasive means to screen and monitor breast tissue, Digital Infrared Imaging (DII) provides a proven adjunct to existing Mammograms.
Using Thermography, DII can pick up subtle changes in circulation patterns within the breast tissue, associated with ‘unusual’ activity, in it’s earliest stages. Whilst DII does not itself ‘diagnose’ – it is nonetheless a proven, safe, non-invasive way to monitor a client’s condition. It additionally provides an alternative way for those women who want, or need, to have their breasts regularly monitored – but who do not wish to undergo a Mammogram every time
HealthSCAN identify DII as proving ideal particularly for …
~ Women under 40
~ Women who for whatever reason cannot, or will not, have a Mammogram
~ Women who are outside the mammographic screening guidelines, whether due to surgical procedures or for contra-indication reasons
At The Lightworks Clinic Breast Screening is undertaken quickly and discreetly …
Once acclimatised to the ambient temperature, a prescribed set of images are taken – viewing the breasts from several aspects.
These images are then analysed and kept securely on file for future reference.
Additionally, a Report can be submitted to the client’s Consultant on a regular basis, or when an anomaly is suspected, in order that further investigation may be swiftly undertaken.
As with any other type of screening, it is possible that a ‘False Positive’ may occur. However, at the Lightworks Clinic we would prefer to refer a False Positive back to the Consultant for investigation … and be proved wrong … than miss the opportunity for early intervention.
As background …
CONVENTIONAL BREAST CANCER SCREENING METHODS
It is always good to know the basics about the types of approaches available, for early cancer detection, in order to discuss with your healthcare provider the best method to use for you.
The conventional breast cancer screening methods are:
Physical examination:
This method is suggested by doctors for women of all age groups. Manually palpating your breasts and armpits deeply in a clockwise manner will reveal any underlying lump or abnormal mass. You can do this once a month several days after your period ends. Should you suspect the presence of any lump that wasn’t there before, ask for it to be checked by your doctor.
Ultrasound:
On clinical examination, should your doctor confirm any lump found in your breasts or axilla (the lymph nodes under your armpit), the next step they most probably advise would be an ultrasound, to confirm its presence. Using ultrasonic waves, the anatomical contour of breast tissue and blood vessels can be traced and therefore any lesions can be detected.
Mammography:
A mammogram is employed to look into the detailed structure of breast tissues. The healthcare system generally recommends mammography for women of older age groups, as their increased breast density may prove a limiting factor when using ultrasound.
Biopsy:
Although a more invasive modality of diagnosis, a biopsy brings about the most definitive results. In cases of high suspicion, a doctor will advise fine needle aspiration and biopsy to be undertaken.
JUST HOW SAFE IS MAMMOGRAPHY ?
At present, mammography is one of the most-widely used methods for screening breast cancer and has saved hundreds of lives.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology in 2011 demonstrated for the first time, that women who received the most mammography breast screenings had a higher cumulative incidence of invasive breast cancer over the following six years, compared to the control group who received far less screenings…. However, these women may have received more screenings precisely because there were suspicions concerning breast cancer in the first place.
Mammograms are still essential in identifying Breast Cancer ….
However DII can provide an alternative, less invasive, way to monitor for breast cancer … particularly for those wishing to keeping the exposure associated with Mammograms to a minimum
Call to discuss …
The Lightworks Clinic
07712 778378