Thermography

This is an imaging technique that records temperature differences in the breast.

It has been promoted as a screening method for early detection of breast cancer.

The problem is that this investigation is neither sensitive nor specific.

This means that some cancers will not be detected and on the other hand many non-cancer changes such as inflammation may show up.

Any abnormal area seen on thermography requires standard assessment with clincial exam, ultrasound, mammography and biopsy.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand issued a position statement on Thermography in January 2005.   http://www.cancernz.org.nz/assets/files/docs/position-statements/CSNZ_PS_Thermography.pdf