 | Dr. George R. Watson, D.O. is certified in Preventive Health, Occupational Medicine, Bariatric Medicine, and is the first physician in Kansas to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Watson has served in the Air Force as a Weapons Systems Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, and Flight Surgeon. Dr. Watson is located in the Park City Medical Center, 425 E. 61st St. North. #2 and can be reached at 316-744-3400 |
Health & Medicine
2005-11-01 16:19:00
What is Thermography?
QUESTION: Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about Thermography. What exactly is it?
ANSWER: Digital infrared thermal imaging (Thermography) is a totally non-invasive clinical imaging procedure for detecting and monitoring a number of diseases and physical injuries by showing thermal (heat) images of any abnormalities present in the body. It's used as an aid in diagnosis and prognosis as well as for monitoring therapy progress.Through Thermography, various conditions and injuries can be detected, including: arthritis, back injuries, headaches, nerve damage, unexplained pain, artery inflammation, vascular disease, breast disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, disc disease, inflammatory pain, skin cancer, sprains and strains, stroke screening, whiplash, digestive disorders, and more. Images can be taken of the whole body or just specific areas being investigated. The digitized images are stored on a computer and sent electronically to a Thermologist for interpretation and reporting. Reports can then be color printed and sent to your health care professional. Unlike most diagnostic tests, Thermography is non-invasive, painless, involves no radiation or contact with the body and is F.D.A. approved. Standard exams usually take 15 to 30 minutes. Whereas X-Ray, C.T. Ultrasound and M.R.I. are all tests of 'anatomy' that measure the structures of your body, Thermography is unique in its capability to show physiological change and metabolic processes. Thermography detects the subtle physiologic changes that accompany breast pathology, whether it's cancer, fibrocystic disease, an infection or a vascular disease. It takes years for a tumor to grow, thus the earliest possible indication of abnormality is needed to allow the earliest possible treatment and intervention. Your doctor can then plan accordingly and lay out a careful program to further diagnose and/or monitor you during and after treatment. All breast thermograms are kept on record and once your stable thermal pattern has been established any changes can be detected during your routine annual checkup. All women can benefit from Thermography breast screening. However, it is especially appropriate for younger women (30-50) whose denser breast tissue makes it more difficult for mammography to be effective. And also for women of all ages who, for many reasons, are unable to undergo routine mammography. Thermography can provide a 'clinical marker' to the doctor or mammographer that a specific area of the breast needs particularly close examination. Current Early Detection Guidelines:One day there may be a single method for early detection of breast cancer. Until then, using a combination of methods will increase your chances of detecting breast cancer in an early stage. These methods include:• Annual Thermography screening for women of all ages.• Mammography, when considered appropriate for women who are aged 50 or older. • A regular breast examination by a health care professional.• Monthly breast self-examination.• Personal awareness for changes in breasts.• Readiness to discuss quickly any such changes with a doctor.
