Frequently Asked
Questions
We have tried to summarize the most frequently asked questions about thermography here. Please click on a question to see the answer.
We have tried to summarize the most frequently asked questions about thermography here. Please click on a question to see the answer.
Can you send information about thermography to my doctor?
Absolutely, please go to the contact page and drop us
a note. We'll send your doctor a packet of
information about thermography. Please include your
name so we can let your doctor know who's interested
in it.
Who reads the studies?
All our studies are ready by board-certified
physicians (MD and DO). They are certified by the
American College of Clinical
Thermology.
As a screening study, a thermogram should be interpreted by a licensed health provider with portal of entry status. Without that, there is no accountability.
As a screening study, a thermogram should be interpreted by a licensed health provider with portal of entry status. Without that, there is no accountability.
Can thermography see through my dense breast tissue?
Often, women are called back after mammograms of
younger, denser breasts for additional views.
Mammograms are an anatomical test: the radiation
penetrates the soft tissues of the breasts and some
is absorbed by denser tissues making the image we see
on the film. Thus, when the breasts are already dense
(as they are before menopause), it is difficult to
tell if there are abnormalities since there is
already dense tissues in the breast that are normal
and expected.
Thermography is not looking through the breast: it is a test of physiology. The blood flow to the tissues is reflected in the heat patterns the camera picks up. The abnormal blood flow to cancerous tissues will show up regardless of the density of the breasts. For this reason, thermography is especially suited for the breasts that would otherwise get multiple views with a mammogram.
Thermography is not looking through the breast: it is a test of physiology. The blood flow to the tissues is reflected in the heat patterns the camera picks up. The abnormal blood flow to cancerous tissues will show up regardless of the density of the breasts. For this reason, thermography is especially suited for the breasts that would otherwise get multiple views with a mammogram.
How much does it cost?
The camera, designed specifically for medical
thermography, cost quite a bit, but you're probably
looking for what a study will cost you. Please go to
the "Your study" page for
the costs.
Do I have to stick my hand in ice water?
The "cold stress test" was used to suppress the
normal blood vessels in the skin and leave abnormal
blood vessels easy to spot. Unfortunately, it turns
out that once a blood vessel (even an abnormal one
feeding cancers) has been around for 3 months or so,
it will behave like a normal blood vessel and be
suppressed by the cold stress test.
This leads to false negative tests: missed cancers.
If a thermal image is abnormal, it should be followed up on, regardless of whether the cold stress test make it go away.
The most respected names in medical thermal imaging (Dr. Amalu, Dr. Leando, Dr. Cockburn) agree: the cold stress test doesn't improve accuracy.
These statements have been out for years. The only legitimate reason to use cold stress testing these days is for reflex sympathetic dystrophy, for which this is a diagnostic test.
This leads to false negative tests: missed cancers.
If a thermal image is abnormal, it should be followed up on, regardless of whether the cold stress test make it go away.
The most respected names in medical thermal imaging (Dr. Amalu, Dr. Leando, Dr. Cockburn) agree: the cold stress test doesn't improve accuracy.
These statements have been out for years. The only legitimate reason to use cold stress testing these days is for reflex sympathetic dystrophy, for which this is a diagnostic test.
What is this TH-1, TH-2, etc. grading system I've seen?
These are a grading system that was developed years
ago in an attempt to make a reliable grading system
for thermography. However, thermal imaging doesn't
lend itself to this arbitrary scale: it implies a
greater precision than is really there. In addition,
it may discourage people from getting appropriate
follow-up if the grade isn't high enough. If the
study is abnormal, it should be looked into further.
Dr. Cockburn, who's been involved in thermography over 20 years and teaches interpretation, issued a statement dropping the thermal rating system in 2005.
Dr. Cockburn, who's been involved in thermography over 20 years and teaches interpretation, issued a statement dropping the thermal rating system in 2005.
What should I do if I have an abnormal result?
Please include the physician or care provider you
would like to have the results sent to (you will also
get a full-color copy). We can send an information
packet to your physician or care provider.
Appropriate follow-up for an abnormal study ranges
from mammography to ultrasound and MRI, but your
health care provider should discuss your result with
you and find the best way for you investigate the
abnormality.
Is there more than one kind of thermography?
Yes, thermography is a useful technology that can be
used in various ways, both in medicine and other
fields.
It has been used in veterinary medicine for over 30 years, and is used to surveying the spine by chiropractors.
It is also used to find heat loss from buildings (and can help you save money!), and in industrial applications to find potential problem areas.
It is even used by the police!
It has been used in veterinary medicine for over 30 years, and is used to surveying the spine by chiropractors.
It is also used to find heat loss from buildings (and can help you save money!), and in industrial applications to find potential problem areas.
It is even used by the police!
Can I discuss my results with Dr. Sickels?
Unfortunately, Dr. Sickels is booked up several
months in advance for new patients. Abnormal results
should be followed up promptly to ensure the best
outcomes. Please check in with your health care
practitioner to get things moving.
However, occasionally there is an opening with dr. Sickels. It never hurts to ask.
If you need to find a new practitioner more quickly than you can get in with dr. Sickels, you can find other practitioners under the "find other doctors" tab on Dr. Sickels' links page.
However, occasionally there is an opening with dr. Sickels. It never hurts to ask.
If you need to find a new practitioner more quickly than you can get in with dr. Sickels, you can find other practitioners under the "find other doctors" tab on Dr. Sickels' links page.
How deep does the camera "see"?
Thermal imaging can only see the surface of the skin,
however the autonomic nervous system controls the
blood flow to the skin and so this will reflect the
state of the tissues under the skin.
So, while saying that "thermography only sees the first millimeters of depth" is technically true, it misses the physiological response that controls the temperature at the surface. Just as someone's turning red with embarrassment is an autonomic response to an emotional reaction, the changes seen with thermography are an autonomic response to the tissues underneath.
So, while saying that "thermography only sees the first millimeters of depth" is technically true, it misses the physiological response that controls the temperature at the surface. Just as someone's turning red with embarrassment is an autonomic response to an emotional reaction, the changes seen with thermography are an autonomic response to the tissues underneath.