Breast Thermography

Over the years, I have had a lot of patients ask me about my opinion on mammograms. First of all, I think breast health is extremely important with the high incidence of breast cancer in the United States today. It is important not to ignore your breasts and now, with more people questioning the safety of early and repeated mammograms, it is time to talk.
My opinion is as follows: It only makes sense to me that causing trauma by compression and radiating the breast would contribute to cancer growth, especially if abnormal cell division has already begun. Repeated and early mammograms in people “at risk” is quite questionable and I honestly think it is not appropriate. Research is becoming public about the concern with mammograms contributing to more cancer and unnecessary biopsies. As a result, the American Cancer Society has changed their age and frequency recommendations. It is important to understand that biopsies are also in question. They can also contribute to additional abnormal cell growth so if you ever are in a position where you need to have one, be sure they take the entire mass or region surrounding the questionable cells. The goal is to avoid breaking open the protective barrier around the mass, causing cell leakage and more abnormal division.
With that being said, again…I stress that it is VERY important to NOT ignore your breast health and this is where the Thermogram comes in. Thermograms use infrared technology to look for abnormal heat patterns in the body. In the earliest stages of abnormal cell division, temperature changes occur and if these are noted on the scan, a breast MRI would be the next step. No radiation or compression is used in the Thermogram to cause or contribute to cellular damage. No zapping…no smashing...makes much more sense to me! 
Most cities offer Thermograms and for those in the Lincoln, NE area, Dr. Mark Osborn’s office is where I go. I suggest getting a baseline Thermogram and repeating them every year. Most insurance companies do not cover them but if we only followed insurance guidelines…well, don’t get me started! You are your breasts are worth it! By Dr. Heather Elton