Thermography

Thermography is the process of recording heat emanating from various parts of the human body using infrared-sensitive photographic film. The resulting image is called a thermogram. The heat emanating from different parts of the body varies depending on the intensity of blood flow through the vessels passing through it; areas with poor circulation emit less heat. A tumor with increased blood supply appears on a thermogram as a “hot” node. This method is used in the process of diagnosing breast tumors (mammothermography).

Thermography: Use of thermal radiation for diagnostics

Thermography, also known as infrared thermography, is the process of recording heat emanating from various parts of the human body using infrared sensitive photographic film or electronic thermal cameras. The resulting image is called a thermogram or thermal image.

The basic idea of ​​thermography is that different parts of the body emit different amounts of heat. This is due to the intensity of blood flow through the vessels passing through them. Healthy tissues usually have normal blood circulation and therefore emit a certain amount of heat. However, areas with poor circulation, such as tumors, usually have altered levels of thermal radiation. On a thermogram, the tumor may appear as a “hot” node, that is, an area of ​​increased temperature or thermal activity.

One of the most common applications of thermography is in the diagnosis of breast tumors, known as mammothermography or thermomammography. Traditional diagnostic methods such as mammography or ultrasound can detect abnormalities in the breasts, but they may be limited in their ability to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors. In contrast, thermography can provide information about the thermal activity of tumors and adjacent tissues.

The mammothermography procedure usually involves taking a thermogram of the breast on both sides. The resulting images are then analyzed by thermography specialists, who look for areas of increased thermal activity or other anomalies. If a suspicious area is found, the patient may be recommended further tests, such as a biopsy, to determine the nature of the tumor.

One of the advantages of thermography is that it is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, unlike X-rays used in mammography. This makes thermography safe and suitable for repeated use in dynamic monitoring of tumor processes. However, it should be noted that thermography is not a method that accurately diagnoses breast cancer and is usually used in combination with other diagnostic methods.

While thermography has its advantages, it also has its limitations. Normal physiological processes, such as inflammation or increased physical activity, can cause changes in tissue thermal activity and lead to false-positive results. Therefore, thermography is usually used in combination with other diagnostic methods to improve the accuracy and reliability of the results.

Thermography also has applications in other areas of medicine. For example, it can be used to diagnose vascular disorders, identify areas of tissue damage, or monitor the effectiveness of treatment. It can also be used in the field of sports medicine to evaluate muscle condition and identify possible damage.

In conclusion, thermography is a useful diagnostic tool to detect abnormalities in tissue thermal activity. It is widely used in the diagnosis of breast tumors, where it can help identify potentially dangerous areas for further study. However, it should be used in combination with other diagnostic methods to achieve the greatest accuracy and reliability of results. With advancements in technology and further research, thermography may become an even more valuable tool in the field of medical diagnostics.

Thermography is the process of recording heat emanating from different parts of the human body using infrared sensitive film. The resulting image is called a thermogram. The heat generated by parts of the body varies depending on the blood flow through the vessels, and areas with poor circulation tend to produce less heat than other parts of the body. A tumor that has an increased blood supply appears as a “hot” node on a thermogram. This method is used to diagnose chest tumors, such as mammography.