Breast thermography

Alternative names:

thermography of the breast

How the test is performed:

You are asked to remove your clothing to the waist, and wait for 10 minutes exposing your breasts to the room air. This stabilizes the skin temperature of your breasts and increases test accuracy.

Infrared photographs are then taken from three different angles while you hold your hands above your head or on your knees, as you would during a breast exam.

You may be asked to wait while the images are developed. If they are unclear, the procedure may be repeated.

How to prepare for the test:

To avoid invalidating the test:

• Avoid sun exposure.
• Do not place ointments or powder on your breasts the day of the test.

Inform your health care provider if you have had any recent skin lesions on your breast; the inflammation can cause a false positive result.

How the test will feel:

The number of people involved in the procedure will be limited to protect your privacy. The room air may feel cool on your breasts as they adjust to room temperature before the filming.

The procedure should not take longer than 15 minutes, and test results should be available in 1 to 2 days.

Why the test is performed:

This test is used to assess localized areas of increased skin temperature on the breasts. Different rates of metabolism in and beneath the skin can alter the skin temperature. If breast cancer, fibrocystic disease, or infection is suspected this procedure can detect the area of involvement by changes in the skin temperature.