Thermography Vs. Mammogram?

Updated on January 26, 2015
M.G. asks from Flower Mound, TX
3 answers

Hi Moms,

A friend of mine who is a naturopath and nutritionist recommends getting a Thermography breast screening as opposed to a mammogram. She says Thermography is less (or maybe even no) radiation. Has anyone heard of thermography? Has anyone had a thermography breast screening? I always get mammograms, but am open to trying thermography. I am also wondering if thermography is as accurate as a mammogram? Thanks!

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J.K.

answers from Wausau on

Thermography has been around for a long time but it is significantly less effective in detecting early-stage cancer than a mammogram.

If you have no extra risk factors, then thermography may be an option for you. If you've previously had tumors or have a family history of cancer, then it would not be the best choice. You should certainly talk to your doctor about your options.

4 moms found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Miami on

Less accurate than a mammogram according to my radiologist who diagnosed my very early stages DCIS. I am fine now - 5 years later. I have a mammo annually and ultrasound annually - scheduled so that one or the other is every 6 months to try to catch anything else quickly.

C.

4 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i opted for thermography for several years, and felt good about it. then i finally found a doctor who took the time to explain the differences patiently and in terms that made sense to me.
thermography measures heat levels and in some ways is more sensitive than a mammogram. it's great for identifying potential markers for cancer, or to monitor how well a treatment for a cancer is working, but doesn't uncover some of the early warning signs that a mammo would show. even more telling, if it indicates an issue, a mammo will still be needed to get MORE info on it, so it's not like it rules out the need for mammograms.
i really liked lessening my exposure to x-rays so for several years did thermography, understanding that if an issue were uncovered i'd go get the mammogram. now i've quit doing thermo altogether, and just get a mammo every other year. a thermography is better than nothing- but not nearly as accurate as a mammogram. might as well go with what's actually going to detect an issue, KWIM?
khairete
S.

2 moms found this helpful
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