Thermography — Medical Infrared Imaging Testing in Fond du Lac

Infrared Imaging is a non-contact, non-invasive procedure for visualizing the body’s physiologic response. There are no risks or side effects. Thermal patterns are displayed on the skin and detected by the infrared sensor of the camera. Interpreted as temperature data, it is transmitted to the computer where all images are stored as pictures. All information is correlated to the client’s main area of complaint or symptoms. By detecting thermal asymmetry, thermal imaging offers the physician an added dimension to the diagnostic picture, detecting neurological and vascular information not available on x-ray. The other areas of detection include vascular or blood vessel anarchy or inappropriate appearing blood vessels.

Abnormal cells including cancer cells require a blood supply to grow. These blood vessels tend to be atypical from normal and can be detected with our high contrast digital thermogram camera. The reports are formally read by a Board Certified Thermographic Physician and include a colored report for your records.

What types of evaluations are done with infrared imaging?

»» Infrared Imaging is the test of choice for monitoring breast health and changes associated with breast disease.

»» Other areas of the body are evaluated for changes in thermal or temperature patterns and vascular or blood vessels changes.

»» Areas of chronic pain, inflammation, wound healing or disease can be evaluated thermographically to assist the physician with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

»» Detect thermal indicators as they relate to infection, inflammation or fibrocystic disease.

»» Determine thermal indications of angiogenic or blood vessel significance that would require further evaluation.

»» Infrared imaging is the test of choice for undetermined pain disorders such as:

• Muscular skeletal disorders including wound healing and chronic pain
• Impaired peripheral circulation including varicosities, peripheral vascular disease or blood viscosity concerns
• Neuropathies

Thermal imaging can be done on women of any age. With the dense breast tissue of women under 40, it is ideal for differentiating fibrocystic disease from possible active tumors. Thermal imaging detects the increased metabolic heat associated with increased vascularity of most suspicious growths, and can sense the “thermal signal”, often years in advance of a mass detected on x-ray. It also can visualize blood vessel changes, or angiogenesis, that may be associated with tumors.

An initial set of images are taken after acclimation to a stable room environment. This series is then repeated after a “cold stress”, which is done by placing your hands in cold water. A cold stress is necessary to observe the normal breast blood flow.  This test provides more information for the physician making the evaluation.

We also utilize the GAIL model of statistical evaluation for the 5 year and lifetime risk for breast cancer. Screening cancer markers including CA 15-3, CA 27-29 and CA 125 are utilized on an individual basis.

Pain evaluation

Visualize Complex Pain Problems

Identifying the cause of pain is a challenge to most physicians. Pain can be referred from the point of origin through a series of nerve pathways. This referral can become complicated and solving the puzzle to relieve the pain can require a complicated series of tests.

Thermal imaging provides a visual, non-contact image of the autonomic nervous system. It is the only test that shows the doctor this specific pathway. “Evoked potential” exam display the sensory pathways, and EMG the motor pathways. These two paths, however, are not the only pathways of pain. Seeing the autonomic response can often lead the physician to a faster resolution of the problem.

Infrared imaging is also beneficial for following treatment of pain disorders. By taking an infrared picture of the region before and during therapy, the physician can document the effect of treatment. Both you and your doctor are provided with visual proof of its effectiveness.

Breast Health Evaluation

An ideal screening test for early detection of changes in breast health.

Thermal Imaging is an adjunctive exam that can provide a more comprehensive picture to your on-going monitoring of breast health.

Monthly self-exam, annual physician exam, yearly thermal imaging and mammography when indicated increase the effectiveness of early detection to greater than 95%.