[Dynamic telethermography in E.N.T. cancerology]

Thermography is used in human pathology to capture and visualise infra-red rays emitted directly and spontaneously by the human body. The author first describes the main techniques of thermography, their indications their advantages and their potential problems:--contact thermography;--static thermography; --dynamic telethermography. The information provided by the latter in the case of E.N.T. and cervico-facial malignancies should be interpreted with caution and only as a complement to other investigations such as radiography, echography and isotope studies. The following features are seen: --the low value of cerevical hyperthermia in relation to lymphadenopathies, due to the "thermal interference" of the great vessels of the neck; --the contrast between large lymphadenopathies which are often quite cold in comparison with small lymphadenopathies which are always hot; --the value of the method in determining extension of a skin tumour, for the surveillance of areas already tready by surgery or physical agents, in seeking and discovering an endo-cavitray neoplastic zone or a bone metastasis.