Thermography

As thermographic equipment is improved and as physicians gain experience in its use, thermography gradually is gaining importance as a diagnostic aid in a wide range of disease processes. The technic is finding increasing acceptance in diagnosis of breast disease particularly as an adjunct to mammography. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute are in the process of establishing 20 demonstration centers for breast cancer detection using thermography, mammography, and physical examinations. Although all of the centers are not at present fully staffed with personnel experienced in thermographic interpretation, the project promises to give a better basis for cost estimates for screening with the thermography as compared to present systems. The technologic knowledge exists for the development of improved scanning infrared cameras with magnetic tape storage and dynamic display. These systems will lend themselves to quantitative measurements and semiautomatic interpretation which can improve the accuracy and reduce the cost of mass screening for breast cancer. Although additional clinical research is necessary, thermography has numerous applications in a variety of disease states. In the future, total body thermography may well become an important part of medical screening examinations.