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Thermography--a feasible method for screening breast cancer?
Darko Kolarić1, Zeljko Herceg, Iskra Alexandra Nola
1"Ruder Bosković" Institute, Centre for Informatics and Computing, Zagreb, Croatia.
Collegium Antropologicum
|August 15, 2013
Summary
Thermography shows higher sensitivity than mammography for detecting breast cancer. This advanced imaging technique could improve early breast carcinoma detection in screening programs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality in women worldwide.
- Early detection significantly improves patient outcomes and survival rates.
- Current screening methods have limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of digital thermography as a more effective tool for breast carcinoma detection.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of thermography against mammography and ultrasonography.
Main Methods:
- 26 patients scheduled for breast carcinoma surgery underwent mammography, ultrasonography, and digital thermography.
- High-resolution digital thermal cameras (ThermoTracer TH7102WL, NEC) were used for thermographic imaging.
- Cytological and pathohistological analyses were performed on detected changes.
Main Results:
- Thermography detected 6 more changes than mammography (37 vs. 31).
- Pathohistological analysis confirmed 75.75% malignancy among detected changes.
- Thermography demonstrated higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (79%) compared to mammography (85% sensitivity, 84% specificity).
Conclusions:
- Digital thermography exhibits superior sensitivity for breast carcinoma detection compared to mammography.
- Thermography's high sensitivity suggests its valuable role in breast cancer screening programs.
- Integrating thermography could enhance early detection, reducing suffering from breast cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...