BREAST IMAGING
Detecting, Analyzing and Reporting Breast Physiology Through Infrared Imaging
Thermetry is an intelligent adjunct tool for professionals to measure thermal data related to vascular activities of the breast and to maximize their decisions through objective, quantifiable feedback. This innovative technology intelligently detects breast anatomy and measures thousands of infrared data points within standardized quadrants to quantify asymmetry related to concerns such as angiogenesis and inflammation. Furthermore, the application can be customized to track other factors (e.g. circadian rhythms, menstrual cycles, dietary habits, environmental exposures) that may influence breast physiology for the purposes of correlative studies. Comprehensive reports are automatically generated in a user-friendly format using interpretive visual analytic tools (including anatomical illustrations, charts and graphs) to present the information in an organized, user-friendly format.
THE PROCESS
INFRARED RESEARCH
With more than 800 peer-reviewed studies involving approximately 250,000 participants over a course of 30 years, researchers conclude that digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) is a valuable adjunct tool in addition to mammograms and ultrasounds for the successful screening of breast abnormalities [1]. While mammograms and ultrasounds provide data regarding "structural" abnormalities, DITI provides data regarding "functional" abnormalities (relative to vascular activity) [2]. Malignant cells are known to express a unique protein which stimulates the growth of new capillaries to supply a developing tumor with nutrients; a process known as angiogenesis [3]. The changes in localized blood flow during angiogenesis causes temperature fluctuations which can be identified, measured and tracked through DITI [4]. As well, inflammation is another factor to be monitor with respect to breast health. Beyond the registration of the trophic conditions of tissues, DITI also enables the analysis of thermoregulatory altered areas from tissue metabolism and inflammatory responses. Increased blood flow accompanies inflammatory reaction and increased tissue catabolism which causes significant changes in local temperatures [5]. As well, there is evidence showing the interconnection between angiogenesis and inflammation [6] making DITI an optimal method for establishing a breast physiology baseline, comparatives of physiological changes over time and the detection of abnormalities that may require additional testing (e.g. physical exam, mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, blood work, hormone testing, etc.).
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2. Köşüş, N, Köşüş, A, Duran, M, Simavlı,S, Turhan, N. Comparison of Standard Mammography with Digital Mammography and Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging for Breast Cancer Screening. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2010; 11(3): 152-157.
3. Folkman, J. Introduction of Angiogenesis During the Transition from Hyperplasia to Neoplasia. Nature. 1989; 339:58-61.
4. Arora, N., Martins, D., B.S., Ruggerio, D, B.S., Tousimis, E., Swistel, A, Osborne, M.P., M.D., Simmons, R.M. Effectiveness of a Noninvasive Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging System in the Detection of Breast Cancer. American Journal of Surgery. 2008; 196, 523–526.
5. Całkosiński, I.,Dobrzyński, M., Rosińczuk, J., Dudek, K., Chrószcz, A., Fita, K., Dymarek, R. The Use of Infrared Thermography as a Rapid, Quantitative, and Noninvasive Method for Evaluation of Inflammation Response in Different Anatomical Regions of Rats. Biomed Res Int. 2015; 972535.
6. Kim, Y.W., West, X., Byzova, T. (2013). Inflammation and Oxidative stress in Angiogenesis and Vascular Disease. Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2013; March 91(3): 323–28