We provide Breast Thermography, DITI, breast scans, body scans, and breast screening.  women’s health, breast cancer, fibromyalgia, holistic health We provide service to South Florida, Broward, Dade, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Cooper City, Weston, Coral Springs, Sunrise, DaniaBeach, Hollywood, North Miami, South Miami, Aventura, and many more.  We provide Breast Thermography, DITI, breast scans, body scans, and breast screening.  women’s health, breast infared
Why should I have a Breast Thermogram?

If a significant change in breast cancer mortality is to be realized, we have to rethink what screening tests truly are. Are we currently providing "screening" or "detection"? A critical look at our current breast cancer screening strategy must be made. A change from sole dependence upon procedures that only provide detection of existing cancers to technologies that reflect the early cancerous process itself provides women with true screening. Thermography has this ability to act as an early warning system. Studies have shown that thermography has the ability to warn that this process is underway 8-10 years before any other test can detect it - even before the cells become cancerous. This, coupled with a possible role in breast cancer prevention, makes thermography one test that no woman should be without.

Why is a thermogram so effective?

Prior to a tumor being formed, cells in the breast begin to create a cancer-friendly environment. Part of this process involves angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels. These blood vessels provide a blood supply to the area for the cancer to grow. The process of angiogenesis creates heat patterns. Thermography, being sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, can detect these changes in the breast far earlier than other screening methods. Numerous studies have shown that infrared can detect the signs of developing cancer years before modalities such as mammography; by up to 10 years, and that it is a good indicator of risk for breast cancer.

Does Digital Infrared Imaging (Breast Thermography) replace mammograms?

Absolutely not! However, do mammograms replace DII? The answer to this is also a resounding no; the two tests complement each other. The consensus among health care experts is that no one procedure or method of imaging is solely adequate for breast cancer screening. Breast thermography has the ability to give a warning signal in advance of invasive tumor growth.  A positive infrared image is also the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer. It is DII’s unique ability to monitor the abnormal temperature (physiological) changes produced by diseased breast tissue that allows for extremely early detection. Since it has been determined that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, we must use every means possible to detect these tumors when there is the greatest chance for survival. When used as part of a multi-modal approach (clinical examination + thermography + mammography), 95% of early stage breast cancers can be detected.

Is Digital Infrared Imaging an approved procedure?

Yes, DII is approved by the FDA for use as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure since 1982. This was published in the Federal Register: Vol.147, No.20, pp.4419-4420, Jan.29,1982

Is Digital Infrared Imaging (Breast Thermography) safe?

Breast Thermography is FDA Approved in the United States.  It is completely safe, non-invasive and painless. There is no exposure to radiation and no breast compression.

I have breast implants. Can I have a Thermogram?

Yes. Breast implants do not interfere with thermography. Breast Thermography is painless and safe, using no radiation or compression. It can be used effectively and safely for all women including pregnant or nursing women, women with dense breast tissue, and women with breast implants.

Can women too young to take mammograms have a Thermogram?

YES! This exam is especially helpful for women not eligible yet for mammograms. Women in the 18 to 40 age category now have another tool in addition to a clinical breast exam that can detect breast cancer.

Can Thermography be used on women who have had a mastectomy?

Yes. Thermal imaging is useful in detecting local variations in temperature in women who have had partial or radical mastectomy as part of follow-up screening.

How Often Should Breast Thermography Be Done? 

An initial thermogram with a 3 month follow-up establishes a baseline. Thereafter, annual thermograms are generally recommended.

What do I have to do to prepare for a Thermogram?

There are a few guidelines for preparing for a thermal scan:
- Do not have physical therapy, massage, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, or strenuous exercise on the same day of the scan prior to the exam.
- Do not smoke for 2 hours before the test
- Do not use lotions, deodorants, or powder on the areas to be scanned.
- Stay out of strong sunlight on the day of test
There are no dietary or medication restrictions on the day of your scan.

How Much Does Breast Thermography Cost?

The thermography session costs $175.00 and takes about 30 minutes. Results are reviewed by a physician trained in the use and interpretation of thermographic images, and a report of findings and images are sent  directly to you within 10 days.

Who Interprets the Scans?

Thermographic breast analysis is an extremely complex topic and should only be performed by a qualified doctor. We use Electronic Medical Imaging (EMI) who employs board certified medical doctors, who have had additonal training in interpreting thermal images.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes. We take Mastercard, Visa, and Discover Cards. We do not currently accept American Express.

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Appointments are available by calling (954) 383-2365. You may also e-mail us at info@advancedthermography.com.

Is This Procedure Covered by my Medical Insurance?

Because this is FDA approved it is reimbursable by some insurance companies depending on your individual policy. Thus far Medicare is not covering this procedure. Advanced Thermography does not bill medical insurance companies; however, we will be happy to provide you with codes necessary for insurance billing if requested.

I understand you also do full body thermography, what can I expect to learn from that?                                                                                                                             

Full body thermography includes a breast scan, so it is comprehensive.  A full body thermogram which is suitable for both females and males, young and old, can identify pre-existing conditions, acute or chronic issues as serious as cancer, cardiovascular circulatory conditions , pre-stroke, nervous system disorders, repetitive strain injury, TMJ, arthritis, diabetes, melanoma, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disease, lung conditions, dental infections and, finally, breast cancer.

Is special training required to perform Breast Thermography?

Yes. Robin Miller has been a Registered Nurse since 1993. In addition she received her certification as a Clinical Thermographer through the American College of Clinical Thermography (ACCT) which is affiliated with Duke University.

What is the attitude in medical oncology for this procedure and breast disease?

Honestly, most physicians have very little knowledge about this topic. Most use traditional, older tools to study breast disease. However, in 1998, cancer researchers at Ville Marie Breast and Oncology, in Montreal, Quebec, published an article in The Breast Journal related to DITI. In the closing remarks, the authors wrote, "Our initial reappraisal would also suggest that infrared imaging, based more on process than structural changes and requiring neither contact, compression, radiation nor venous access, can provide pertinent and practical complimentary information to both clinical exam and mammography."

Breast Cancer (Part 1)

Introduction:

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women (men are rarely affected). Many studies have shown that if found early enough, patient survival can be greatly enhanced and total cure may be achieved. Screening mammography is now recommended for all women over 50 years old. If there is a family history of breast cancer, then most physicians would begin screening even patients who are 40 years old or younger. The risk of developing the disease increases with advancing years with the elderly being at greatest risk.

Risk Factors:

Studies indicate that genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, as well as environmental injuries may all play a role in the causation of breast cancer. While much effort has been placed in identifying those women at increased risk, 70-80% of all cases occur in women without apparent risk factors. The overall lifetime risks of developing and dying from breast cancer in the U.S. are substantial with 12 out of each hundred women contracting cancer, and between 3-4 dying of it.

Regarding genetics, studies have shown that first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients, i.e. parents, siblings and children, have twice to three times the risk of developing breast cancer as compared to the general population. At present it is estimated that up to 5% of all breast cancer patients may have a definite genetic abnormality that was inherited and contributed to the development of their disease. Today special tests may identify such rare breast "cancer genes." It is hoped, however, that ongoing studies will demonstrate more common genetic markers.

Hormonal factors associated with the development of breast cancer include early menstruation age, older age at onset of menopause, older age with first pregnancy as well as absence of pregnancies. The age at the first full term pregnancy is a more accurate predictor of risk than is the number of pregnancies. Long term use of birth control pills or estrogens for more than 10-15 years has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Oral contraceptive use for more than ten years can increase the risk of developing cancer before 45 years of age. Use of oral contraceptives for more than 4 years before a first pregnancy can lead to a marked increase in the risk of developing breast cancer at a relatively early age.

Living in affluent and westernized countries is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Asian women have one of the lowest risks of breast cancer. However, female immigrants of Asian descent and their female children have a risk similar to other westernized women. This of course suggests a dietary link, however studies have failed to show a link between dietary fat and breast cancer development. Alcohol intake, even if moderate, has been associated with a 40-60% increase in breast cancer risk.

Women who have been diagnosed with benign breast disease should not be complacent and must realize that they also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The most common benign breast disease is fibrocystic breast disease. This is characterized by cysts and fibrous tissue that gives the breast an irregular feel but requires almost invariably a breast tissue examination (biopsy).

A high index of suspicion must be maintained if the diagnosis and a chance at early treatment and perhaps a cure are not to be missed.

Breast Cancer (Part 2)

Types of Breast Cancer: There are several types of breast cancer depending on the anatomic location within the breast, the type of breast structure involved, and the appearance of the tumor.

The breast is a glandular organ which is divided into 6 to 9 overlapping parts called "lobes" that sub-divide into many smaller "lobules," each ending in numerous tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules and bulbs are connected by thin passages called "ducts" that normally channel the milky secretion in a pregnant woman to the nipple. Fat fills the space between the lobules and ducts.

Because most of the breast cancers start in the glandular areas of the breast and generally resemble those structures, they are known as adenocarcinoma (glandular cancer).

The most common type of breast cancer, called ductal carcinoma, starts in the lining of the ducts. Another common type starts in the lobules and is called lobular carcinoma. There are a number of variants of early and late adenocarcinoma of the breast. The major ones are the following:

1. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) with cancerous cells in the lining of a lobule. This is a generally non-invasive cancer and excision leads to total cure. However, it is a marker for increased risk of invasive cancer, and regular check ups or surgery may be necessary.
2. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with cancer cells limited to the lining of a duct. Occasionally, this type of cancer may become invasive.
3. Stage I invasive cancer with spread limited to breast alone and maximal size of one inch.
4. Stage II invasive cancer with spread to lymph nodes of armpits (axillae) and measuring one inch to two inches across.
5. Stage III is locally advanced cancer with tumors exceeding two inches in size and extensive spread to underarm lymph nodes or diffuse infiltration of the skin of the breast (the so called "inflammatory breast cancer").
6. Stage IV is invasive cancer into internal organs away from the breast or what is called metastatic cancer. Metastatic cancer is caused by clumps of cancer cells that break away from the major tumor site and float with the lymphatic flow to distant organs such as the liver, lungs and bones where they start to grow into additional tumors.

Some types of cancer occur with much less frequency than others (e.g. medullary carcinoma--a soft marrowy like cancer).

Screening and Early Detection: The earlier the detection of the tumor, the less likely are the chances of it spreading and the better the likelihood of total recovery.

Women at risk should learn how to examine their own breast (there are easy techniques to do so) and have their breast examined periodically by a nurse or a physician. Any breast abnormalities should be brought to the attention of a doctor for further follow up.

In women above 50 years of age, mammography is a must and cannot be replaced by breast examination alone. Mammography is a special type of X-Ray using very low levels of radiation. It is extremely helpful in detecting early breast cancer, usually by demonstrating small tiny clusters of calcification within the breast.

Diagnosis:

Early breast cancer is usually asymptomatic and painless. However, in more advanced stages it may manifest itself by a lump, a change in size or shape of the breast, abnormal nipple secretions, and/or a change in the color or appearance of the skin such as increased thickening, scaliness or puckering. Occasionally breast or axillary pain may be present as well.

In attempting to arrive at the diagnosis, physicians pay attention to the firmness of the lesion and whether they are movable or not. Hard and fixed breast tumors are particularly suspicious. Diagnostic tests include mammography, thermography (a heat-seeking detection of abnormalities) and ultrasonography (detection of suspicious nodules by echoes of high frequency sounds). However, the definitive diagnosis of breast cancer requires direct breast tissue diagnosis. This can be made either by aspiration or needle biopsy in which the physician removes through a syringe-like needle a tiny amount of either fluid or solid tissue from a breast lump.

The problem with the needle biopsy is that, while positive results are reliable, negative results are not necessarily conclusive because the needle may miss the area of the tumor. Therefore, some physicians prefer to follow it with a surgical excisional biopsy in which a surgeon removes the lump, either partially or totally, and the suspected tissue is examined both grossly and microscopically by a pathologist. If cancer is found, it is usually a good idea to check the other breast as well because, occasionally, the cancer may involve both breasts.

Treatment:

Treatment decisions depend on many factors including the type and spread of the tumor, the patient's age and menopause status, the patient's general state of health, the size of the breasts, the location of the tumor, and genetic markers of the tumors and their likely response to hormonal treatment which can be determined by special blood tests. The wishes of the patient also plays an important role in the final decision.

The therapeutic alternatives include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment (e.g. Tamoxifen that blocks the body's use of estrogen), or a combination of some of the above. Recent research indicates that lumpectomy (removal of the breast tumor alone while preserving the breast), followed by radiation is in many cases as effective as total removal of breast (mastectomy). Invasive or frank metastatic cancer almost invariably requires a combination of additional types of care besides excision surgery of the involved breast area and armpit tissues.

In addition to the physical treatment, breast cancer patients need a great deal of emotional support to deal with the substantial stress associated with the psychological, cultural and economic hardships associated with their condition. Not only are psychological counselors and social workers available, but there are also impressive arrays of breast cancer support groups that may provide insight and help.

Finally, it is equally important to remember:

1. Cancer of the breast, a ferocious killer if untreated, may be totally overcome if detected early and treated.
2. Self breast examination is an easy procedure. Every woman should know how to do it and detected abnormalities should be immediately reviewed by a doctor.
3. Women starting at age 25 should begin regular, annual thermographic evaluations(Thermography).
4. Women above 50 years of age and women at special risk for breast cancer should be annually examined for suspected breast abnormalities. Women 40 years of age and above should be examined every two years.
5. If abnormal breast symptoms persist in spite of assurances of a health care provider that "everything is okay," get another medical opinion.
6. Needle biopsies cannot totally exclude the presence of cancer and close follow-up or excision biopsy should always be considered.
7. If you are not confident with the reliability of either a negative or a positive medical diagnosis of breast cancer, seek a second medical opinion. In this age of intended medical savings it may be more expensive, but it may save your breast and/or your life.