Color Thermography is based upon the scientific evidence that the body is symmetrical unto itself. We realize that NO ONE is completely symmetrical in terms of size, shape, or temperature. For that reason, the thermographic community has established criteria that allow up to 1.5 degrees C from one side of the body to the other and still consider it to be normal. The only exception is at the nipples where the maximum limit of normal is 1.0 degrees C.
As the patient faces the camera for the images to be taken, what is seen on the left side of the image is on the right side of the body (in those images where both breasts are present on the same frame).
The circles or other markings that are seen on the pictures are drawn by Dr. Getson and the data beneath each picture is calculated by the computer. The most important information on the data table is the second line, “average” which is the average temperature within the circle on the picture above.
When viewing the black and white images, circles are placed around blood vessels to highlight their presence. Having blood vessels is not necessarily abnormal, as the presence of vessels can result from aging, trauma to the breast, hormonal influences, and other causes. Once present these vessels will be evident forever. Trauma can occur in many forms such as seatbelt impact from a car accident, other types of contact injury, and even mammograms. Some blood vessel configurations, however, are worrisome and these will be discussed at the time of the phone conference.
Following is a definition of some thermographic terms:
- VASCULAR COMPLETE: An uninterrupted blood vessel usually of two inches or more in length.
- FRAGMENTED VASCULAR ANARCHY: Bits and pieces of a blood vessel.
- INFERIOR VESSEL: A heat generating vessel that lies below the horizontal plane of the nipple.
- HOT SPOT: A solitary area of heat in one breast exceeding 1.5 degrees C.
- GLOBAL HEAT: A generalized area of heat exceeding 1.5 degrees C.
- PERIAREOLAR HEAT: Heat in excess of 1.5 degrees C in the area surrounding the nipple.