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Thermography is not a feasible option to Mammography for breast cancer – asserts FDA

 

Thermography is used for to investigate heat distribution in regions/structures of body, for tumor detection; infrared camera is used for thermograms.

Healthcare providers and women are specifically alarmed by the FDA, not to opt for thermography as a substitute for mammography screening, to diagnose breast cancer.

The FDA has no available data of thermographic devices, to show that the screening tool is effectual for any medical condition, inclusive of early detection of breast cancers and/or other breast disorders. (Courtesy: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Professional societies and health agencies, inclusive of the American College of Radiology, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Society for Breast Imaging – abide with FDA for clinical relevance of mammography for breast cancer detection, over thermography.

Mobile units, websites and various health facilities are encouraging the use of thermography as a complete assessment tool for breast cancer, laying claim that it is a replacement for mammography; it has even been claimed that – thermography is feasible for pre-cancerous irregularities, and can identify breast cancer, long before mammography. The FDA negates that – breast compression during mammography will make the cancer cells spread to neighboring regions in the body.

The FDA is greatly worried about health of women, and feels that these misguiding claims about thermography will make women go for it, than mammography; the food and drug administration has put forward suggestions for women, to have regular mammogram per screening guidelines, and advice by healthcare providers.

Additional diagnostic procedures are being sanctioned by the FDA, per suggestions of care providers, for: breast ultrasound, MRI/biopsy, clinical breast examination, mammographic views etc.

The FDA has directed the companies to stop making false claims about thermography machines, and is continually observing the marketing/promotional activities of thermography equipment manufacturers and medical practitioners.