Thermograms use infrared imaging to detect medical conditions or injuries without radiation. Colors indicate temperature changes, and it can detect breast cancer growth years before a lump forms. It can also be used in research and science.
A thermogram is a type of imaging test. It involves taking infrared images of heat radiating from a person’s body and using the images to detect signs of medical conditions or injuries. Anomalies are detected due to changes in heat production which can be detected via these images. For example, if there are infections or abnormal growths, inflammation will result, causing an abnormal picture to appear.
This type of test differs from other imaging tests, such as X-rays, in that it does not use radiation. This means that a person can have thermograms as often as needed without worrying about risking their health. In addition, medical equipment does not need to touch the body when a thermogram is performed, and the procedure does not cause pain or physical discomfort.
With thermogram images, colors are used to indicate the coldest and warmest areas. Some equipment produces black and white images, with hotter areas displayed as white and cooler areas displayed as black. Other equipment depicts images in different colors. With this type of equipment, black, blue and purple indicate colder areas while red and orange indicate the area has more heat. To denote an intermediate temperature area, green and yellow are used.
Thermograms are often used to take pictures of breast tissue and detect changes that may indicate the development of cancer. When cancer develops in a woman’s body, her body forms new blood vessels in the breast. It also increases heat production in the area. These changes in the breast can develop and appear on a thermogram years before cancer cells develop and a lump begins to form.
Because a thermogram can detect breast changes so early, perhaps even years before cancer cells invade, it provides a way to warn patients of very early cancer growth or future risk. This allows doctors to observe patients closely and treat them very early. Doctors can even take preventative measures to avoid the growth of cancer or stop it from spreading.
Sometimes thermograms are used in conjunction with mammograms. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that is taken of the breast. Together, these imaging procedures can provide earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancer growth. However, they are used in two different ways. A thermogram can be used to note heat changes in the breast, which indicate possible abnormalities. Mammograms, on the other hand, are used to detect a lump that has developed after cancerous cells have been in the body for some time.
In addition to medical uses, such as the detection of cancer, soft tissue injury, and disease affecting blood vessels, there are many applications for thermogram technology in research and science. For example, an energy auditor can use it to evaluate insulation in buildings. Thermogram equipment can also be used to help scientists probe for life on other planets and learn about conditions there.
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