Breast Thermography FAQs

 
What is Breast Thermography?
    
Breast Thermography uses an infrared (heat sensing) camera that detects heat variations in the breasts. Because infection, inflammation, active cysts and tumors can cause excess blood in the breast tissue, thermography can find these early warning signs, sometimes called "hot spots" that can indicate a possible unhealthy condition.

Are these "hot spots" cancer?

Absolutely not! While locating these areas can aid in the early detection of breast cancer and inflammatory breast disease, more often these areas indicate unhealthy tissue, infection, stagnant lymphatic flow, cyst activity, inflammation, an injury, scar tissue, or a hormonal imbalance.

What can I do about a "hot spot?"

There are many actions you can take to help clear up these areas. (See our Health Tips page) Once you have tried these methods yourself for a period of time, we recommend that you have a comparison scan to see how your breast health has improved. (98% of patients who commit to these proactive breast health tips experience an improved scan on their next visit!) You may also choose to work with a health care practitioner who specializes in breast health (we have Referrals for patients in Napa, Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino Counties).

Is Breast Thermography safe?

Yes! It is contact-, radiation- and pain-free, and was FDA approved in 1982. It is safe for any woman, pregnant or lactating women, women who have had breast implants or reductions or who have had previous cancer surgeries. It is as easy as having your photo taken.

Is Thermography covered by insurance?

There are some insurance companies who reimburse for the scan. We provide each patient with the necessary paperwork to submit to their insurance, and encourage them to send it in so we can educate them too! We also offer a sliding scale and a payment plan to any women who requests it. We do everything we can to make sure that anyone who desires this scan can receive one.

What does a Thermogram cost?

Depending on the center you visit, breast scans can range from $175-$250. Before choosing a center, make sure that the technicians and the interpretive Thermologist are Board Certified. This will ensure that your scan and written report will be as accurate as possible, and performed by highly trained personnel. 

What does the cost include?

At the Thermography Center of Sonoma County, the cost includes the initial consultation, lab procedure, 2-page written report, 8 breast images in black and white and color, a report guide, our health tips, our local referral list, and on-going support.

What makes your center different from other centers?

We focus on breast wellness and prevention. Our mission is to see patients before there is a serious issue to deal with. This gives us the opportunity to empower them with simple actions they can take immediately, to either improve their breast health, or maintain their breast wellness. We also are completely committed to customer care, and will do everything possible to support our patients throughout their lives.

What can I expect during the actual scan?

Prior to your appointment, we will email you all the necessary paperwork. Most of these forms can be completed prior to your visit, and you will bring all of them with you. Once at our office, we will review the paperwork for accuracy, then you will be asked to acclimate, bare from the waist up, in a cool room for 15 minutes. This allows your skin temperature to cool down, so that your scan will be as accurate as possible. Once the acclimation period has passed, the actual photographs take only a few more minutes. Once the technician has captured all 8 views, you will get dressed, and she will show you areas that the thermologist will inspect on your scan, and explain the temperature ranges that are considered healthy. The entire visit is usually completed within 30 minutes. The written report arrives within 2 weeks of your appointment with us. We will review the report with you over the telephone, then email all documents directly to you.

How can I learn more?

We are happy to answer any questions via email or telephone: you can contact us via e-mail thermography-sc@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 707-655-5880.

We are now serving the following areas...Windsor, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Calistoga, St Helena, Napa, Yountville, Mendocino, Lake County, Ukiah, Novato, Mill Valley, Ross, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Larkspur, Corta Madera, Belvedere, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon, Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, Fresno, Visalia, Lindsay and more!