Thermogram??

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floridian
floridian Member Posts: 128

Has anyone had a thermogram and did it show anything? Just wondering because I still have an undiagnosed lump that has taken over my right breast. Mammograms normal. Ultrasounds can't see it. Nothing on MRI. There's definitely a giant lump. My right breast defies gravity - it is all sucked up into the upper outer quadrant. Can't be normal. When I raise my arm you see a giant lump with a big dent underneath. I was thinking about having a thermogram. Never know... 

Comments

  • Kimber
    Kimber Member Posts: 384
    edited June 2010

    floridian,  I had one BEFORE I had an MRI, sonogram and subsequent biopsies.  It didn't show anything.  In my opinion I would skip it and find a surgeon who will do a biopsy.

  • Kimber
    Kimber Member Posts: 384
    edited June 2010

    For your peace of mind.

  • KorynH
    KorynH Member Posts: 301
    edited August 2010

    I had a thermogram last month. It showed two suspicious sites in my "healthy", remaining breast.  Needless to say I am concerned and will see my oncologist tomorrow. I will ask for an U/S.  MRI last Nov. was neg. and mammo this May showed tissue too dense to make a call. It can be a useful tool but without any supporting evidence from traditional imaging, I wonder how or if they would biopsy it.

  • IronJawedBCAngel
    IronJawedBCAngel Member Posts: 470
    edited August 2010

    Not a believer in the thermograms, but if you have a lump that can be felt, but not seen on diagnostics, you can have an excisional biopsy.  I had one the year after I was diagnosed, fortunately it was benign scar tissue from my radiation.  There are all kinds of benign reasons for lumps, but if you are concerned, ask for an excisional biopsy.  I was back at work the following day.

  • CrunchyPoodleMama
    CrunchyPoodleMama Member Posts: 1,220
    edited August 2010

    Thermography showed in blazing full color not only my DCIS but rampant fibrocystic disease... I'm definitely a believer in it, but frankly, with a palpable unmovable lump that I would do exactly what JennSmith suggested... go straight to excisional biopsy, do not pass "go," do not collect $200. I'd want that thing out of me ASAP (and the WHOLE thing, not just punched-out pieces as with a core biopsy).

    One thing I've learned about thermography is that, similar to mammograms, it's most effective if you get a baseline one done early on, then have them done routinely to keep an eye on any changes. And, if your breasts are both very red/orange on the thermogram, you probably have quite a bit of fibrocystic disease and should 1) stop consuming caffeine and 2) start taking iodine (unless you're hyperthyroid) to clear that up so that the thermogram can see distinctly any areas of concern.

  • KellyP
    KellyP Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010

    I had a Thermogram on a palbable mass.    The technician advised me everything suggested it was benign.   I took the report with me to the surgical oncologist who strongly encouraged a biopsy.   The thermogram was wrong.   5 biopsy cores confirmed it was malignant.   The surgical oncologist indicated thermograms tend to give false negatives and false positives if that makes sense.

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