March 8, 2021

Thermography vs. Mammography: What Are the Differences and Is One Better Than the Other?

Get the short answer from a diagnostic radiology specialist

woman getting a mammogram

Q: When it comes to thermography and mammography, what are the major differences? Should I choose one over the other?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

A: According to the FDA, “Thermography is a noninvasive tool that uses an infrared camera to produce images (thermograms) that show the patterns of heat and blood flow on or near the surface of the body. Thermography devices, also known as digital infrared imaging devices, have been cleared for marketing by the FDA only for use with another screening or diagnostic test like mammography, not for use as a standalone diagnostic tool.”

With breast thermography, an infrared image captures temperature data from your breast. The thought behind this method is that breast cancers have increased metabolic activity and angiogenesis. So areas with cancer will reflect higher temperatures than normal parts of the breast.

Mammography is a specially designed X-ray technique that provides high-definition views of the breast tissue in order to screen for breast cancer. Screening mammography has been well validated by numerous randomized controlled clinical trials and is the only method (in comparison to breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs, etc.) shown to decrease breast cancer-related deaths.

Advertisement

The FDA has also stated that “thermography is not an effective alternative to mammography and should not be used in place of mammography for breast cancer screening or diagnosis.” In addition, “there is no valid scientific data to demonstrate that thermography devices, when used on their own or with another diagnostic test, are an effective screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer.”

Also, The Society of Breast Imaging has stated that it does not currently support the use of thermography as a screening tool in the detection of breast cancer or as an adjunctive diagnostic tool.

Mammography is very well tolerated by the majority of patients. There are a few circumstances where someone might not be able to undergo screening mammography. Some examples of this are if a patient is very sick, has limited mobility or is pregnant. In these special cases, other testing alternatives may be appropriate and would be determined by the patient’s doctors.

Advertisement

Breast imaging specialists in general support the argument that thermography should never be a replacement for mammography, regardless of the patient’s underlying medical condition. Additional studies in the future are needed to determine whether there is any evidence that thermography in combination with mammography would be useful for breast cancer screening.

Diagnostic Radiology Specialist Laura Dean, MD

Related Articles

A vaccine syringe in front of a passport for international travel.
December 5, 2023
Which Vaccines Are Required To Travel?

Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels

Person overheated lying on chair on the beach; heart rythym next to him
December 5, 2023
How the Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder

nocovaine needle entering mouth with dental mirror
December 4, 2023
How Long Does Novocaine Last?

The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours

bearded man sitting crosslegged holding clock in one hand, calendar in other
December 4, 2023
Are Bare Minimum Mondays Good for Your Mental Health?

Rethinking your Mondays might make the ‘Sunday scaries’ a thing of the past

A sad couple standing on each side of a large broken heart
December 4, 2023
Yes, You Can Die From a Broken Heart — But No, It’s Not Likely at All

The emotional toll of loss and other strong emotions can have life-threatening physical effects

Closeup of shingles virus presenting on shoulder of person
December 4, 2023
Is the Shingles Vaccine Worthwhile?

It’s 97% effective in preventing shingles in people between the ages of 50 and 69

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad