ABSTRACT
Breast carcinoma is the leading malignancy in American women. Thermography begins with the client disrobing from the waist up and sitting in a cool room with her arms elevated and her hands on the top of her head, or behind her neck, to allow the body temperature to cool. Of the women initially found to be negative for breast cancer, 61% were contacted in the study update. Many factors have been studied for their relationship to breast cancer in an attempt to identify high-risk women, to develop a management program for health care providers, and to provide clues to lifestyle changes that might reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Physical examination seemed to be the most consistent predictor of fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) characteristics. A multidisciplinary approach, respecting the advantages and disadvantages of the different diagnostic techniques, is recommended when evaluating women seeking diagnosis and treatment of breast masses, pain, or other complaints.
