Dynamic Infrared Thermography in Breast Cancer Diagnostics. A Diagnostic Accuracy Study Comparing Dynamic Infrared Thermography Against Mammography (Reference Standard)

This study evaluate diagnostic accuracy of dynamic infrared thermography compared to mammography (reference test) in breast cancer diagnostics.

Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) is an imagine procedure offering a non-invasive, painless examination without risk of radiation. Dynamic infrared thermography does not provide information on the morphological characteristics of the breast, rather it provides functional information on thermal and vascular conditions of the tissue (Fitzgerald, 2012).

During the study period from April 2009 until June 2012, a total of 168 women aged 50-70 years who were recalled for assessment after positive mammography screening were offered dynamic infrared thermography before further tests (clinical mammography, clinical examination and if necessary breast tissue biopsy).

Radiographers at the Breast Diagnostic Center (BDS) at University Hospital North Norway collected information about parity, menopausal status, use of hormone therapy and size of bra.

The same radiographers also carried out all the dynamic infrared thermography examinations. PI Åshild O. Miland and Professor James B. Mercer interpreted the thermograms and entered the data into the thermography database. Both were blinded for further assessments (mammography, clinical examination and biopsy) and non of them talked to any of the participants after the examination.