DITI (digital infrared thermal imaging or thermography) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that allows the examiner to visualize and quantify changes in skin surface temperature.  An infrared scanning device is used to convert infrared radiation emitted from the skin surface into electrical impulses that are visualized in color on a monitor.  This visual image graphically maps the body temperature and is referred to as a thermogram.

Breast thermography

DITI's role in breast cancer and other breast disorders is to help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology and the establishment of risk factors for the development or existence of cancer. When used with other procedures, the best possible evaluation of breast health is made. This 15 minute non-invasive test is a valuable procedure for alerting you and your doctorto the possibility of underlying breast disease. This test is designed to improve chances for detecting fast-growing, active tumors in the intervals between mammographic screenings or when mammography is not indicated by screening guidelines for women less than 50 years of age. All patients’ thermograms (breast images) are kept on record and form a baseline for all future routine evaluations. DITI is especially appropriate for younger women between 30 and 50 whose denser breast tissue makes it more difficult for mammography to pick up suspicious lesions. This test can provide a 'clinical marker' to the doctor or mammographer that a specific area of the breast needs particularly close examination.

The faster a malignant tumor grows, the more infrared radiation it generates. For younger women in particular, results from DITI screening can lead to earlier detection and ultimately, longer life.

Pain thermography

There are two different types of patterns a thermographer looks for in a thermogram. Pain in the body shows up as Hyperthermia (hot spots: red and white) or Hypothermia (cold spots: blue, purple, and black) indicating to the client and/or practitioner a vascular or nerve problem within the body. The spectrum of colors indicates an increase or decrease in the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from the body surface.

Since there is a high degree of thermal symmetry in the normal body, subtle abnormal temperature asymmetry's can be easily identified. Used as a preventative tool, DITI can be a wonderful resource for vascular problems and carotid arteries. TMJ, infected root canals, and gum disease can also be indicated by thermography.

As well as pinpointing the source of pain, DITI can also monitor the healing process before the patient is returned to work or training.

Preventive thermography

Inflammation is a precursor to many diseases such as cancer, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure. Heat patterns indicate inflammation, which is precursor to disease in the body and directly correlates with other diagnostic tests. Earlier detection of inflammation is critical- you can prevent or intervene in the development process before it turns into disease.

Inflammation can also be reduced by dietary changes, supplements, detoxification, stress-reduction, massage and acupuncture. Measuring inflammation through thermal imaging on a consistent basis can also be very effective at detecting the severity.
The earliest detection and prevention are the most important factors.