Thermography and Other Non-Invasive Breast Tests: Do They Work?
Many women hope for a painless, radiation-free test that can replace the mammogram. Here is what the evidence says.
Many women hope for a painless, radiation-free test that can replace the mammogram. Here is what the evidence says.
Thermography
This test records heat patterns on the skin, on the theory that tumours run warmer. The US FDA has warned that thermography is not an alternative to mammography and must not be used alone to screen or diagnose breast cancer. It can miss early cancers, and devices are cleared only as an add-on. Radiologists' societies also see no proven role, and claims that it finds cancer "years earlier" have no evidence behind them.
AI-assisted thermal imaging
The best-known Indian option is Thermalytix by Niramai, a Bengaluru company, which uses artificial intelligence to analyse thermal images. It holds the European CE mark and, according to the company, Indian approval, and is offered at over 150 locations. The company states it has not applied for US FDA clearance for it. Most reported validation comes from the company and its partners; large independent screening trials are still awaited. It can be a reasonable add-on where mammography is out of reach, but not a replacement.
Better-established advances
3D mammography, contrast-enhanced mammography, ultrasound with elastography, abbreviated MRI, and AI software that helps radiologists read mammograms all have stronger evidence behind them.
Blood biomarkers
CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 cannot diagnose or screen for breast cancer; they are used only to follow known advanced disease. Multi-cancer early-detection blood tests and circulating tumour DNA are under study, but none has been proven to replace mammography.
Which company is best?
No brand deserves that label. Quality depends on the imaging centre, the radiologist and accreditation, not on a logo. Choose NABL- or NABH-accredited centres, ask what exactly the test has been validated for, and be wary of any clinic that offers thermography "instead of" mammography or hands out a "cancer-free" certificate.
The takeaway
New technologies are welcome as additions, not substitutes. Keep your clinical examination, mammography and ultrasound on schedule. Dr. Sujata Mittal, Senior Gynaecologic Oncologist, Famicare Speciality Centre, Rohini, New Delhi
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