“What is DITI all about?”  by Sharon Keating, BSN, NCMES 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and all thoughts turn to mammograms and the color PINK.  Well, maybe not all thoughts – there are usually some reserved for angst over the dreaded mammogram or the “C” word (cancer).  There is good news, though.  There is now another reliable test that can used for early detection of breast cancer as well as a host of other diseases and injuries.  It is called “DITI”.

What is DITI?  Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging “DITI” is a 15 min. test of physiology that detects subtle physiologic changes that accompany breast pathology.  It can detect cancer, fibrocystic disease, infection and vascular disease.  It is non-invasive, uses no radiation, is painless, there is no contact with the body and it is an FDA approved test.  The test is more sensitive than mammography and can detect potential issues years before they would show up on a mammogram.   

How does DITI detect abnormalities?  The thermal imaging or thermography records heat from the body’s surface.  A fast growing tumor produces its own blood supply, and this can be seen as heat by the thermogram.  The thermogram will look at thermal patterns and symmetry.

What if an abnormality is found?  If any abnormalities are found, they should be clinically correlated by exam, mammography, ultrasound and/or biopsy.  Thermograms of the body the show abnormal findings should be correlated with the appropriate diagnostic test.  The DITI or Thermogram is read by trained physicians at a center and the appropriate suggested follow-up is included in the report.

Are there any risks or side effects of this test?  There are no risks at all.  The procedure is totally non-invasive and the scanner does not emit radiation of any kind.

Why is a 3 month follow-up necessary?  The initial scan is a baseline.  The second scan determines if this is your true thermal reading or if changes have occurred. In women less than 50 years old, a tumor can double in size in less than 3 months.  After age 50, a tumor can double in size in less than 6 months.  Therefore a follow-up is recommended in three months and then yearly thereafter.

What other conditions can this test detect?  It is used as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as monitoring therapy progress, for conditions and injuries, including:

Back Injuries                Breast Disease
Arthritis                        Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Headache                     Disc Disease
Nerve Damage              Inflammatory Pain
Unexplained Pain          Skin Cancer
Fibromyalgia                 Referred Pain Syndrome
RDS (CRPS)                Sprain/Strain
Dental and TMJ            Stroke Screening