FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MDITI useful in screening for breast cancer?
Each woman has her own unique thermal pattern that is accurate and constant throughout her lifetime. Any changes to her normal "thermal fingerprint" caused by early abnormal cell changes will become increasingly apparent. Only MDITI can accurately monitor these subtle changes over periods of time making MDITI the most efficient means of identifying subjects who require further investigation.
Is MDITI different from a mammogram or ultrasound?
Yes. Unlike mammography and ultrasound, MDITI is a test of physiological function. It detects and records infrared heat radiating from the surface of the body. It can help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiological function or abnormal cell growth and the establishment of risk factors for development or existence of cancer, before the cancer is established as a tumor or a mass.
Mammography and ultrasound are tests of anatomy. They look at structure. When a tumor has grown to a size that is large and dense enough to block an x-ray beam (mammography) or sound wave (ultrasound), it produces an image that can be detected by a trained radiologist.
Is MDITI a replacement for mammograms or ultrasounds?
No. We believe MDITI should be viewed as a complementary, not competitive, tool to mammography and ultrasound. MDITI has the ability to identify patients at the highest level of risk and actually increase the effective usage of mammograms and ultrasounds. Research confirms that MDITI, when used with mammography, can improve the sensitivity of breast cancer detection.
While some women make a personal choice to use thermal imaging instead of mammography for breast screening, other women who cannot use mammography for a number of reasons can use thermography instead of mammography. Most women use thermal imaging in addition to mammography and/or ultrasound. The ultimate choice should be made on an individual basis with regard to clinical history, personal circumstances and medical advice.
Is there any harmful radiation, contact or painful compression in MDITI?
Absolutely NONE. Instead of emitting any energy, MDITI senses and captures infrared heat emitted by the body and records these as images so there are no harmful radiations, no contact with the body nor any painful breast compression.
Is a positive MDITI study a diagnosis of malignancy?
NO. As an objective means of evaluation, positive MDITI studies point to a level of risk for malignant disease and suggests, albeit strongly, an indication for further and more comprehensive evaluation. Neither can mammography nor ultrasound diagnose malignancy. Technically, diagnosis of malignant disease is not possible until a biopsy is performed.
Who should have MDITI?
MDITI™ is ideal if you:
- have dense breasts: The image is clear with MDITI™.
- have small breasts: The image is complete with any breast size you have as MDITI™does not use any compression plates.
- have implants: There is no risk of rupture because there is no compression. There is no risk of rupture and risk of implants leaking out.
- have fibrocystic breasts: There is no painful compression. MDITI™ offers better reading and fewer false positives.
- have undergone lumpectomy or mastectomies: The image is not obscured by scar tissue with MDITI™.
- are pregnant or nursing: There is ZERO radiation with MDITI™.
What other specific use does MDITI have in breast oncology?
- Clinical studies demonstrated strong correlation between positive MDITI results and aggressiveness of malignant tumors.
- MDITI can select the best sentinel lymph node in determining metastasis.
- MDITI is very useful in monitoring post-surgical patients following a baseline study.
- MDITI has applications in evaluating needs for and effectiveness of, anti-angiogenic therapies.
- MDITI regularly provides specific indications of malignant breast disease 8-10 years before specific features are detected by mammography.
For in-depth reading on MDITI, refer to: THE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING HANDBOOK, 3RD EDITION MEDICAL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS Chapter 25