RTM Breast Screening

 This is a completely safe and non-invasive method of breast screening known as Radio-Thermometry Mammography, detecting heat changes within the breast and other soft tissue. Some patterns of heat distribution may indicate the development of a malignant tumour.

Radio-thermometry, for breast screening, has been developed in Russia where it is used in a number of hospitals and oncology centres. Extensive trials have been carried out in Russia and it is now frequently used in order to determine those women who should take priority for mammography. The method has also undergone preliminary trials in the USA in a leading hospital. The trial results were found to be very encouraging and the method, when used together with mammography, was estimated to be more accurate than mammography or ultra-sound alone.

This method detects increased cellular activity, often associated with inflammation or the abnormal cell division found in many cancers. Each cell gives off low radiation, in the microwave frequency band, this is what is measured with the RTM instrument. This means that not only can the first signs of abnormality be picked up but these processes can be safely monitored, to see what is developing.

The procedure is painless and completely safe. A probe is placed at various positions on the breast and a micro-wave temperature reading is taken from 5-7cm deep within the tissue, followed by infra-red thermometry, which measures the surface temperature. The data is then analysed by computer and a graphical printout obtained.

If any thermal abnormality is detected the patient will be informed and advised to contact her G.P. Please note that not all abnormalities indicate cancer. It will be the task of the GP to advise any further action.

I will advise the patient if an abnormal reading is detected, only an oncologist is able to diagnose cancer and the final evidence relies on biopsy examination. Radio-thermometry is offered as a preliminary screening service only.

The investigation needs to be within the first 5-10 days of your menstrual cycle, or anytime if you have gone through the menopause.

It is : -

• Completely harmless because no radiation is being put into your body. We simply measure the heat patterns from within the breast.

• Appropriate for women (or men) of any age from puberty onwards. Pre-menopausal needs to be from day 6 to 10 of the menstrual cycle.

• Pain free. In order for the screening to take place you just relax on a couch for about 45 minutes.

• Instant results with on screen images and a printout that illustrates your findings

• Capable of being used for early detection of problems and as a means of monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment required

The equipment used has passed European safety standards and British Hospital safety standards. Because the system is new to Europe it has not yet undergone formal hospital trials in the UK.

Breast Cancer Awareness...