Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) of breast lesions: sensitivity and specificity of detection of primary breast cancers

AIM: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) in a series of women who underwent surgical excision or core biopsy of benign and malignant breast lesions presenting through the symptomatic clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DITI was evaluated in 63 symptomatic patients attending a one-stop diagnostic breast clinic. RESULTS: Thermography had 90 true-negative, 16 false-positive, 15 false-negative and 5 true-positive results. The sensitivity was 25%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value 24%, and negative predictive value 86%. CONCLUSION: Despite being non-invasive and painless, because of the low sensitivity for breast cancer, DITI is not indicated for the primary evaluation of symptomatic patients nor should it be used on a routine basis as a screening test for breast cancer. (C) 2011 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.