ICIM Medics Breast Assessment

ICIM Medics has created the ICIM Breast Assessment to help with the national programme for early detection of breast cancer for the under 50’s. The ICIM Breast Assessment is based on five key factors that together can be a reliable source for further investigation.

The assessment starts with a relevant questionnaire based on risk factors for breast cancer. After completion of the questionnaire, a computerized thermographic image (CTI) is applied to determine physiological changes in the breasts. The CTI scan functions on the principle of heat generation where the first biological factors before a tumour can be observed.

Pathological blood vessel growth is found in tissues with elevated metabolic demands or reduced blood flow as a means to increase the capacity of the micro-vasculature. In the case of cancer, an increased metabolic load and reduced oxygen provision to the tumour core can be seen to be the primary trigger for angiogenesis.

This increased metabolic load and hypervascularization increases the temperature of the area where CTI can detect. The area detected as suspicious is physically examined. A clinical breast examination (CBE) is then carried out on the specific location to determine if the anisothermic spot is caused by micro-vascularization or is in the solid stage.

A solid stage anisothermic (difference in temperature) spot is then observed using ultrasonography. An ultrasound can with more precision focus on the area observed in the CTI and CBE saving time and exposure to sonography. With positive risk results from the questionnaire, CTI, CBE and Ultrasound, a tumour marker blood test can be performed.

Because not one system was ever efficient enough for early detection of breast cancer, a combination of sophisticated and cost effective methods can be the stepping stones for a more accurate and complete breast screening programme. The urgency for referrals will depend on the combination and the weight given to each procedure during the ICIM Breast Assessment.

Majority of cases referred to specialised breast units are mastalgia (pain in the breast) and fibrocystic changes (nodules formations) as the current medical approach is based on ‘suspected’ cases. The ICIM Breast Assessment can reduce the cancer case load and provide the specialised work force with enough information to alleviate unnecessary referrals and establish a point of care research system.

Ireland needs to address breast cancer control at all levels with the assistance of all methods and technology. The ICIM Breast Assessment can provide strategic preventative programmes that aim to combat breast cancer and reduce government expenditure.

Contact +353 (0)45 844 819 to make your appointment or e-mail: info@icim.ie