Ultrasound

Greenpoint Thermography offers breast, thyroid, and carotid artery ultrasound. Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive, and effective imaging modality with no exposure to ionizing radiation and no known side effects. It is primarily a study of anatomy and therefore nicely complements thermography which looks primarily at physiology. As is the case with all Greenpoint thermograms, every ultrasound study is interpreted by a board certified radiologist.

Breast Ultrasound

Previously used exclusively for diagnostic purposes in women with breast pain, a lump, or abnormal finding on other imaging, ultrasound is fast becoming a popular supplemental breast screening tool because of the decreased effectiveness of mammography in women with dense breast tissue. Like thermography, ultrasound is completely unaffected by breast density which means cancers cannot “hide” in dense tissue. Breast compression is not needed.

While Greenpoint Thermography does not recommend screening breast ultrasound without an accompanying mammogram, we do recognize the ongoing controversy over mammography and understand that many women simply choose not to have routine annual screening mammograms. For those women who choose thermographic screening, breast ultrasound is an excellent adjunct as it provides detailed anatomic information missing in thermography.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the thyroid is typically used to analyze and follow up lumps arising in the thyroid or adjacent structures. It is also useful in further evaluating thermal abnormalities attributed to the thyroid by looking at thyroid anatomy.

Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

Carotid Doppler ultrasound looks for blocked or narrowed carotid arteries which can increase the risk of stroke. In addition to looking at carotid artery anatomy, carotid Doppler ultrasound also has a dynamic component which looks at the blood flow through vessels. Abnormal thermal patterns overlying the carotid arteries can be further evaluated with ultrasound. Other common indications for carotid Doppler ultrasound include transient ischemic attacks, pulsatile neck masses, or general screening for disease. In the end the aim is to identify carotid artery disease and assess its severity so that appropriate management decisions (surgery vs. medical management) can be made.