Breast Cancer and Body Temperature

Journal/Book: Reprinted from THE CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL 88 68-70 January 12 1963. 1963;

Abstract: R. N. LAWSON M.D. F.R.C.S.[C] and M. S. CHUGHTAI M.B. B.S. Montreal From the Department of Surgery Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill University Montreal. This investigation was supported by Research Grant R-30 from the National Cancer Institute of Canada and by private donations from M. Fortier and L. Decoteau. ABSTRA

Keyword(s): There is frequently a material difference in the metabolic liberation of heat energy between normal and cancer cells. This cannot be accounted for an the basis of an increased circulation. The increased heat in the tumour and surrounding host area as compared to normal tissue can be detected by the aid of modern heat-recording apparatus. New practical temperature-recording techniques the results of their use and the implications are described. SUMMARY Body heat is produced by metabolic exchange at the cellular level; thus an increased metabolic rate is reflected locally by increased heat. Temperature fluctuations can easily be assessed in situ by thermisters. Heat radiation from the surface can be visualized by scanners. The influence of agents that affect local metabolic rates can be objectively measured by these new techniques. Temperature recording is certainly the most valuable of any biological measurement and a thorough knowledge of temperature and its regulation is akin to the Oslerian dictum pertaining to syphilis. ___MH

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