Characterisation of breast skin temperature rhythms of women in relation to menstrual status
Phillips, M.J.; Wilson, D.W.; Simpson, H.W.; Fahmy, D.R.; Groom, G.V.; Phillips, M.E.; Pierrepoint, C.G.; Blamey, R.W.; Halberg, F.; Griffiths, K.
Acta Endocrinologica 96(3): 350-360
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5598 PMID: 7211096 Document Number: 172804
Circadian breast skin temperature rhythms were characterized throughout the menstrual cycle, for various locations on the left breast of ambulatory women. All subjects exhibited highly significant circadian rhythms (P < 0.001). Changes in rhythm parameters, such as the mesor, amplitude and acrophase, were observed during the menstrual cycle. No consistent trend in these rhythm parameters was observed between subjects in relation to menstrual cycle stage. Experimental and statistical techniques used to characterize circadian rhythms in pre-menopausal women were applied to a post-menopausal woman with primary breast cancer. Comparison of rhythm parameters associated with the tumor area and corresponding site on the contralateral breast showed abnormal thermal characteristics such as elevated mesor values, decreased amplitude as well as changes in the timing of the acrophase. These properties may be exploited for the early detection of breast cancer. The project also involved the design and testing of an ambulatory device, known as the chronobra, for the measurement of breast skin temperature. The performance of the chronobra was in close agreement with reliable, conventional equipment. The chronobra now allows studies of breast skin temperature rhythms associated with breast disease to be extended.