A method of and apparatus for detecting diseased tissue based upon
infrared imaging in two different bands of infrared wavelengths is
described. The use of two series of infrared images taken in two
different bands of infrared wavelengths increases sensitivity to the
subtle temperature changes caused by diseased skin and tissue, especially
in the case of cancerous tissue. By sensing skin temperature, the
homogeneity thereof, the time variations thereof and the correlation
between the two series of infrared images, the present invention
decreases the rate of false positives and false negatives. The increased
discrimination due to two series of infrared images allows for reliable
detection of diseased or cancerous tissue even in the presence of skin
tone variations such as birthmarks, tattoos and freckles. The present
invention finds special application in the field of breast cancer
detection where subtle skin temperature variations may readily be sensed
using two series of infrared images.