A three dimensional rapid imaging system and method captures multiple thermal and optical images while rotating around a patient, and from different positions and angles, and then overlays the thermal images over the optical images to produce a 3D image having enhanced thermal features. The system provides a rod that follows a circular pathway that encircles a patient. A motor propels the rod along the circular pathway. The infrared image capturing devices and optical image capturing devices are in a spaced-apart relationship along the length of the rod. The image capturing devices can each have different positions and angles along the rod. A first processor controls the angular velocity of the rod while moving along the circular pathway. The first processor also controls the position of each image capturing device. A second processor manipulates the images to overlay the optical images with thermal images; thereby producing enhanced 3D images.