Radiation dose levels assessment in digital mammography

Mammography is considered the single most important diagnostic tool in the early detection of breast cancer, which is by far the most common cancer among women. There is good evidence from clinical trials, that mammographic screening can reduce cancer mortality by 30%. As for all X-ray examinations, and of special importance when investigating large populations of asymptomatic women, the relationship between radiation risk and diagnostic accuracy in mammography must be optimized. The primary objective of this study is to identify and investigate the factors affecting the dose in mammography. The second objective is the assessment of mean glandular dose (MGD) in mammography using two main methods which are the use of a standard breast phantom and patient-based measurements. Standard breast phantom measurement is used to define the mean glandular dose (MGD) limits and is well suited for quality control assessment to ensure that the unit is capable of achieving acceptable doses. The authors discussed the effect of variation of kVp, mAs, and compressed thickness on mean glandular dose (MGD) for digital mammography. Patient measurements of mean glandular dose (MGD) resulting from Craniocaudal (CC) and Mediolateral oblique (MLO) views in one breast and the total dose per woman, were conducted during 2 months to estimate the MGD for women undergoing mammography. The clinical data were collected from 48 mammograms taken from 12 women who were referred to the CMU (Centre Médicale Universitaire-Hadath), and compared with international guidelines.