Radiation dose from Digital Mammography in Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

Background and objective: Full-Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) has been steadily replacing analog mammography due to significantly reduce radiation dose. This study aims to investigate the radiation dose to each breast in relation to compressed breast thickness from digital mammography.

Material and Methods: Data from all patients who underwent FFDM in Srinagarind Hospital during January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 were retrospectively collected. From the MLO (mediolateral oblique) and CC (craniocaudal) views, the average dose in the breast thickness at  2-3 cm, 3-4 cm, 4-5 cm, and >5 cm were determined, respectively.  The relationship between dose (d), tube voltage (kVp), and tube current (mAs) were analyzed.

Results: A total of 2,300 patients with mean age of 50.9 years old were included. The average radiation dose measured in each thickness level of the compressed breast were 1.08, 1.37, 1.55, 1.69 mGy, respectively, each of which does not exceed the limit of 3 mGy per film recommended by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Conclusion: The radiation dose in each of the thickness of the compressed breast from FFDM was approximately a half of the ACR recommendation.  The radiation dose is increased by the thickness of the breast.