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[Radiation exposure in x-ray mammography]
M Säbel1, U Aichinger, R Schulz-Wendtland
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. manfred.saebel@frauen.med.uni-erlangen.de
Rofo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der Rontgenstrahlen Und Der Nuklearmedizin
|March 17, 2001
Summary
X-ray mammography radiation risk is primarily determined by breast dose. Advances in radiographic techniques have significantly reduced average glandular dose (AGD) from 20 mGy to 1 mGy, with digital receptors promising further reductions.
Area of Science:
- Radiological physics
- Medical imaging
- Radiation oncology
Context:
- X-ray mammography involves ionizing radiation exposure.
- Breast tissue, particularly glandular tissue, is considered the most radiosensitive part of the breast.
- Radiation risk assessment in mammography relies on quantifying the absorbed dose to glandular tissue.
Purpose:
- To discuss the importance of radiation dose in X-ray mammography risk assessment.
- To highlight the role of average glandular dose (AGD) as the primary metric for radiation risk.
- To review the historical and current values of AGD and explore potential future reductions.
Summary:
- The average glandular dose (AGD) is crucial for evaluating X-ray mammography radiation risk, as breast exposure accounts for over 98% of the effective dose.
- Historically, AGD was around 20 mGy per exposure; however, technological advancements have reduced this to approximately 1 mGy.
- Digital imaging receptors offer potential for further dose reduction in mammography.
Impact:
- Understanding AGD trends informs radiation protection strategies in mammography.
- Technological improvements have significantly lowered patient radiation exposure, enhancing safety.
- The shift towards digital mammography may lead to even safer breast imaging practices.