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Published on: August 30, 2013
Dose comparison between screen/film and full-field digital mammography
Gisella Gennaro1, Cosimo di Maggio
1Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, Padua University, via Gattamelata 64, 35128, Padua, Italy. gisella.gennaro@pd.infn.it
European Radiology
|May 31, 2006
Summary
Full-field digital mammography (FFDM) significantly reduces radiation dose compared to screen/film mammography. FFDM offers dose savings across all breast thicknesses, particularly for intermediate sizes, enhancing patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiation Dosimetry
Background:
- Mammography is a crucial tool for breast cancer screening.
- Screen/film mammography has been the standard, but digital alternatives are emerging.
- Understanding radiation dose differences is vital for patient safety and technology adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare radiation doses between full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and screen/film mammography (SFM).
- To quantify dose reduction achieved by FFDM across various breast thicknesses.
Main Methods:
- Collected exposure parameters and breast thickness for 300 SFM and 296 FFDM examinations.
- Calculated Entrance Surface Air Kerma (ESAK) using simulated X-ray spectra.
- Computed Average Glandular Dose (AGD) for both mammography types.
Main Results:
- FFDM demonstrated an overall 27% reduction in Average Glandular Dose (AGD) compared to SFM.
- Dose savings were approximately 15% for thin and thick breasts.
- Intermediate breast thicknesses showed dose reductions between 30% and 40% with FFDM.
Conclusions:
- FFDM offers significant radiation dose reduction benefits over SFM.
- Wider dynamic range, higher detector efficiency, and separated acquisition/display processes contribute to FFDM's dose efficiency.
- These findings support the adoption of FFDM for improved patient safety in mammography.
