Effective radiation attenuation calibration for breast density: compression thickness influences and correction

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Accurate mammogram calibration is crucial for breast cancer risk analysis.
• Standardized breast density measurements depend on precise compressed breast thickness.
• Inaccuracies in thickness measurements lead to significant calibration errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a thickness correction method for mammogram calibration.
• To improve the accuracy of spatial measures of compressed breast thickness.
• To reduce errors in mammogram calibration for breast cancer risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• A two-component surrogate breast model using water and oil phantoms was employed.
• A calibration approach based on effective radiation attenuation coefficients was utilized.
• The developed thickness correction was evaluated for its effectiveness and reproducibility.

Main Results:

• Thickness uncertainty due to compression paddle warp was quantified at 0.5 mm.
• The thickness correction reduced relative calibration error from 48-68% to 7%.
• The normalized effective radiation attenuation coefficient (planar) showed reproducibility under thickness variations.

Conclusions:

• The thickness correction enhances the accuracy of mammogram calibration.
• This method improves breast cancer risk assessment by providing reliable calibration.
• The reproducible planar calibration measure is suitable for clinical application.