Estimating Absorbed Dose to Breast Adipose Tissue from Mammograms

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Breast cancer commonly originates in glandular tissue, but surrounding adipose tissue inflammation may accelerate tumor growth.
• Mammography radiation exposure can potentially inflame breast adipose tissue, with dose-dependent effects.
• Accurate estimation of absorbed dose in adipose tissue is vital for breast cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the absorbed radiation dose to adipose tissue in the breast during mammography.
• To analyze the relationship between mammography parameters and absorbed dose in adipose tissue.
• To highlight the importance of absorbed dose estimation in breast cancer research.

Main Methods:

• A novel semi-elliptical geometrical model of the compressed breast was developed using patient mammogram images.
• The Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code (MCNP6) was employed to simulate radiation transport.
• X-ray spectra, peak tube voltage, compressed breast thickness, and adipose tissue weight fraction were used to estimate absorbed dose.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between the adipose tissue weight fraction and the absorbed dose.
• Mammogram parameters like peak tube voltage and compressed breast thickness also influence the absorbed dose.

Conclusions:

• Estimating absorbed dose to breast adipose tissue during mammography is essential for breast cancer research.
• Patient obesity, indicated by adipose tissue content, is a key factor influencing absorbed dose and potentially breast cancer progression.