Radiation doses in mammography exams: Effects of oncological treatments

Breast cancer treatments cause breast changes that are detectable in subsequent mammography exams. This work investigates if these perceived as differences composition by automatic exposure systems, and such high enough to have impact exam doses. Data was obtained for 226 patients treated with unilateral conservative surgery followed radiotherapy (S&RT) of the left (114) or right (112) breast, who had mammographic exams direct digital GE units, Senographe DS (SenoDS) Essential (Essential). The relevant data extracted from Digital Imaging Communications Medicine (DICOM) images, Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) calculated using model Dance. Compression force area were 15–30% lower breasts relative untreated, while compressed thickness (CBT), incident air kerma (Ki) MGD 14–17%, 22–28% 10–18% higher, respectively. variation Ki CBT is similar untreated breasts. High values Ki, occur some relatively small areas, probably a result less compressible tissue. Equipment-determined found be Treated imaged slightly higher doses CBT, but dependence on remains unchanged. There no need separate large-scale analysis • Compressed (CBT) after treatment. Variation not affected treatments. Dosimetric can combined analysis.