A radiation dose survey has been undertaken involving 256 patients to investigate the dosimetric impact of breast tomosynthesis screening by employing different breast densities estimated by the Dance model, 50-50 breast model, and patient-specific density software: Volpara. Mean glandular dose (MGD) based on the Dance model provided the most realistic dose estimate with an average difference of -3.3 ± 4.8% from the patient-specific estimation. Average differences of -8.2 ± 6.5% and -7.3 ± 4.7% were observed for the 50-50 breast model and console MGD, respectively. We conclude that the Dance model should be used for dose calculations in radiation dose surveys and establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRL).
Keywords: breast density; breast tomosynthesis; radiation dose.
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