Analysis of Half-Value Layer and Average Glandular Dose for Mammography Using Gate

Absract Background: Screening mammography is an unavoidable method for detecting breast cancer. It is therefore imperative to ensure a quality examination. To optimize practices, it is necessary to control the relationship between the dose to the breast and the image quality, this can be achieved by the Average Glandular Dose (AGD). The objective of this study is to calculate the average absorbed breast dose during a mammography examination by MONTE CARLO simulation using the GATE code (GEANT4). Methods: In this study, we performed our modulation on a digital mammography screening machine. The validation of the modelled simulation configuration was obtained by comparing the modulated spectra with the spectra produced by IPEM SRS 78, and by calculating the HVL values in Al. Finally, the values of the average absorbed dose were studied using the Monte Carlo code GATE, the results were compared with the experimental measurements using a semiconductor detector (Radcal AGMS -DM+) and a MTM100 phantom. Result: Our calculated results for the average glandular dose were consistent with the results of the experimental measurement and the energy spectra produced by GATE were in good agreement with that produced by IPEM Report 78. Conclusion: It can be assumed that the dose received in Mammography is highly dependent on the energy spectrum of the beam. Our modeling for screening mammography using GATE can be applied to further dosimetric studies of the mammography radiation exposure to the breast.