What does glandular dose measure?

Glandular dose specifically measures the radiation dose absorbed by the radiosensitive glandular tissues of the breast during a mammographic procedure. This measurement is crucial in mammography, as the breast is composed of both glandular and non-glandular (adipose) tissues, but it is the glandular tissue that is most susceptible to radiation exposure and potential damage.

Understanding glandular dose helps in assessing the risk of radiation-induced effects, such as breast cancer, as well as in optimizing techniques to ensure patient safety while maintaining diagnostic efficacy. It provides a more precise evaluation of the potential biological effects of radiation in the breast compared to measuring overall body radiation exposure or focusing on non-sensitive cells. Thus, glandular dose is a critical metric in both the development of mammographic guidelines and the assessment of imaging protocols to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to sensitive tissues in the breast.