Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) Assessment of Patients Submitted for Mammography Examinations in Some Selected Radiological Facilities in Jos, Plateau State.

Abstract

Background: Mammography is the most effective imaging modality for early detection of breast cancer, but it involves ionizing radiation exposure to radiosensitive breast tissue. The mean glandular dose (MGD) is the most appropriate metric for assessing radiation risk in mammography.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate patient-specific MGD values from craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views in selected radiological facilities in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria, and compare them with international safety standards.
Methods: Twenty female patients underwent mammography examinations in two facilities (M1 and M2). Compressed breast thickness (CBT), exposure parameters, and incident air kerma were recorded. MGD was calculated using the Dance model with appropriate conversion coefficients.
Results: At M1, CBT ranged from 21.0-44.2 mm (mean 29.7 mm) with a mean MGD of 1.14 mGy. At M2, CBT ranged from 21.2-43.4 mm (mean 32.5 mm) with a mean MGD of 1.09 mGy. Both values were below the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reference level of 1.5 mGy for a 32 mm breast thickness.
Conclusion: The evaluated facilities operate within international safety standards, with patient doses comparable to global benchmarks. This study provides the first patient-based MGD assessment in Jos Plateau State and highlights the importance of continuous dose monitoring to optimize mammography practice in Nigeria.