Dose and risk evaluation in thoracic radiology using male and female voxel phantoms

Abstract

Thoracic radiology is of great concern because of its routine nature. It is important to avoid conditions where the amount of radiation used is more than that needed for the procedure. The purpose of this work is to use the Monte Carlo code MCNPX and the Female Adult voxel (FAX) and Male Adult voxel (MAX) phantoms to investigate how the effective doses, absorbed doses to organs and risk of cancer incidence vary for routine thoracic examinations. The risks attributable to thoracic radiological exams were estimated using the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiations (BEIR) VII Committee Report. The results obtained suggest that different precautionary measures should be taken depending on the chosen geometric projection, and that the application of higher voltages to the X-ray tube appeared as an alternative to reduce the doses and the risk of cancer incidence.