Final answer:
The dose calculation in breast imaging is based on the dose absorbed by the glandular tissue of the breast, measured in grays (Gy).
Step-by-step explanation:
In breast imaging, the dose calculation is based primarily on the dose absorbed by the glandular tissue of the breast. This measurement is critical because glandular tissue is more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation. The unit used to measure the absorbed dose is the gray (Gy), with 1 Gy equivalent to 1 joule per kilogram (1 J/kg) or 100 rads. It is important to specify the region being irradiated and provide a precise numerical dose in units such as rads or grays. Modern dosimetry practices aim to minimize exposure to non-targeted tissue, thus, any unaffected tissue would ideally receive a zero rad dose.