A novel qualitative pattern of shear wave elastography for differentiating suspicious metastatic axillary lymph nodes on B-mode ultrasound: a multi-center retrospective study
Abstract
Background: Accurate preoperative assessment of axillary lymph node (ALN) status is crucial for breast cancer staging and subsequent clinical decision-making. Consequently, identifying a reliable noninvasive method for evaluating ALN status before surgery remains a key clinical priority. This study aimed to evaluate the value of the new proposed qualitative shear wave elastography (SWE) patterns in the differentiation of suspicious ALNs observed on B-mode ultrasound (BMUS). Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was performed on patients with breast cancer with suspicious axillary nodes on BMUS from May 2022 to June 2025. BMUS characteristics [cortical thickness, absence of fatty hilum, and longitudinal-to-transverse ratio (L/T)
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ultrasound Imaging and Elastography
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
MRI in cancer diagnosis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 242–242
- Publication date
- 13 February 2026
- Language
- EN