Significance of Shear Wave Elastography and B-Mode Ultrasound in Assessing Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients with Breast Cancer

<p>Abstract<br>Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of including shear wave elastography (SWE) testing alongside B-Mode<br>ultrasonography (US) in identifying morphologic abnormalities in individuals diagnosed with breast cancer involving axillary lymph nodes (ALNs).<br>Methods: Fifty-seven patients with breast cancer whose ALN spread was investigated were included in this study. Lymph nodes were evaluated using B-Mode<br>US to determine cortical thickness, absence of fatty hilum, presence of a non-hilar blood supply, and a long axis to short axis ratio greater than two. The same<br>patients were evaluated using SWE. Following the assessment of SWE, a core biopsy of the lymph nodes was performed using US guidance.<br>Results: A biopsy was performed in 57 patients. A total of 45 patients exhibited lymph node metastases, whereas the remaining 12 patients exhibited reactive<br>lymph node hyperplasia. The Emax of the cortex exhibited a higher degree of specificity than the cortical thickness (81.8% vs. 72.7%). The specificity was found<br>to be equal (90.9%) between the combination of Emax of the cortex and cortical thickness, as well as between at least two B-Mode US characteristics.<br>Conclusion: In conclusion, SWE is valuable for distinguishing between metastases and reactive hyperplasia in individuals exhibiting suspicious features on<br>B-Mode US of ALNs.<br>Keywords: Shear wave elastography, SWE, elastography, sonography, breast cancer, axillary lymph nodes</p>