The value of synthetic MRI in differentiating metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck

Motivation: The presence of metastatic lymph nodes in HNSCC indicates a worse prognosis, biopsy is invasive and has a high incidence of false-negative results. The diagnosis value of synthetic MRI needs to be studied further. Goal(s): To explore the value of the features derived from synthetic MRI in distinguishing between benign and malignant lymph nodes. Approach: This study included lymph nodes of HNSCC which were confirmed by pathology, and utilized multiple methods to select meaningful features. Results: Features derived from synthetic MRI have satisfactory discrimination efficiency. Impact: Synthetic MRI may be able to be used as a method to help assemnet the lymph nodes in clinical practice.