Classification of Breast Edema on T2-weighted imaging for predicting sentinel lymph node metastasis and biological behavior in breast cancer

Motivation: Predicting sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis and biological behavior in patients with early-stage breast cancer is important. Goal(s): To determine whether preoperative classification of breast edema can predict SLN metastasis and biological behavior in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Approach: Breast edema was scored on a scale of 1 to 4 on T2WI to explore additional predictive value of the breast edema score (BES) model. Results: The combined BES model significantly improved the predictive performance of SLN metastasis. Impact: Breast edema on T2-weighted imaging can be used to predict SLN metastasis in breast cancer, helping clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans and evaluate prognosis.