Differentiation of early-stage endometrial carcinoma from benign endometrial lesions: A comparative study of six diffusion models

Motivation: Accurately differentiating benign and malignant endometrial lesions is essential given the implications for management and prognosis. Goal(s): Accurately differentiating benign and malignant endometrial lesions is essential given the implications for management and prognosis. Approach: Clinical indicators and 14 diffusion parameters derived from monoexponential diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), intra-voxel incoherent motion (IVIM), stretched exponential model (SEM), continuous-time random walk (CTRW), and fractional order calculus (FROC) models were calculated and assessed. Results: MK, D, and αCTRW could be independent predictors of early EC, and their performance could be improved by combining them with the menopause parameter. Impact: Together, diffusion parameters and the combined model could become a new and non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for differentiating benign and malignant endometrial lesions.