The Role of Shear Wave Elastography In Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Tumours

Abstract

To obtain more information about the characteristics and stiffness of soft tissue tumors using shear wave elastography (SWE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study involved 83 patients diagnosed with a soft tissue mass who underwent surgical excision. These patients were evaluated with MRI and then ultrasonographically and SWE values were measured. The values obtained were compared with the pathology results of the patients following surgical excision. Correlations between SWE and tumour size, grade, and content components were investigated.A total of 52 benign and 31 malignant soft tissue tumors were diagnosed pathologically. The SWE values measured were significantly higher in the malignant and high grade tumors (pswe=11.2) compared with the benign tumors (pswe=3.07) (p<0.001). A significant correlation was determined between the SWE values and the fibrotic component in the content of the excised tumour (Spearman correlation: r=0.571; p<0.001). High SWE values were obtained, close to malignant values in desmoid tumors and those with a dense fibrotic component, despite being benign. The study results showed that high SWE values were associated with the mass content and malignancy in certain tumors. Positive correlations were observed between SWE values and tumor size, grade, and fibrotic component density. When SWE is combined with MRI and ultrasonography, the awareness of benign lesions is increased and may reduce the need for biopsy in benign lesions.