Vasilska A, Tsvetkova S, Doykova K, Chervenkov L, Velikova T, Vasilska M, Sariyan S. Magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive breast cancer tool - the relevance of breast edema score: A retrospective study. World J Radiol 2026; 18(4): 119347 [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v18.i4.119347]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Lyubomir Chervenkov, MD, PhD, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bul Vasil Aprilov 15A, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria. lyubo.ch@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Imaging Science & Photographic Technology
Article-Type of This Article
Retrospective Study
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Apr 28, 2026 (publication date) through Apr 24, 2026
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Publication Name
World Journal of Radiology
ISSN
1949-8470
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Vasilska A, Tsvetkova S, Doykova K, Chervenkov L, Velikova T, Vasilska M, Sariyan S. Magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive breast cancer tool - the relevance of breast edema score: A retrospective study. World J Radiol 2026; 18(4): 119347 [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v18.i4.119347]
World J Radiol. Apr 28, 2026; 18(4): 119347 Published online Apr 28, 2026. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v18.i4.119347
Magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive breast cancer tool - the relevance of breast edema score: A retrospective study
Anna Vasilska, Silvia Tsvetkova, Katya Doykova, Lyubomir Chervenkov, Tsvetelina Velikova, Margarita Vasilska, Sara Sariyan
Anna Vasilska, Silvia Tsvetkova, Katya Doykova, Lyubomir Chervenkov, Margarita Vasilska, Sara Sariyan, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Anna Vasilska, Katya Doykova, Lyubomir Chervenkov, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital Kaspela, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Tsvetelina Velikova, Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
Author contributions: Vasilska A, Tsvetkova S, and Doykova K designed the research study; Vasilska A and Tsvetkova S were responsible for the study research, investigation, and resources; Doykova K, Chervenkov L, and Velikova T were responsible for visualization and supervision; Vasilska A, Velikova T, Vasilska M, and Sariyan S analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript; Chervenkov L and Velikova T were responsible for project administration and editing. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Institutional review board statement: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (approval No. 182/01.06.2022).
Informed consent statement: All study participants, or their legal guardian, provided informed written consent prior to study enrollment.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Data sharing statement: All relevant data are presented in the manuscript.
Corresponding author: Lyubomir Chervenkov, MD, PhD, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bul Vasil Aprilov 15A, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria. lyubo.ch@gmail.com
Received: January 26, 2026 Revised: February 20, 2026 Accepted: April 2, 2026 Published online: April 28, 2026 Processing time: 89 Days and 13 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Magnetic resonance imaging-based assessment of intramammary edema may serve as a practical imaging biomarker reflecting breast cancer biology. Using a simple four-level breast edema score on T2-weighted images, edema patterns can be linked to key histopathological and molecular features, including tumor subtype, receptor status, proliferation index, and nodal involvement. Higher breast edema score categories tend to accompany more aggressive molecular profiles, whereas the absence of edema is more frequently observed in hormone receptor-positive disease. Therefore, incorporating breast edema scoring into routine preoperative magnetic resonance imaging interpretation could support risk stratification and help guide individualized treatment planning in clinical practice.
