Tumor Microenvironment, Radiology, and Artificial Intelligence: Should We Consider Tumor Periphery?

Objectives: The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of cellular and noncellular components which enable the tumor to interact with its surroundings and plays an important role in the tumor progression and how the immune system reacts to the malignancy. In the present study, we investigate the diagnostic potential of the TME in differentiating benign and malignant lesions using image quantification and machine learning.

Methods: A total of 229 breast lesions and 220 cervical lymph nodes were included in the study.