/library/oar/handle/123456789/145896 2026-05-29T18:13:12Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146314 Title: The use of shear-wave elastography in differentiating renal cell carcinoma and renal oncocytoma Abstract: Background: Renal tumours pose a significant diagnostic challenge, particularly in distinguishing malignant renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) from benign renal oncocytomas (ROs). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of shear wave elastography (SWE) in characterising RCCs and ROs based on tissue stiffness. Methods: Conducted at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta, from September to November 2024, this prospective study included 33 participants presenting 36 renal lesions. SWE was performed using a Canon Aplio a550 ultrasound system, and quantitative elasticity metrics were analysed to differentiate between RCCs and ROs. Results: Mann-Whitney U tests proved no statistical significant difference between RCCs and ROs. Mean speed measured for ROs was 2.43m/s ± 0.72m/s and 2.87m/s ± 0.83m/s for RCCs. Area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis mean speed m/s was 0.660. SWE demonstrated no reliability in differentiating between RCCs and ROs. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for research into this field and emphasise the need for standardisation of methodology and development and further study of SWE in differentiating renal tumours with greater precision and confidence. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z