Three-Dimensional Presentation of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Histopathology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-A Novel Image Fusion Method.

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) modeling has been used in the management of bony head and neck tumors, but not in soft tissue tumors. Currently, histopathological findings of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) are presented as two-dimensional images. Previously, we developed a 3D image fusion method that presents tumor histopathology and MRI in 3D form. In this study, we sought to test our method in a series of OSCCs.

METHODS

A 3D table scanner, 3D Slicer software, and 3D modeling software were used to produce 3D image fusions of nine OSCCs.

RESULTS

Nine OSCCs are presented as digital, 3D image fusions, showing the resected specimen and the tumor within based on histopathology and MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

The fused 3D model allows for a better visual understanding of tumor orientation within the resected specimen, provides a tool to compare tumor volume and dimensions between MRI images and histopathology slides, and facilitates multidisciplinary discussion.