Objective: Because head and neck tumors reside in a complex area, havi
ng a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the patient's unique anatomical
features may assist in the delineation of pathology. The authors descr
ibe a new computer technique of 3-D anatomical reconstruction from two
-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) data
and discuss how it represents a step forward in the continuing evolut
ion of 3-D imaging. Study Design: The authors selected three patients
with solitary head and neck tumors and reconstructed their anatomy in
a 3-D format for study. The tumors represented locations in the nose a
nd central skull base (patient 1), temporal bone (patient 2), and neck
(patient 3). Materials and Methods: MR and CT images from the individ
ual patients were electronically transferred to workstations in the Su
rgical Planning Laboratory of the authors' institution. Registration (
or fusion) was carried out between the MR and CT images. The desired a
natomic components underwent segmentation (identification and isolatio
n). Assembly of the segmented images was performed and the resulting s
tructures were integrated to produce a 3-D model. Results: 3-D models
of the following were constructed and displayed in an interactive form
at on high-capacity computer workstations: 1) a skull base sarcoma wit
h extension into the nasopharynx and nose; 2) an acoustic neuroma with
internal auditory canal involvement; and 3) a metastatic recurrence o
f a tongue base squamous cell carcinoma in the posterior triangle of t
he right side of the neck with extension to the skull base. Conclusion
: The authors' Surgical Planning Laboratory has developed a 3-D recons
truction technique that has several new features. The models provided
a very good 3-D interactive representation of the tumors and patient a
natomy. The need now exists to develop this method of 3-D reconstructi
on of head and neck tumors for potential applications in treatment, re
search, and medical education.