A. Tetsumura et al., High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: an in vitro study, DENTOMAX R, 30(1), 2001, pp. 14-21
Objectives: To determine in vitro the potential of high-resolution MRI for
evaluating the depth of tumor invasion of the tongue.
Methods: Twenty-one resected specimens of squamous cell carcinoma of the to
ngue were examined on a 1.5T MRI system with a 4 cm surface coil using four
different sequences; T1W SE, T2W SE, 3D-FISP and 3D-CISS, The thickness of
normal epithelium, tumor depth and width were measured on both MR images a
nd histopathological sections.
Results: The mucosal epithelium, lamina propria and muscles of the tongue w
ere clearly identifiable on MRI. All 21 carcinomas, including three early i
nvasive carcinomas, were clearly demonstrated. A high correlation was found
between the values measured by MRI and histopathology for thickness of muc
osal epithelium and both depth and width of tumors. There was a good agreem
ent between the T2W SE and the other imaging sequences for measurements of
both depth and width of tumors.
Conclusion: High-resolution MR imaging appears reliable for the in vitro ev
aluation of depth of tumor invasion in carcinoma of the tongue.