Three-dimensional reconstruction with serial whole-mount sections of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objectives

Margin status and invasion pattern are prognostic factors for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Current methods to identify these factors are limited to 2D observation, it is necessary to explore 3D reconstruction with whole-mount sample to improve analysis accuracy. This study aimed to study the tissue-preparation, section generation and 3D reconstruction with whole-mount OTSCC specimen.

Study Design

Two OTSCC samples were retrieved from Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University. One sample was sliced into 3 equal-sized pieces and subjected to different processing schedules to determine the best method. The second sample was processed accordingly. Serial whole-mount sections of the second sample were generated, stained with HE/anti-cytokine antibody in intersection manner and scanned into digital images. Digital images were aligned and reconstructed into 3D images with Hetero Genius Medical Image Manager 3D Pathology Add-On [HGMIM3D].

Results

Successful serial whole-mount sections of comparable quality to traditional sections were generated. 3D images with serial whole-mount sections were successfully generated.

Conclusions

Whole-mount histopathological 3D reconstruction of OTSCC was successfully generated, providing a solid foundation for comprehensive margin and invasion analysis. Though future study and improvement was needed, whole-mount histopathological 3D reconstruction proved to be a promising method in OTSCC study.

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