Three-dimensional reconstruction of colorectal tumors from serial tissue sections by computer graphics: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
We present herein the three-dimensional reconstruction of colorectal tumors, with particular reference to growth pattern into each layer of the colorectal wall, and measurement of tumor volume and surface area.


METHODS
Conventional tissue section images of colorectal tumors were analyzed using a computer graphics analysis program. The two-dimensional extent of invasion by each tumor into each layer of intestinal wall were determined from the images of each section. Based on data from multiple sections, tumor and surrounding normal tissue layers were reconstructed three-dimensionally, and volume and surface area of the tumors were determined.


RESULTS
Using this technique, three-dimensional morphology of tumor and tumor progression into colorectal wall could be determined. Volume and surface area of the colon tumor were 4871 mm3 and 1741 mm2, respectively. Volume and surface area of the rectal tumor were 1090 mm3 and 877 mm2, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique may provide a new approach for pathological analysis of colorectal carcinoma.
Kikuchi
S
S
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan.
Matsuzaki
H
H
Kondo
K
K
Ohtani
Y
Y
Ihara
A
A
Hiki
Y
Y
Kakita
A
A
Kuwao
S
S
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003196:Computer Graphics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*