Role of MRI in Evaluation of Carcinoma of Tongue with Histopathological Correlation

Description

Abstract (English)

Abstract:
Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the role of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in the
evaluation of carcinoma of the tongue with histopathological correlation.
Methods: This study was a prospective hospital-based investigation that involved 50 patients who had been
diagnosed with tongue carcinoma based on clinical or biopsy findings. The patients were referred for magnetic
resonance imaging from Acharya Harihara Postgraduate Institute of Cancer to the Department of
Radiodiagnosis at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, for a two-year period. The study was
approved by the institutional ethics committee, and the participants provided written informed consent.
Results: Almost perfect agreement (k = 0.928) was seen between MRI and histopathological N staging
assessment. The mean depth of invasion by histopathology and MRI was found to be 7.848 mm and 8.664 mm
respectively. Good agreement (k = 0.851) was found between radiological and pathological tumour depth. Out
of fifty cases, 44 (88%) were found to be well differentiated (G1), 4 (8%) moderately differentiated (G2, and 2
(4%) poorly differentiated (G3) squamous cell carcinoma. Lymphovascular invasion was seen in 14 (28%)
cases and perineural invasion was seen in 12 (24%) cases. Both lymphovascular and perineural invasions were
found in 6 (12%) cases in the post-surgical histopathological study. The worst pattern of invasion was seen in
12 (24%) patients on histopathology.
Conclusion: MRI is the preferred imaging modality for the assessment of tongue carcinoma due to its ability to
precisely stage the tumour using the TNM classification system. This staging is essential for optimising
treatment choices, such as glossectomy/marginal mandibulectomy, radiation, or both.