ASSESSMENT OF MRI ACCURACY FOR EVALUATING TUMOR DEPTH IN ORAL TONGUE SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGY

Abstract

Background: Accurate preoperative assessment of tumor depth in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is challenging, as histopathology is post-operative. MRI offers a non-invasive alternative, but variable results exist. This study evaluates MRI accuracy and its correlation with histopathology to guide treatment. 

Objectives: To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating tumor depth in patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and to assess its correlation with histopathological depth of invasion.   

Duration: Six months w.e.f  01-05-2023 to 31-10-2023

Methodology: Following ethical approval, patients meeting inclusion criteria provided written informed consent. All underwent standardized preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI, with tumor depth measured by a radiologist blinded to histopathology. Surgical specimens were resected and analyzed by a blinded pathologist. MRI findings were compared with histopathological measurements, considered the gold standard, with all procedures performed in a single institution to ensure accuracy, minimize bias, and maintain confidentiality.

Results: In 100 OTSCC patients, MRI showed a strong positive correlation with histopathology in tumor depth assessment (r = 0.881, p < 0.001) and high diagnostic accuracy, with 92.4% sensitivity and 87% overall accuracy. Results were consistent across age and gender subgroups, confirming MRI as a reliable non-invasive tool for preoperative evaluation.

Conclusion: MRI demonstrated high accuracy and strong correlation with histopathology in assessing tumor depth and detecting deep invasion in OTSCC. Its diagnostic performance remained consistent across age and gender subgroups, supporting MRI as a reliable, non-invasive tool for preoperative evaluation and surgical planning in patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.