# Micro-Computed Tomography as a complementary tool for histopathological diagnosis of oral soft tissue lesions – Proof of concept

## TL;DR

This study explores using micro-CT as a non-destructive 3D imaging tool to complement traditional histopathology in diagnosing oral soft tissue lesions.

## Contribution

The study introduces a proof-of-concept method using radio-opaque staining and µCT for 3D visualization of oral soft tissues.

## Key findings

- µCT images matched H&E-stained sections in showing tissue architecture like epithelium and connective tissue.
- 3D µCT reconstructions revealed ulceration depth and vascular patterns not visible in 2D histopathology.
- The method preserves tissue integrity and could improve diagnostic accuracy in oral pathology.

## Abstract

Accurate diagnosis of oral soft tissue lesions is critical for effective treatment, yet conventional histopathological examination, the gold standard, faces limitations. These include two-dimensional (2D) visualization and malorientation, which can obscure critical diagnostic features, like epithelial-connective tissue interfaces. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) offers a non-destructive, high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging alternative to address these challenges. Still, its use for soft tissue visualization is limited. We tested a method with specific radio-opaque staining and µCT scanning settings to visualize oral soft tissue biopsies as a proof of concept.

Biopsies from 12 patients with different oral mucosa lesions were stained with Lugol’s iodine, scanned at 3µm resolution with 70kV energy, and the resulting volumes were compared to histopathological sections by specialists in oral radiology and oral pathology.

µCT produced 2D images with tissue architecture comparable to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections, distinguishing epithelium, connective tissue, and keratin, while 3D reconstructions revealed topographic details, such as ulceration depth and vascular patterns, unattainable in histopathology.

These findings highlight µCT potential as a complementary diagnostic tool, enhancing topographic rendering while preserving tissue integrity. Standardized protocols and broader validation, particularly for precancerous and malignant lesions, are essential for clinical adoption, promising improved diagnostic accuracy in oral pathology.