Surgeons from the HealthCare Global Cancer Centre in Bangalore, India, have recently helped a patient with tongue cancer by preparing the operation with a 3D printed model of the tumour.
We have seen a lot of difficult procedures on tumour patients being performed based on the pre-planning with a 3D printed model. However, the technology has now been used the first time in a patient with tongue cancer. The 53-year-old man from Indore was suffering from a recurring ulcer in his mouth, when an MRI showed an extensive tumour that had grown on his tongue. As removing the tumour would also mean to remove part of the tongue, the doctors decided to turn to Mumbai-based company Anatomiz 3D for help. The team there used Materialise’s Mimics Software to create a 3D model based on the DICOM data of the MRI scan. It was segmented in two parts for tumorous and non-tumour tissue which were then 3D printed in different colours.
This model helped the surgeons to better understand the anatomy in regards to depth, position and size of the tumour before the operation. It also provided them with information on the tissue implant as part of the tongue had be removed. This will later help the patient to retain his swallowing functions and speech.
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