Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Abdomen, Liver, Oncology, CT, MR, Elastography, Computer Applications-3D, Computer Applications-Virtual imaging, CAD, Cancer, Neoplasia, Education and training
Authors:
L. M. Florescu, M. S. Popescu, C. T. Streba, D. N. Pirici, M. Vladaia, D. I. Gheonea, I. A. Gheonea; Craiova/RO
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-1086
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequently encountered primary malignancy of the liver [1,
2].
HCC represents a major health concern due to its slow progression and increased mortality rate.
Modern medical imaging methods like contrast-aided Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) play a central role in diagnosing and staging HCC [3,
4].
One of the basic skills acquired during medical training is palpation,
but its importance constantly decreased over time,
with the advent of modern imaging techniques.
Palpation of deep abdominal tumors as well as those within the parenchyma of various organs is impossible,
except for an intraoperatory setting.
The ever-increasing worldwide availability of 3D printing technology in research centers allows printing 3D models that resemble actual liver tumors.
An accurate assessment of the tumor dimensions,
density and deformability are only some of the numerous advantages offered by this kind of technology [5].
One major downside of the 3D printing technology is the currently limited availability in hospitals worldwide due to the high costs of 3D printers [6,
7,
8,
9,
10].