Applications of Neutron Radiography to Histopathology

Abstract

This paper describes a four-year study of the application of neutron radiography to histopathology using an approach directed toward improvement in histologic sectioning, staining and tissue preparation techniques, and refinement in the application of neutron radiography in three areas: 1. characterization of normal tissues of the facial bones and jaws, 2. diagnosis of intraosseous tumors and a delineation of the invasion of the tumor into the surrounding bone, and 3. the study of metallic semiburied implants attached to bone of the jaws. It was found to be possible, through the application of these techniques, to determine the presence of intraosseous tumor tissues and to determine the exact extension of the tumor tissue along the marrow vascular spaces and the neurovascular bundles of the bone. Additionally, it was found to be possible to delineate various normal anatomic structures of the facial bones and surrounding soft tissue, and to study the interface between semiburied metals and the surrounding bone and surrounding soft tissue. It is felt that neutron radiography will provide a significant diagnostic tool in research and in surgical pathology as an adjunct to the usual microscopic method of tissue examination, and additionally in the study of osseous-soft tissue interface with various types of metal implants.