Sonographic volume processing of malignant prostatic lesions

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of a precise definition of the volumetric and spatial features of malignant prostatic lesions needing radiation therapy and a later follow-up. The modeling procedure is mainly composed of three sequential phases: a) automatic acquisition of time sequences of 2D echotomograms; b) 3D reconstruction of images; c) generation of a spatial geometrical model. A software system has been specifically designed and implemented for digital image handling and management. The preliminary c1inical applications in the evaluation of patients with prostatic cancer showed promising results.