• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.103-109
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• 2013

Background: The objective of this study is to determine knowledge about lung cancer among secondary school male teachers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among three secondary schools located in Kudat district, Sabah, Malaysia during the period from June until September 2012. The protocol of this study was approved by ethics committee of Management and Science University, Malaysia. The aims were explained and a consent form was signed by each participant. Respondents were chosen randomly from each school with the help of the headmasters. Self-administrated questionnaires, covering socio-demographic characteristics and general knowledge of lung cancer, were distributed. Once all 150 respondents completed the questionnaire, they passed it to their head master for collecting and recording. All the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. ANOVA and t-test were applied for univariate analysis; and multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 150 male secondary school teachers participated in this study. Their mean age was $35.6{\pm}6.5$ (SD); maximum 50 and minimum 23 years old. More than half of the participants were Malay and married (52%, 79%; respectively). Regarding the knowledge about lung cancer, 57.3% of the participants mentioned that only males are affected by lung cancer. Some 70.7% mentioned that lung cancer can be transmitted from one person to another. More than half (56.7%) reported that lung cancer is not the leading cause of death in Malaysian males. As for risk factors, the majority reported that family history of lung cancer is not involved. However, 91.3% were aware that cigarettes are the main risk factor of lung cancer and more than half (52%) believed that second-hand smoking is one of the risk factor of lung cancer. More than half (51.3%) were not aware that asbestos, ionizing radiation and other cancer causing substances are risk factors for lung cancer. Quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoking and avoiding unnecessary x-ray image of the chest (53.3%, 96.0%, 87.3%; respectively) are the main preventive measures mentioned by the participants. For the factors that influence the participants knowledge, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only race was significant. Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge of school male teachers about lung cancer was low. However, few items were scored high: cigarettes are the main risk factor; avoiding second-hand smoking; and avoiding x-rays. Interventions to increase lung cancer awareness are needed to improve early detection behavior. Increase the price of pack of cigarettes to RM 20 and banning smoking in public places such as restaurants are highly recommended as primary preventive measures.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2355-2362
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• 2012

The SH2B1 adaptor protein is recruited to multiple ligand-activated receptor tyrosine kinases that play important role in the physiologic and pathologic features of many cancers. The purpose of this study was to assess SH2B1 expression and to explore its contribution to the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: SH2B1 expression in 114 primary NSCLC tissue specimens was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patients' outcome. Additionally, 15 paired NSCLC background tissues, 5 NSCLC cell lines and a normal HBE cell line were evaluated for SH2B1 expression by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, immunofluorescence being applied for the cell lines. Results: SH2B1 was found to be overexpressed in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cell lines. More importantly, high SH2B1 expression was significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor size, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and recurrence respectively. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with high SH2B1 expression had both poorer disease-free survival and overall survival than other patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that SH2B1 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the SH2B1 protein may contribute to the malignant progression of NSCLC and could offer a novel prognostic indicator for patients with NSCLC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2011

Background: Up to now, lobectomy, bilobectomy and pneumonectomy combined with extensive lymph node dissection have been regarded as the standard procedures for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In high-risk patients, however, limited resection (LR) has been attempted as a salvage procedure, and, recently, indication for LR has been extended to selected cases with early-stage NSCLC. Material and Methods: Among the 773 patients who underwent surgical procedures for NSCLC in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from May 2003 to December 2008, 43 patients received LR. Medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Mean age at operation was $66.0{\pm}12.4$ years, and there were 30 males. Twenty-five patients underwent conservative limited resection (CLR) and 18 underwent intentional limited resection (ILR). Indications for CLR were multiple primary lung cancer in 9 (9/25, 36%) and severe concomitant diseases in 5 (5/25, 20%). Of these, 6 patients underwent segmentectomy and 19 received wedge resection. During the follow-up period of $28.0{\pm}17.8$ months, 15 patient developed recurrent lung cancer. ILR was selectively performed in lesions almost purely composed of ground glass opacity (${\geq}$95%), or in small solid lesions (${\leq}$2 cm). Of these, 11 patients underwent segmentectomy and 7 underwent wedge resection. During the follow-up period of $31.7{\pm}11.6$ months, no patient developed recurrence. Conclusion: Intermediate-term outcome of LR for early-stage lung cancer is comparable to that of standard operation. For the delineation of the indications and appropriate surgical techniques for LR, prospective randomized multi-institutional study may be expedient.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1129-1134
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• 2016

Vulva and Vaginal cancers are rare among all gynecological cancers worldwide, including Thailand, and typically affect women in later life. Persistent high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is one of several important causes of cancer development. In this study, we focused on HPV investigation and specific type distribution from Thai women with abnormality lesions and cancers of the vulva and Vaginal. A total of ninety paraffin-embedded samples of vulva and Vaginal abnormalities and cancer cells with histologically confirmed were collected from Thai women, who were diagnosed in 2003-2012 at the National Cancer Institute, Thailand. HPV DNA was detected and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and enzyme immunoassay with GP5+/bio 6+ consensus specific primers and digoxigenin-labeled specific oligoprobes, respectively. The human ${\beta}$-globin gene was used as an internal control. Overall results represented that HPV frequency was 16/34 (47.1%) and 8/20 (40.0%) samples of vulva with cancer and abnormal cytology lesions, respectively, while, 3/5 (60%) and 16/33 (51.61%) samples of Vaginal cancer and abnormal cytology lesions, respectively, were HPV DNA positive. Single HPV type and multiple HPV type infection could be observed in both type of cancers and abnormal lesion samples in the different histological categorizes. HPV16 was the most frequent type in all cancers and abnormal cytology lesions, whereas HPV 18 was less frequent and could be detected as co-infection with other high risk HPV types. In addition, low risk types such as HPV 6, 11 and 70 could be detected in Vulva cancer and abnormal cytology lesion samples, whereas, all Vaginal cancer samples exhibited only high risk HPV types; HPV 16 and 31. In conclusion, from our results in this study we suggest that women with persistent high risk HPV type infection are at risk of developing vulva and Vaginal cancers and HPV 16 was observed at the highest frequent both of these, similar to the cervical cancer cases. Although the number of samples in this study was limited and might not represent the overall incidence and prevalence in Thai women, but the baseline data are of interest and suggest further study for primary cancer screening and/or developing the efficiency of prophylactic HPV vaccines in Thailand.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.214-220
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• 2003

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of loss of heterozygosity and the microsatellite instability at multiple tumor suppressor gene loci in gastric adenocarcinomas. Materials and Methods: Loss of heterozygosity and the microsatellite instability at several tumor suppressor gene loci were analyzed in 29 primary gastric carcinomas by using microdissection and the polymerase chain reaction. Results: Twenty-three ($79\%$) of the 29 cases demonstrated loss of heterozygosity at one or more loci. The frequency of loss of heterozygosity at the p53 locus was the highest ($63\%$) and those at the VHL, APC, p16, Rb, MEN1, BRCA1, DPC4, 3p21, and 16p13 region were $41\%,\;36\%,\;19\%,\;29\%,\;33\%,\;26\%,\;21\%,\;32\%,\;and\;11\%$, respectively. Compared with histological type, loss of heterozygosity was more common in diffuse-type gastric cancer (P<0.01). Interestingly, 9 of 10 tumors with allelic deletion at the p53 locus showed loss of heterozygosity at other tumor suppressor gene loci. The microsatellite instability was also detected in 6 ($20\%$) of the 29 cases at one or more loci. Conclusion: These data suggest that frequent loss of heterozygosity and the microsatellite instability at multiple tumor suppressor genes might be required for the development and the progression of gastric carcinomas and that p53 allelic loss may be the most frequent event in the development of gastric carcinomas.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2011

Purpose: We analyzed the oncological outcome and prognostic factor of the chondrosarcoma arising from benign bone tumor due to malignant transformation. Materials and Methods: From April 1986 to April 2009, 18 cases were considered eligible. We analyzed retrospectively the patient's characteristics and prognostic factors that affect to the local recurrence and distant metastasis. Results: As classified by primary benign bone tumor, 4 cases were solitary osteochondroma, 11 cases were multiple osteochondromatosis and 3 cases were multiple enchondromatosis. The mean follow-up period was 85 months. The 5-year disease free survival rate of 18 patients was 85.9%. Their overall MSTS score was 25.2 (84%). There were local recurrence in 3 cases and no distant metastasis. We found that tumor location and surgical margin affected to the prognosis significantly. Conclusion: In secondary chondrosarcoma patients, the prognosis was good relatively and tumor location and surgical margin are important prognosis factor.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.61-78
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• 2001

The purpose of this research was to find out plans to promote the fulfillment of the breast self-examination and breast cancer screening, which is preventive health behavior about women's having breast cancer exam in some part of our country with searching for the primary causes which have an effect on their fulfillment. The subjects of the study were 540 literate volunteers who were of age from 20 to 69 and who visited 8 health centers in Taegu. The survey research was made through questionares in the 8 health centers in Taegu from the 15th to the 30th of September, 1998. Based on Becker's health belief model asking medical staff's opinions with bibliographies, the major findings from the survey was as follow. The fulfillment rate of the breast self-examination and the breast cancer screening was 37.8％(204 subjects), 27.6％ (149 subjects) each. Getting breast self-exam varied significantly depending on subject's age, income of family, religion, occupation and the number of children. As far as the breast cancer screening was concerned, there was remarkably significant difference in accordance with their age, marital status, religion, occupation, income of family, the number of children, ways of nursing and parturition age of the first baby. The subjects in their forties accounted for the highest rate. Based on the fulfillment of the breast self-examination and the breast cancer screening, the average points of all the variables presented from the health belief as well as the points of the susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, knowledge and level of health concern of interest in health were significantly higher than the points of non-fulfillment of them in the statistical analysis whereas the barriers was lower than them. In consequence of the multiple-logistic regression analysis putting the breast self-examination and the breast cancer screening in dependent variables, occupation, knowledge, seriousness, benefits, barriers and cues to action had significant effects on breast self-examination against breast cancer. Looking more attainments, thinking diseases more seriously, feeling more usefulness and there being any patient around with breast cancer led to the higher rate of the breast self-examination against it. On the other hand, feeling more impedition as well as housewives caused the lower rate of it. The breast cancer screening was significantly affected by age, sensitivity, usefulness, impedition and behavior momentum as well. The cases who are older, feeling more sensitivity against breast cancer, more usefulness of the examination and where any patient around, the fulfillment rate was higher. Contrarily the more impedition they felt, the lower the fulfillment rate was. Accordingly, the study of the causes, which have significant effects on the fulfillment of the self-examination and the breast cancer screening in order to find it in an early stage, and the development of health education programs as well as proper education for public health through carrying on campaigns and stepping up public relations must be indispensable.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 1992

Background: The lung is the most common site of metastasis and usually it manifests as a single or multiple nodules in chest X-ray. But less commonly the cancer spreads through the lymphatics and X-ray shows diffuse reticulonodular densities. Sometimes, patient is presented with respiratory symptoms only with interstitial lung infiltration before the signs of primary tumor and in that cases, the differential diagnosis with other interstitial lung disease is required. We have experienced 5 such cases, who were diagnosed as lymphangitic carcinomatosis by transbronchial lung biopsy. Methods: Clinical manifestation, pulmonary function test, modified thin section CT, bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy were done. Results: The primary tumor was gastric cancer in 3, lung cancer in 2. Pulmonary function test showed restrictive pattern with low DLco in 2 patients and obstructive pattern in one. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed lymphocytosis in 4 patients and malignant cells were found in one patient. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed malignant cells localized to the lymphatics (peribronchial, perivascular and perialveolar). Cell type was adenocarcinoma in 4 and squamous cell carcinoma in one. Conclusion: Rarely lymphangitic carcinomatosis can be presented as diffuse interstitial lung disease and easily diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.698-702
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• 2008

Purpose: Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in the western population and the annual incidence rate is still on an increasing course. In Asian countries such as Korea, the incidence of basal cell carcinoma is reported to be remarkably low but is estimated to be in a steep increase nowadays. This study was to analyze the recent clinical trends of basal cell carcinoma in Korea by reviewing a single institution's experience. Methods: Throughout an 11-year period, the surgical excision of 143 cases of basal cell carcinoma was performed in our department. General data of these cases such as the primary site of cancer, age and sex of the patient, operative methods, recurrence rate were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Among the 143 patients included in this study, 82 patients were men and 61 patients were women. The ages ranged from 27 to 89 years with a mean age of 64.0 years. The head and neck region was the most frequently involved primary site for the cancer as 95.1% of the total cases occurred in this area. Especially the nose and perinasal area were the most frequent region, which was followed by the periorbital area, cheek, and perioral area. During this study period, 9 cases showed recurrence of the cancer as the overall recurrence rate was 6.3%. Conclusion: Gradual increase in the incidence of basal cell carcinoma was demonstrated in this study. Basal cell carcinoma showed high incidence in the old-age population as 68.5% of the total patients were more than 60 years of age. High recurrence rate was noted in the nasal region especially after local flap reconstruction. A more cautious approach is to be required when handing such high risk lesions. Multiple factors such as extended life span, increased outdoor leisure activity and exposure to sunlight, higher accessibility to medical services and increased understanding of the public about skin cancer are assumed to be the main reasons for this increase of basal cell carcinoma.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-74
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• 2013

Neck mass is a common manifestation from head and neck malignancy, most of which come from mucosal squamous cell carcinomas in the upper aero-digestive tract. However, once aspiration cytology suggests atypical malignant cells in the neck mass rather than metastatic squamous cell carcinomas, it is confusing to decide the adequate diagnostic work-ups and treatment planning. Here, we report a 29-year-old woman presenting with a growing neck mass mimicking malignancy of unknown origin, which was finally diagnosed as primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma in the parotid gland with multiple metastases to the lymph nodes. The patient underwent comprehensive neck dissection and total parotidectomy and the adjuvant radiation treatment was given. Our report highlight that the primary salivary gland cancer should be considered as the potential tumor origin in case of malignancy of unknown origin in the head and neck region and neck mass suggestive of atypical carcinomas.