• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.116-124
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• 2014

Purpose: To investigate the frequency and clinical significance of detected incidental lung nodules found on computed tomography (CT) simulation images for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and a physician review. Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven treatment-$na{\ddot{i}}ve$ HCC patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy (RT) were included for the study. Portal phase of simulation CT images was used for CAD analysis and a physician review for lung nodule detection. For automated nodule detection, a commercially available CAD system was used. To assess the performance of lung nodule detection for lung metastasis, the sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated. Results: Forty-six patients had incidental nodules detected by CAD with a total of 109 nodules. Only 20 (18.3%) nodules were considered to be significant nodules by a physician review. The number of significant nodules detected by both of CAD or a physician review was 24 in 9 patients. Lung metastases developed in 11 of 46 patients who had any type of nodule. The sensitivities were 58.3% and 100% based on patient number and on the number of nodules, respectively. The NPVs were 91.4% and 100%, respectively. And the PPVs were 77.8% and 91.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Incidental detection of metastatic nodules was not an uncommon event. From our study, CAD could be applied to CT simulation images allowing for an increase in detection of metastatic nodules.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2002.06d
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• pp.335-338
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• 2002

This paper proposes some technical approaches for automatic detection of pulmonary nodules in chest X-ray images. We applied threshold technique for the lung field segmentation and extended the lung field by using morphological methods. A template matching technique was employed for automatic detecting nodules in lung area. Genetic algorithm(GA) was used in template matching(TM) to select a matched image from various reference patterns(simulated typical nodules). We eliminated the false-positive candidates by using histograms and contrasts. We used standard databases published by Japanese Society of Radiological Technology (JSRT) for correct results. Also we employ two-dimensional Gaussian distribution for some reference images because the shadow of lung nodules in radiogram generally shows the distributions. Nodules of about 89% were correctly detected by our scheme. The simulation results show that it is an effective method to indicate lesions on chest radiograms.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.201-207
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid nodules and malignant findings of thyroid nodules in 1,954 patients (654 males and 1,300 females) aged 20 years or older who underwent thyroid ultrasound from January 2018 to December 2018. Examination of the thyroid gland was performed, and fine needle aspiration cytology was performed on the thyroid nodule. As a result, 108 (16.5%) out of 654 males and 368 (28.3%) out of 1,300 females showed higher prevalence than males. The prevalence of single nodules and multiple nodules in gender and age groups was significantly higher for women and for ages (male p=.001, female p=.001). There was a significant difference in males in the nodule size (p=.001) and no significant difference in females (p=.069). Fine - needle aspiration cytology of 476 patients with nodules was diagnosed as malignant in 46 patients (9.6%). Based on pathologic results, 383 benign and 93 malignant groups were analyzed. Ultrasonographic findings were as follows single nodule (p=.000), solid(p=.004), hypoechoic (p=.000), ill-defined peripheral boundary (p=.000), and calcification (p=.000), respectively. In the diagnosis of thyroid nodule, primary ultrasonographic findings through morphological classification of the nodules may reduce indiscriminate fine needle aspiration cytology in benign and malignant nodules.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.108-116
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate the concordance of three international guidelines: the Korean Thyroid Association/Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology, American Thyroid Association, and American College of Radiology for thyroid nodules classified by ultrasonography (US) and the diagnostic performance of simulated size criteria for malignant biopsies. Materials and Methods: A total of 2586 thyroid nodules (≥ 1 cm) were collected from two multicenter study datasets. The classifications of the thyroid nodules were based on three different guidelines according to US categories for malignancy risk, and the concordance rate between the different guidelines was calculated for the classified nodules. In addition, the diagnostic performance of criteria related to four different simulated biopsy sizes was evaluated. Results: The concordance rate of nodules classified as high- or intermediate-suspicion was high (84.1-100%), but low-suspicion or mildly-suspicious nodules exhibited relatively low concordance (63.8-83.8%) between the three guidelines. The differences in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between the guidelines were 0.7-19.8%, 0-40.9%, and 0.1-30.5%, respectively, when the original biopsy criteria were applied. The differences decreased to 0-5.9%, 0-10.9%, and 0.1-8.2%, respectively, when simulated, similar biopsy size criteria were applied. The unnecessary biopsy rate calculated with the original criteria (0-33.8%), decreased with the simulated biopsy size criteria (0-8.7%). Conclusion: We found a high concordance between the three guidelines for high- or intermediate-suspicion nodules, and the diagnostic performance of the biopsy criteria was approximately equivalent for each simulated size criterion. The difference in diagnostic performance between the three guidelines is mostly influenced by the various size thresholds for biopsies.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.280-288
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• 2022

Objective: To compare core needle biopsy (CNB) and repeat fine-needle aspiration (rFNA) to reduce the rate of diagnostic surgery and prevent unnecessary surgery in nodules initially diagnosed as atypia/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS). Materials and Methods: This study included 231 consecutive patients (150 female and 81 male; mean age ± standard deviation, 51.9 ± 11.7 years) with 235 thyroid nodules (≥ 1 cm) initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS, who later underwent both rFNA and CNB. The nodules that required diagnostic surgery after the biopsy were defined using three different scenarios according to the rFNA and CNB results: criterion 1, surgery for low-risk indeterminate (categories I and III); criterion 2, surgery for high-risk indeterminate (categories IV and V); and criterion 3, surgery for all indeterminate nodules (categories I, III, IV, and V). We compared the expected rates of diagnostic surgery between CNB and rFNA in all 235 nodules using the three surgical criteria. In addition, the expected rates of unnecessary surgery (i.e., surgery for benign pathology) were compared in a subgroup of 182 nodules with available final diagnoses. Results: CNB showed significantly lower rates of nondiagnostic, AUS/FLUS, and suspicious for malignancy diagnoses (p ≤ 0.016) and higher rates of follicular neoplasm or suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (p < 0.001) and malignant diagnoses (p = 0.031). CNB showed a significantly lower expected rate of diagnostic surgery than rFNA for criterion 1 (29.8% vs. 48.1%, p < 0.001) and criterion 3 (46.4% vs. 55.3%, p = 0.029), and a significantly higher rate for criterion 2 (16.6% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.001). CNB showed a significantly lower expected rate of unnecessary surgery than rFNA for criterion 1 (18.7% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.024). Conclusion: CNB was superior to rFNA in reducing the rates of potential diagnostic surgery and unnecessary surgery for nodules initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS in a scenario where nodules with low-risk indeterminate results (categories I and III) would undergo surgery.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.139-145
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• 2022

Manganese nodules were recovered within the deep subseafloor sediments (118.22 mbsf) at Site U1371 during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) expedition 329 from the South Pacific Gyre (SPG). Because most manganese nodules exist on the seabed surface, nodules present in deep sediments are uncommon. Therefore, the growth origin of manganese nodules was identified through mineralogical and geochemical analyses. The manganese nodule was divided into the concentric layer outside the manganese region and the inner part of the phosphatized region consisting of manganese oxide minerals and carbonate fluorapatite (CFA) minerals, respectively. The two-dimensional element distribution analysis of Mn, Co, Ni, Sr and Cu, Zn with low Mn/Fe ratio confirmed that manganese nodules were formed predominantly by a hydrogenetic process and a biogenic process in certain manganese layers. As a result, the manganese nodule was continuously precipitated in SPG environments of oligotrophic open paleoocean conditions and rapidly buried with siliceous ooze sediments when the SPG changed to a eutrophic environment. It has been confirmed that manganese nodules found within deep subseafloor sediments could be used as a new proxy for the reconstruction of paleooceanographic conditions.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2001

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonogram as a preoperative diagnostic tool in thyroid nodular diseases, this study was carried out. Materials and Methods: From January 1998 to December 1999, 51 patients who underwent thyroidectomy were analyzed retrospectively. We compared the finally histopathological results to ultrasonographical findings such as internal consistency, multiplicity of nodules, nodular ehogenicity, nodular capsule or margin, calcification of nodules. Results: There were 47 females and 4 males with 25 benign tumor, 23 malignant tumor and 3 occult carcinoma in histopathological diagnosis. The solid tumors in ultrasonography carried a probability of malignancy as 66.7%(16/24 cases) whereas cystic or mixed tumors as 16.7%(1/6cases) or 23.8%(5/21cases) (p=0.006). The single nodular diseases carried a high probability of malignancy as 50%(13/26cases) whereas multiple diseases as 28.6%(6/21cases). The hypoechogenicity of thyroid nodular disease showed a probability of malignancy as 60%(9/15cases) whereas mixed-echogenicity as 36.4%(4/11cases). The nodules with poorly-defined margin in ultrasonographic findings showed higher probability of malignancy as 63.6% (7/11cases) than the nodules with well -defined margin as 26.5%(9/34 cases) (p=0.025). The nodules with calcification in ultrasonographic findings were represented to high probability of malignancy as 70.6%(12/17cases) compared to those without calcification as 29.4%(10/34cases) (p=0.005). The differency between ultrasonic and histopathological diagnosis was high in solid nodules(33%), 3-4cm sized nodules (28.6%) and mixed echogenecity(27.3%) whereas low in complex nodules with cystic and solid nature(4.8%), 2-3 cm sized nodules(8.3%) and pooly defined margin(9.1%). The accuracies of sonography in differentiating malignacy from benign thyroid nodules were 7.1% of false positivity, 39.1% of false negativity, 60.9% of sensitivity, 92.9% of specificity and 78.4% of accuracy. Conclusion: Sonographic examination was relatively excellent test as a preoperative diagnostic tool in thyroid nodular diseases when detailed checklists were applied such as internal consistency, multiplicity of nodules, nodular ehogenicity, nodular capsule or margin and calcification of nodules.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.425-435
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• 1989

The solitary pulmonary nodule is considered as a round or ovoid lesion with sharp, circumscribed borders, surrounded by normal appearing lung parenchyme on all sides, and found on a simple chest X-ray without any particular symptoms or signs. There is a wide spectrum of pathologic conditions in the solitary pulmonary nodules prove to be malignant tumors, either primary or metastatic. Most Benign granulomas and other benign conditions can also be seen as solitary nodules. The resection of solitary malignant nodules results in a surprisingly high 5-year survival rate. On the contrary, most benign nodules do not need to be resected and a period of prolonged observation and nonsurgical management is usually indicated. Therefore, the best approach to the controversial management of solitary pulmonary nodules depends on finding factors affecting the probability of malignancy. In this article, clinical records and chest roentgenographies of 60 patients operated on over the past 8 years at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital were reviewed. There were 15 malignant nodules and 45 benign nodules and the prevalence of malignancy was 25%. The most common pathologic entity was tuberculoma [21 cases]. The mean age was 55.5*9.6 years in the malignant group, 45.8>12.5 years in the benign group and there was a significant statistical difference between the two groups [P < 0.05]. The malignant ratio in each age group increased with advancing age. The average smoking amount was 35.6*12.9 cigarettes per day in malignant smokers, 20.9* 12.0 cigarettes per day in benign smokers, and there was a significant statistical difference between the two groups [p< 0.05]. The malignant ratio also increased with the increasing smoking amount. Comparing the appearance of the nodule on chest films, 6 calcifications and 7 cavitations were found only in benign nodules, not in malignant nodules. Therefore, calcification and cavitation can be considered as preferential findings for benignity. Previous cancer history was also a significant factor deciding the prognosis of the nodule [p< 0.05]. The average diameter on chest X-ray was 3.07*0.82 cm in malignant nodules, 3.25*1.04 cm in benign nodules and there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups [p< 0.05]. The author used Bayes theorem to develop a simple method for combining individual clinical or radiological factors of patients with solitary nodules into an overall estimate of the probability that the nodule is malignant. In conclusion, patient age, smoking amount, appearance of nodule on chest film such as calcification and cavitation, and previous cancer history were found to be strongly associated with malignancy, but size of nodule was not associated with malignancy. Since these prognostic factors have been found retrospectively, prospective controlled studies are needed to determine whether these factors have really prognostic significance.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4629-4635
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• 2014

Background: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) makes it possible to detect malignant tumors based on the diffusion of water molecules. However, it is uncertain whether DWI has advantages over FDG-PET for distinguishing malignant from benign pulmonary nodules and masses. Materials and Methods: One hundred-forty-three lung cancers, 17 metastatic lung tumors, and 29 benign pulmonary nodules and masses were assessed in this study. DWI and FDG-PET were performed. Results: The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value ($1.27{\pm}0.35{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/sec$) of malignant pulmonary nodules and masses was significantly lower than that ($1.66{\pm}0.58{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/sec$) of benign pulmonary nodules and masses. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax: $7.47{\pm}6.10$) of malignant pulmonary nodules and masses were also significantly higher than that ($3.89{\pm}4.04$) of benign nodules and masses. By using optimal cutoff values for ADC ($1.44{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/sec$) and for SUVmax (3.43), which were determined with receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC curves), the sensitivity (80.0%) of DWI was significantly higher than that (70.0%) of FDG-PET. The specificity (65.5%) of DWI was equal to that (65.5%) of FDG-PET. The accuracy (77.8%) of DWI was not significantly higher than that (69.3%) of FDG-PET for pulmonary nodules and masses. As the percentage of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) component in adenocarcinoma increased, the sensitivity of FDG-PET decreased. DWI could not help in the diagnosis of mucinous adenocarcinomas as malignant, and FDG-PET could help in the correct diagnosis of 5 out of 6 mucinous adenocarcinomas as malignant. Conclusions: DWI has higher potential than PET in assessing pulmonary nodules and masses. Both diagnostic approaches have their specific strengths and weaknesses which are determined by the underlying pathology of pulmonary nodules and masses.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2020

Background and Objective The purpose of this study is to report the effect of voice therapy using the voice reinforcement method (VRM) in patients with vocal nodules. It is one of the holistic voice therapy methods for improving vocal mechanisms. VRM includes not only direct and indirect voice therapy, but also trial therapy and self-practice. Composed of four stages: vocal hygiene education, relaxation, reinforcement, and generalization. Materials and Methods The subjects were 13 patients who were diagnosed with vocal nodules. Acoustic analysis, auditory perceptual assessment, K-VHI-10 and nodules size were compared before and after voice therapy. Voice therapy was conducted by speech-language pathologist and the mean number was 4.2. Results In acoustic analysis, Jitter, vF₀, vAm, Shimmer, NHR, and VTI were significantly decreased. F₀ was increased after voice therapy for women. 'Grade', 'Rough,' and 'Breathy' were significantly decreased in the GRBAS scale after voice therapy. In addition, K-VHI-10 and nodules size were significantly decreased. Conclusion VRM seems to be an effective voice therapy method in vocal nodules treatment. In VRM, especially, trial therapy is given motivation for vocal nodules treatments and self-practice has a continuous therapeutic effect in everyday life. VRM can be also applied to the voice therapy for other hyper-functional dysphonia.