• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1487-1489
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• 2012

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and intracavity brachytherapy in comprehensive treatment for young patients with stage Ib2 cervical cancer. Methods: One hundred and twelve young patients with stage Ib2 cervical cancer were enrolled retrospectively in our hospital from January 2003 to June 2005. They were categorized into three groups according to preoperative regimens, including the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (Group 1, n=38), the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Group 2, n=49), and the intracavity brachytherapy group (Group 3, n=25). Radical hysterectomy was performed following these regimens. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given according to pelvic lymph node metastasis, deep cervical stromal invasion, intravascular cancer emboli, histological grading, vaginal stump and positive surgical margin. Results: The cancer disappearance and superficial muscle invasion rates were statistically significantly better in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group than in the other two groups (P<0.01). No statistically significant difference was noted in the deep muscle invasion rate, surgical time and intraoperative blood loss among three groups, but significantly more postoperative complications occurred in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group. The 2-year pelvic recurrence was statistically significantly lower in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group compared to other two groups, while the 5-year survival was higher. Conclusion: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is efficacious for young patients with stage Ib2 cervical cancer.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.114-119
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• 2009

Colon cancer is the second most common malignancy in Korea. It is classified as superficial type, the mass type, the ulcerative type, the ulceroinfiltrative type, the diffuse infiltrative type and the unclassified type according to the colonoscopic findings. We report here on a case of colon cancer that was initially misdiagnosed as acute infectious colitis at the initial presentation. A 64-year-old man visited to Yeungnam University Hospital for watery diarrhea and lower abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed long segmental edematous mucosa and hyperemic mucosa with stenosis in the transverse colon. He was diagnosed as having acute infectious colitis according to the colonoscopic finding. However, two days later after colonoscopy, he visited the emergency room for hematochezia. We performed computerized tomography (CT) and obtained blood samples to find the origin of the bleeding. We found thickening of the transverse colon lumen and ascites on the CT finding and an elevated level of tumor markers; we also obtained the results of the colonoscopic biopsy that was done via colonoscopy. He was finally diagnosed as having colon cancer with carcinomatosis, a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.52 no.10
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• pp.615-622
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• 2014

Oral cancer ablation surgery results in tissue defects with functional loss. Accompanying neck dissection results in facial nerve weakness and dysmorphic changes. To minimize the complications after oral cancer surgery, accurate dissection without damaging facial nerve and vital structures are mandatory. Marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve should be dissected or contained in the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia to minimized facial palsy after operation. Reconstruction after cancer ablations is routine procedures and free flap reconstruction is the most commonly used. Radial forearm free flap is the most versatile flap to reconstruct soft tissue defects and it is easy to design according to the defect size and shape. However, donor site scar and secondary skin graft from thigh result in unesthetic and cumbersome wounds. Double layered collagen graft in the donor site could reduce secondary donor site for skin graft. In conclusion, oral and maxillofacial surgeon should know the exact anatomy of the face and neck during neck dissection. Radial forearm free flap is most versatile flap for soft tissue reconstruction and double collagen graft can reduce postoperative scar and there is no need for secondary skin graft.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2023

Objectives: With antibiotic resistance one of the biggest threats to global health, we report a case of surgical site infection (SSI) after breast cancer surgery that improved only with the treatment of Taglisodog-eum (托裏消毒飮), Korean herbal medicine, without the use of antibiotics. Methods: The patient diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ of left breast underwent nipple areola skin sparing mastectomy and reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. About a month later, superficial SSI occurred at the incision site of breast cancer surgery with general weakness, and Taglisodog-eum treatment was started. To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, we compared the infection site conditions before and after treatment. Results: About three weeks after taking Taglisodog-eum, the SSI improved along with the improvement of general weakness. Conclusions: This study shows that Taglisodog-eum may be effective for SSI after breast cancer surgery, and the potential for alternatives to reduce antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.71-75
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• 2020

Esophageal cancer is easy to infiltrate and metastasize because esophagus does not have serosa, and is difficult to remove it because esophagus is in the middle of the chest. Because of this, treatments of esophageal cancer do not always follow the guideline. In this situation, efforts to increase treatment efficiency and improve survival rate through multidisciplinary treatment are increasing. In this case, we report the patient with three superficial esophageal cancers (one in cervical esophagus and two in thoracic esophagus). The patient was treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy instead of surgery through multidisciplinary discussion. The patient reached a complete remission through this discussion. This case is intended to inform the usefulness of multidisciplinary treatment in patients with esophageal cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5237-5240
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• 2012

Objective: This observational study was to identify risk factors for vulvar cancer recurrence. Materials and Methods: In the study 107 patients with primary vulvar cancer were analyzed. Surgical treatment consisted of radical excision of the primary tumor in combination with unilateral or bilateral superficial and deep inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy through separate incisions. Patients with deeper tumor invasion >1 mm or wider than 2 cm and/or groin lymphnode metastases were referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. Those with large privary vulvar tumors received neoadjuvant radiotherapy of 30Gy followed by surgical treatment and adjuvant radiotherapy. Results: Most of patients had only primary radiotherapy to the vulva and inguinal lymph nodes and only 34.5% of patients were eligible for surgical treatment. In 5 year follow-up period 25.2% (27) patients were alive without the disease, 15.0% (16) were alive with the disease and 59.8% (64) were dead. 60.7% (65) patients experienced local recurrence and 2.8% (3) patients had distant metastases. Median survival for patients without recurrent disease was $38.9{\pm}3.2$ months and $36.0{\pm}2.6$ months with no statistically significant difference. Patients with early stage vulvar cancer had longer mean survival rates-for stage I $53.1{\pm}3.4$ months, $38.4{\pm}4.4$ months for stage II and $33.4{\pm}2.6$ and $15.6{\pm}5.2$ months for patients with stage III and stage IV vulvar cancer, respectively. The only signifficant prognostic factor predicting vulvar cancer recurrence was involvement of the midline. Conclusions: Patients having midline involvement of vulvar cancer has lower recurrence risk, probably because of receiving more aggressive treatment. There is a tendency for lower vulvar cancer recurrence risk for patients over 70 years of age and patients who are receiving radiotherapy as an only treatment without surgery, but tendency for higher risk of recurrence in patients with multifocal vulvar cancer.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.243-247
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• 2017

Reconstruction of the lower limb presents a complex problem after skin cancer surgery, as proximity of skin and bone present vascular and technical challenges. Studies on vascular anatomy have confirmed that the vascular plane on the lower limb lies deep to the deep fascia. Yet, many flaps are routinely raised superficial to this plane and therefore flap failure rates in the lower limb are high. Fascio-cutaneous flaps based on perforators offer a better cosmetic alternative to skin grafts. In this paper, we detail use of a thermal imaging camera to identify perforator 'compartments' that can help in designing such flaps.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.22
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• pp.9905-9908
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• 2014

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common chronic infectious agent in the stomach. Most importantly, it may lead to atrophy, metaplasia and cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of H. pylori infection and to detect early mucosal changes that may lead to malignant degeneration in children. Materials and Methods: Children who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included. Familial history of gastric cancer was noted. Endoscopic examinations were performed by a single pediatric gastroenterologist. A minimum of three biopsy samples were collected during endoscopy. The patients were accepted as H. pylori infected if results of biopsies and rapid urease test were both positive. Biopsies were evaluated for the presence and degree of chronic inflammation, the activity and severity of gastritis, glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. Results: A total of 750 children (388 boys, 362 girls) were evaluated in our study, with a mean age of 10.1 years. A total of 390 patients (52%) were found to be infected with H. pylori. Among the H. pylori infected patients, 289 (74%) were diagnosed to have chronic superficial gastritis, 24 (6.2%) had gastric atrophy. Most strikingly, intestinal metaplasia was observed in 11 children, all were in the H. pylori positive group. There was no difference in the mean of age, gender and socioeconomic class between H. pylori infected and non-infected groups. The frequency of gastric cancer in family members (4 in number) was higher in patients with H. pylori infection. No gastric cancer case was reported from the parents of non-infected children. The worst biopsy parameters (atropy and metaplasia) were improved after H. pylori eradication on control endoscopy. Conclusions: The current study shows a higher prevalence of familial history of gastric cancer in H. pylori infected children. Intestinal metaplasia was also higher in the infected children. Eradication of H. pylori infection for this risk group may prevent subsequent development of gastric cancer.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2014

Palliative care for cancer aims to relieve the discomfort and pain from the cancer itself and associated conditions. Gastrointestinal cancers originate from the tube like structure of gastrointestinal tract and cause complications such as obstruction, bleeding, adhesion, invasion, and perforation to adjacent organ. Recent advances in interventional endoscopy enables endoscopy physicians to do safe and effective care for gastrointestinal cancer patients. Endoscopic palliation includes stent, hemostasis, nutritional support and targeted drug delivery. Self expandable metallic stent is one of the most important modalities in gastrointestinal palliation. Through the endoscopy or over the wire pre-placed by endoscopy, stents restore the gastrointestinal luminal patency and relieve the obstructive condition. Endoscopic hemostasis is another important palliation in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Epinephrine injection, argon plasma coagulation and thermal cauterization are usual modalities for hemostasis. Histoacryl glue and fibrin glue are also available. Hemostatic nanopowder spray is newly reported effective in benign disease and is supposed to be effective also in cancer bleeding. Enteral feeding tubes including gastro- or jejunostomy and nosoduodenal tubes are placed by using endoscopic guidance. Enteral feeding tubes role as the route of easily absorbable or semi-digested nutrients and effectively maintain both patients calorie requirements and gut microenvironment. Photodynamic therapy is the one of the outstanding medical employments of photo-physics. Especially for superficial cancers in esophagus, photodynamic therapy is very useful in cancer removal and maintaining organ structure. In biliary neoplasm, photodynamic therapy is well known to be effective in cancer ablation and biliary ductal patency restoration. Targeted drug delivery is the lastest issue in palliative endoscopy. Debates and questions are still on the table. In this article, the role of endoscopic interventions in palliative care for the gastrointestinal tumors will be thoroughly reviewed.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.16-21
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• 2022

Diagnosis of gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) is sometimes difficult with conventional endoscopy or tissue sampling with standard biopsy, so non-invasive imaging modalities such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography are used to evaluate the characteristics of SETs features (size, location, originating layer, echogenicity, shape). However imaging modalities alone is not able to distinguish among all types of SETs, so histology is the gold standard for obtaining the final diagnosis. For tissue sampling, mucosal cutting biopsy and mucosal incision-assisted biopsy and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration or biopsy (EUS-FNA or EUS-FNB) is commonly recommended. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are used for resection of SETs involving the mucosal and superficial submucosal layers, could not treat adequately and safely the SETs involving the deep mucosa and muscularis propria. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is used as a therapeutic option for the treatment of SETs with the development of reliable endoscopic closure techniques and tools.