• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.136-142
• /
• 2009

Purpose: This clinical study was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of tumor markers for recurrence and the clinical significance of false positive findings after curative gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Two hundred ninety patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent were evaluated retrospectively. We analyzed the correlations between changes in tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9, AFP, and CA-125) and clinicopathologic data, and basis for changes in tumor markers without recurrence during the follow-up period. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of tumor markers for recurrence were 75.0%, 64.6%, 23.1%, 94.8%, and 65.9% respectively. Among 36 patients with recurrences, 10 patients (27.8%) had elevated tumor markers prior to positive findings on imaging studies, while 13 patients (36.1%) had concomitant elevation in tumor markers. At least 1 of the 4 tumor markers increased in 90 of 290 patients during the follow-up period; however, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence. Twenty patients had persistently elevated tumor markers, while the tumor marker levels in 70 patients returned to normal level within $9.08\pm7.2$ months. The patients with pulmonary disease, hepatobiliary disease, diabetes, hypertension, or herbal medication users had elevated tumor markers more frequently than patients without disease (P<0.001). Conclusion: Although detecting recurrence of gastric cancer with tumor markers may be useful, false positive findings of tumor markers are common, so surgeons should consider other chronic benign diseases and medical conditions when tumor markers increase without evidence of recurrence.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.287-293
• /
• 2009

Purpose: This study is to evaluate rib fractures on bone scan in breast cancer patients treated with breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy and to evaluate its relation with radiation therapy and operation modality. Materials and Methods: Two hundred seventy cases that underwent serial bone scan after breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy were enrolled. Bone scan and chest a findings of rib fracture were analyzed. Results: The rib uptake was seen in 74 of 270 cases (27.4%) on bone scan and 50 cases (18.5%) were confirmed to have rib fracture by chest CT. The rate of modified radical mastectomy in patients with rib fracture was significantly higher than that in patients without rib fracture (66.0% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.000). The rate of additional radiation therapy to axillar or supraclavicular regions in patients with rib fracture was significantly higher than that in patients without rib fracture (62.0% vs. 28.6%, p =0.000). Rib fracture was seen most frequently at 1-2 years after radiation therapy (51.9%) and single rib fracture was seen most frequently (55.2%). Of total 106 rib fractures, focal rib uptake was seen in 94 ribs (88.7%) and diffuse rib uptake was seen in 12 ribs (11.3%). On one year follow-up bone scan, complete resolution of rib uptake was seen in 15 ribs (14.2%). On chest a, the rate of fracture line in ribs with intense uptake was significantly higher than that in ribs with mild or moderate uptake (p = 0.000). The rate of presence of fracture line in ribs with focal uptake was significantly higher than that in ribs with diffuse uptake (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Rib fracture in breast cancer patients after radiation therapy was related to radiation portal and operation modality. It should be interpreted carefully as a differential diagnosis of bone metastasis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.256-261
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Intra-abdominal fluid collection is one of the risk factors associated with postoperative morbidity or mortality for patients who undergo gastric cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients with postoperative intra-abdominal fluid collection and to identify the indications for inserting a percutaneous drain (PCD) in patients with intra-abdominal fluid collection. Materials and Methods: Among the 1,277 patients who underwent operations for gastric cancer at Seoul National University Hospital between April 2005 and July 2006, the data of 117 patients with an intra-abdominal fluid collection were reviewed. Results: The number of patients' with pathologic stage I, II, III and IV disease was 42 (36.8%), 23 (20.2%), 16 (14%) and 33 (28.9%), respectively. Forty-three patients (36.3%) underwent PCD insertion and the other 43 patients received conservative management. A univariate analysis of multiple clinical variables revealed that age, gender, diabetes, liver disease, lymph node dissection, the pathologic stage and the body mass index (BMI, $kg/m^2$) were not significantly associated with PCD insertion (P>0.05). However, the univariate analysis showed that two characteristics were associated with a significantly high incidence of PCD insertion: a diameter of an intra-abdominal fluid collection greater than 4 cm and infectious signs such as leukocytosis, fever and bacteremia. Conclusion: About two thirds of the intra-abdominal fluid collections after surgery for gastric cancer were managed with only conservative method without other morbidities of mortality. Surgeons should consider performing PCD insertion if the largest diameter of an intra-abdominal fluid collection is over 4 cm or if infectious signs are seen.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.221-227
• /
• 2002

Purpose : To evaluate the role of postoperative chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer, we retrospectively analyzed the treatment results of patients treated by curative surgical resection and postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Materials and Methods : From April 1989 through December 1998, 119 patients were treated with curative surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal carcinoma in Gyeongsang National University Hospital. Patient age ranged from 32 to 73 years, with a median age of 56 years. Low anterior resection was peformed in 59 patients, and abdominoperineal resection in 60. Forty-three patients were AJCC stage II and 76 were stage III. Radiation was delivered with 6 MV X rays using either AP-PA two fields, AP-PA both lateral four fields, or PA both lateral three fields. Total radiation dose ranged from 40 Gy to 56 Gy. In 73 patients, bolus infusions of 5-FU $(400\;mg/m^2)$ were given during the first and fourth weeks of radiotherapy. After completion of radiotherapy, an additional four to six cycles of 5-FU were given. Oral 5-FU (Furtulone) was given for nine months in 46 patients. Results : Forty $(33.7\%)$ of the 119 patients showed treatment failure. Local failure occurred in 16 $(13.5\%)$ patients, 1 $(2.3\%)$ of 43 stage II patients and 15 $(19.7\%)$ of 76 stage III patients. Distant failure occurred in 31 $(26.1\%)$ patients, among whom 5 $(11.6\%)$ were stage II and 26 $(34.2\%)$ were stage III. Five-year actuarial survival was $56.2\%$ overall, $71.1\%$ in stage II patients and $49.1\%$ in stage III patients (p=0.0008). Five-year disease free survival was $53.3\%$ overall, $68.1\%$ in stage II and $45.8\%$ in stage III (p=0.0006). Multivariate analysis showed that T stage and N stage were significant prognostic factors for five year survival, and that T stage, N stage, and preoperative CEA value were significant prognostic factors for five year disease free survival. Bowel complication occurred in 22 patients, and was treated surgically in 15 $(12.6\%)$, and conservatively in 7 $(5.9\%)$. Conclusion : Postoperative chemoradiotherapy was confirmed to be an effective modality for local control of rectal cancer, but the distant failure rate remained high. More effective modalities should be investigated to lower the distant failure rate.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.42 no.5
• /
• pp.624-629
• /
• 2009

Background: Making the histologic diagnosis of small pulmonary nodules and ground glass opacity (GGO) lesions is difficult. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsies often fail to provide enough specimen for making the diagnosis. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) can be inefficient for treating non-palpable lesions. Preoperative localization of small intrapulmonary lesions provides a more obvious target to facilitate performing intraoperative. resection. We evaluated the efficacy of CT-guided localization with using a hook wire and this was followed by VATS for making the histologic diagnosis of small intrapulmonary nodules and GGO lesions. Material and Method: Eighteen patients (13 males) were included in this study from August 2005 to March 2008. 18 intrapulmonary lesions underwent preoperative localization by using a CT-guided a hook wire system prior to performing VATS resection for intrapulmonary lesions and GGO lesions. The clinical data such as the accuracy of localization, the rate of conversion-to-thoracotomy, the operation time, the postoperative complications and the histology of the pulmonary lesion were retrospectively collected. Result: Eighteen VATS resections were performed in 18 patients. Preoperative CT-guided localization with a hook-wire was successful in all the patients. Dislodgement of a hook wire was observed in one case. There was no conversion to thoracotomy, The median diameter of lesions was 8 mm (range: $3{\sim}15\;mm$). The median depth of the lesions from the pleural surfaces was 5.5 mm (range: $1{\sim}30\;mm$). The median interval between preoperative CT-guided with a hook-wire and VATS was 34.5 min (range: ($10{\sim}226$ min). The median operative time was 43.5.min (range: $26{\sim}83$ min). In two patients, clinically insignificant pneumothorax developed after CT-guided localization with a hook-wire and there were no other complications. Histological examinations confirmed 8 primary lung cancers, 3 cases of metastases, 3 cases of inflammation, 2 intrapulmonary lymph nodes and 2 other benign lesions. Conclusion: CT-guided localization with a hook-wire followed by VATS for treating small intrapulmonary nodules and GGO lesions provided a low conversion thoracotomy rate, a short operation time and few localization-related or postoperative complications. This procedure was efficient to confirm intrapulmonary lesions and GGO lesions.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.105-112
• /
• 2010

Purpose : To evaluate the specific radiologic findings of testicular lymphoma which will be able to differentiated from other testicular tumors. Materials and Methods : Pathologically confirmed eight cases were included in this study. All eight cases were performed ultrasonography and four cases were performed magnetic resonance image. On ultrasonography, the size, location, shape, margin, internal echogenicity, homogeneity and vascularity were evaluated. On magnetic resonance image, the shape, margin, homogeneity, signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, degree and homogeneity of the contrast enhancement and contrast enhancement change on dynamic enhancement study. Results : The margin of the mass was smooth on 6 of 8 patients. Internal echogenicity of the mass lesion was hypoechoic than normal testicular parenchyme on 7 of 8 patients. Four cases were homogeneous, 3 cases were relatively homogeneous and 1 case was heterogeneous. All 8 cases showed increased vascularity. The mass lesion was iso-signal intensity on T1-weighted image and low-signal intensity on T2-weighted image. All four cases were enhanced homogeneously and mildly than enhancing normal testicular parenchyme. On dynamic enhancement study, the mass lesion is progressively enhanced with time. Conclusion : The possibility of testicular lymphoma should be considered when testicular mass was homogeneously hypoechoic and low signal intensity on T2-weighted image in old age patients.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.5 no.4 s.20
• /
• pp.217-221
• /
• 2005

Purpose: The incidence of gastric neoplasms is increasing in the elderly population, and a rational method of treatment for gastric cancer in the elderly is needed to improve survival. The purpose of the present study was to clarify whether the patient's age is an independent prognostic factor and to determine clinicopathological characteristics in the elderly. Material and Methods: Curative or palliative surgery for gastric cancer was carried out on 706 patients in Chosun University Hospital from March 1995 to February 2002. They were divided into the following two groups: elderly group (75 years or older) and control group (under 74 years old). The clinicopathologic features of these patients were reviewed retrospectively, and a multivariate analysis was performed. Results: There was no difference in clinicopathological appearances between the two groups, and the postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were similar in the two groups. The two groups showed similar survival rates. Conclusion: In this study, age was not a prognostic factor in surgery for gastric cancer. In the elderly, an oncologically correct surgical procedure can safely be prosecuted with satisfactory early and late results.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.468-473
• /
• 2001

Castleman's disease or angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. It may be appear as a local or generalized tumor-like condition, usually in chest or abdomen and may involve both lymph nodes and non-nodal tissues. Castleman's disease is an unusal entity which may at times mimic malignancy but is entirely benign in nature. It is topical as it has been noted to occur with AIDS and Kaposi's sarcoma. Careful interpretation of radiogram may help to distinguish Castleman's disease from other tumor condition, such as lymphoma, neurogenic tumor, or even angiofibroma, etc. But exact diagnosis must be made on the basis of histologic confirmation. In addition to histologic features, clinical distinction between the localized and multicentric form is important in selecting appropriate management. Surgical excision of an localized mass is the first choice of treatment. Partial resection, radiotherapy or observation alone may avoid the need for exessively aggressive therapy. Patients with multicentric disease don't benefit by surgical management because of systemic manifestation and rapid deterioration. Thus, antineoplastic agents and steroids may offer an alternative form of therapy. We report a case of female patient with Castleman's disease in oral and maxillofacial region, treated by surgical excision with good results.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.47-51
• /
• 2005

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare clinicopathologic entity of unknown etiology with a variety of digestive symptoms. The pathogenesis is poorly understood. Diagnostic criteria include demonstration of eosinophilic infiltration of the affected bowel wall, lack of evidence of extraintestinal disease, and exclusion of various disorders that could mimic similar conditions. The disease might involve any area of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum, but the stomach and the proximal small bowel are most commonly affected. The clinical features depend on which layer and site are involved. We report the case of a 59-year-old male patient with a 3-week history of post-prandial vomiting with malnutrition and weight loss. An abdominopelvic CT showed a gastric outlet obstruction with diffuse wall thickening, as with linitis plastica. Three gastrofiberscopic biopsies showed chronic gastritis. We carried out a radical total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. The pathologic report revealed a mural type eosinophilic gastritis with a marked hypertrophic scar formation at the proper muscle layer. We report this case with a brief review of the literature. (J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc 2005;5:47-51)

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.106-112
• /
• 2001

Purpose: Even with excellent surgical outcome, recurrence of early gastric cancer (EGC) after a curative resection is not declining because the incidence of EGC is increasing. The aim of this study was to propose an appropriate treatment strategy by assessing the risk factors for recurrence of curatively resected early gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Of 3662 patients who had undergone gastric resections for gastric cancer from 1987 to 1996, the cases of 1050 curatively resected EGC patients were reviewed retrospectively. Among those 1050 patients, 50 patients ($4.8\%$) were diagnosed as having recurrent cancer, which was confirmed by clinico-radiological examination or re-operation. The risk factors that determined the recurrence patterns were investigated by using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The mean time to recurrence was 30.9 months, and hematogenous recurrence was the most frequent type ($32.0\%$). Among the 50 recurred patients, peritoneal recurrence showed the shortest mean time to recurrence ($18.5\pm17.7$months). Between the recurred and the non-recurred patients, there was no statistically significant difference with respect to age, sex, operation type, tumor size, tumor location, gross appearance, or histological differentiation. However, depth of invasion (submucosal invasion) and nodal involvement were significantly different (P<0.001) between the two groups. Using logistic regression analyses, nodal involvement was the only significant risk factor for recurrence in early gastric cancer (P<0.001). The median survival after the recurrence had been diagnosed was 4 months. Conclusion: Although the prognosis for EGC patients is excellent and recurrence of EGC after a curative resection is rare, the time to recurrence and the patterns of recurrence in EGC patients were diverse and unpredictable, and the result after recurrence is dismal. Considering the impact of lymph node metastasis on recurrence of EGC, a systematic lymphadenectomy, rather than limited surgery, should be performed if lymph node involvement is confirmed pre- or intraoperatively. Also if the postoperative pathologic findings reveal lymph node involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended.