• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.85-93
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• 2014

Purpose: Nodal metastasis is the main prognostic factor in the patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We investigated the association between tumor-associated lymphatics and OSCC characteristics. Methods: Thirty-four specimens were used for the immunohistochemical staining with the antibody for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D, VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3, phosphorylated VEGFR-3, D2-40, and matrix metallproteinases (MMPs). We observed the distribution of the lymphangiogenic factors and quantified the degree of expression. We determined lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and lymphatic vessel dilatation with D2-40 immunostaining. We assessed the association of LVD or lymphatic vessel dilatation with tumor progression or tumor differentiation. Results: OSCC cells expressed lymphangiogenic ligands. Lymphangiogenic receptor, VEGFR-3, was expressed and activated in some tumor cells as well as in tumor-associated endothelial cells. LVD was not associated with tumor size or nodal status, but lymphatic vessel dilatation was higher in tumors with nodal metastasis, and also higher in poorly differentiated tumors. In stromal area of OSCC, MMP-1 and MMP-10 were up-regulated and the basement membrane of tumor-associated endothelial cells was destroyed by these collagenases. Conclusion: In the primary tumors with nodal metastasis, especially in poorly differentiated OSCC, tumor cells invaded the dilated lymphatic vessels via ruptured sites. MMP-1 and MMP-10 are important in the lysis of the glycocalyx inside the tumor-associated lymphatic endothelial cells.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.119-125
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• 2008

Lymphatic filariasis, transmitted by mosquitoes is the commonest cause of lymphedema in endemic countries. Among 120 million infected people in 83 countries, up to 16 million have lymphedema. Microfilariae ingested by mosquitoes grow into infective larvae. These larvae entering humans after infected mosquito bites grow in the lymphatics to adult worms that cause damage to lymphatics resulting in dilatation of lymph vessels. This earliest pathology is demonstrated in adults as well as in children, by ultrasonography, lymphoscintigraphy and histopathology studies. Once established, this damage was thought to be irreversible. This lymphatic damage predisposes to bacterial infection that causes recurrent acute attacks of dermato-lymphangio-adenitis in the affected limbs. Bacteria, mainly streptococci gain entry into the lymphatics through 'entry lesions' in skin, like interdigital fungal infections, injuries, eczema or similar causes that disrupt integrity of skin. Attacks of dermato-lymphangio-adenitis aggravates lymphatic damage causing lymphedema, which gets worse with repeated acute attacks. Elephantiasis is a late manifestation of lymphatic filariasis, which apart from limbs may involve genitalia or breasts. Lymphedema management includes use of antifilarial drugs in early stages, treatment and prevention of acute attacks through 'limb-hygiene', antibiotics and antifungals where indicated, and physical measures to reduce the swelling. In selected cases surgery is helpful.

• Korean Journal of Cleft Lip And Palate
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.85-92
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• 2010

Vascular malformations (VMs) in the head and neck region are present at birth and grow commensurately with the child, they can result in significant cosmetic problems for the patient, and some may lead to even serious life threatening hemorrhage. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of these VMs remain unclear, lesions are known to result from abnormal development and morphogenesis. Histologically, there are no evidence of cellular proliferation, but rather progressive dilatation of abnormal channels, which VMs are designated to their prominent channel types such as capillary, venous, lymphatic, arterial, and combined malformations. VMs with an arterial component are rheologically fast-flow, whereas capillary, lymphatic, and venous components are slow-flow. In this article, we review the clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management of VMs of facial regions with author's embolization and surgical treatment cases.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.38-40
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• 2008

Purpose: Lymphangioma circumscriptum is a rare, congenital benign hamartous malformation, caused by the saccular dilatation of lymph channels lines by normal, single cell, lymphatic endothelia that present as local eruptions of persistent, grouped, translucent vesicles. The lymphangioma circumscriptum lesions may occur on axillary fold shoulder, neck proximal limbs and buccal mucosa. We reported a rare case of lymphangioma circumscriptum on the scalp. Methods: A 15-year-old girl with a $5{\times}3cm$ sized lymphangioma circumscriptum on scalp was examined. It was defined a boundry by ultrasound. And then, a tissue crescent type expander with 120 cc normal saline was inserted on occipital area for a month. After confirmed safety margin of the excised lymphangioma circumscriptum on frozen biopsy and the scalp flap was elevated and covered with empty space. Results: A histopathologic finding revealed that lymphangioma circumscriptum. During 11 months follow up, no relapse was found. Conclusion: We described a rare case of lymphangioma circumscriptum on scalp. By using a tissue expander and excision, we achieved no recurrence and aesthetically satisfactory outcome.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.1
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• pp.280-285
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• 2023

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign pelvic tumor in female and being symptomatic is an indication for surgical removal. As laparoscopic surgery has been developed, some cases related to parasitic leiomyomas in the port site have been reported. A 40-year-old female who a history of previous laparoscopic surgery to remove uterine myoma 2 years ago visited in outpatient clinic of general surgery with palpable mass in left lower abdomen. Contrast enhanced abdomen CT and pelvis MRI were done to evaluate the mass. It was diagnosed parasitic leiomyoma in pathologic study after surgical removal and parasitic leiomyoma should be considered when patient visited presenting abdominal mass with the history of laparoscopic myomectomy.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.132-137
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• 2017

To investigate the usefulness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for imaging lymphedema, we directly compared it to other histological methods in a mouse model of lymphedema. We performed detailed imaging of the lymphedema lesion on a mouse tail. We imaged the mouse tail in vivo with OCT and created histopathological samples. We constructed a spectrometer-based OCT system using a fiber-optic Michelson interferometer. The light was directed to 50:50 couplers that split the light into reference and sample arms. Backscattered light from a reference mirror and the sample produced an interference fringe. An OCT image of the lymphedema model revealed an inflammatory reaction of the skin that was accompanied by edema, leading to an increase in the light attenuation in the dermal and subcutaneous layers. Similar to OCT image findings, histological biopsy showed an inflammatory response that involved edema, increased neutrophils in epidermis and subdermis, and lymphatic microvascular dilatation. Furthermore, the lymphedema model showed an increase in thickness of the dermis in both diagnostic studies. In the mouse tail model of lymphedema, OCT imaging showed very similar results to other histological examinations. OCT provides a quick and useful diagnostic imaging technique for lymphedema and is a valuable addition or complement to other noninvasive imaging tools.