• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2004

Objectives: Cancer lethality is usually the result of local invasion and metastasis of neoplastic cell from the primary tumor. Because of their ability to degrade extracellular matrix components, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been implicated in the breakdown of basement membrane and underlying stroma, thereby facilitating tumor growth and invasion. It has been well established that MMPs and bFGF expression correlate with cervical lymph node metastasis, but studies on expression in the metastatic cervical lymph node itself are not enough. We have analyzed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and metastatic cervical lymph node, and evaluated their relationship and clinicophathologic significance. Material and Methods: 20 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were entered on the study of immunohistochemical stains for MMP-9 and bFGF in the obtained tissue from primary tumor and metastatic cervical lymph node. We analyzed the relationship between MMP-9, bFGF expression of the primary tumor and metastatic node with age, sex, T-stage, N-stage, histologic grade, pathologic stage and disease free survival. Results: Expression of MMP-9 and bFGF in cancer cell and metastatic lymph node was higher than that in normal cell and lymph node. According to histologic differentiation, expression of MMP-9 of the metastatic cervical lymph node was higher than primary tumor. Considering to other clinicopathologic factor, no statistical significance was seen in MMP-9 and bFGF. Conclusion: We found that expression of MMP-9 is higher in the metastatic lymph node than primary tumor in the poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. But we don't find out the statistical significance in relation between bFGF and clinical factors. So we guess that some different mechanism of MMP-9 and bFGF in Head & Neck squamous cell carcinoma exist. Further studies will be necessary to establish their pathogenesis in the Head and Neck cancer.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.8-12
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• 2001

It is well established that cervical lymph node metastasis is the base of clinical study on head and neck cancer. But few studies have been reported on lymph node metastasis of head and neck cancer in Korea. We consider it essential that studies on cervical lymph node metastases are conducted on pathologically proven database. Therefore, We must have database and consitent system for documentation and data collection of neck dissection specimen for prospective and retrospective study. Herein, We suggest several points from our experiences performing the proper data collection and documentation of neck dissection specimen.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.183-186
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• 2010

Purpose : Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is known for malignant tumor which has a favorable prognosis and long-term survival. Although the prognosis for patients with PTC is generally good, PTC tends to have highly metastatic property. The purpose of this study was to analyze the central compartment lymph node in papillary thyroid cancer with no lymph node metastasis clinically and to assess the significance of prophylactic node dissection. Methods : A retrospective review was carried out in 394 patients with PTC who underwent surgery for the period from January 2004 to December 2006. The positive rate of the lymph node metastasis was analyzed. The relations between the central compartment lymph nodes and the patients' age, gender, tumor size, exrathyroidal extension(ETE), multifocality, and bilaterality were comparatively analyzed in PTC patients with preoperative no lymph node metastasis. Results : The enrolled patients were 40 male and 354 female cases. The 118 cases of them were found to have cervical lymph node metastasis. The mean age was 46 years(range, 15-77years). Tumor size(p=0.000), ETE(p=0.001), multifocality(p=0.014), and bilaterality(p=0.001) were significantly related factors for cervical lymph node metastasis clinically in papillary thyroid cancer. However, age and gender were not significantly related with lymph node metastasis. Conclusion : Although no lymph node metastasis clinically, prophylactic neck node dissection can be performed to avoid risks of local recurrence and reoperation in the light of PTC nature. The pathological status and high positive rate of central compartment lymph node relate to tumor size and extrathyroidal extension. Close surveillance for nodal status is required in follow-up.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.37-40
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• 2013

Background and Objectives : To assess the usefulness of computed tomography image before papillary thyroid cancer surgery, focus on confirmation of lateral cervical lymph node metastasis not detected by ultrasonography. Material and Methods : From January 2008 to May 2009, total 150 patients who had undergone thyroid surgery and been confirmed papillary thyroid cancer pathologically were enrolled. They had taken neck computed tomography following the ultrasonography. Results : Computed tomography had found suspicious metastatic lateral neck lesion in 13 patients. After the image study, lateral neck lymph node dissection had been included in their surgical plan. Of these, only 7 cases were confirmed pathologically lateral neck lymph node metastasis(positive predictive value=0.54). Taken as whole 150 patients, additionally 4.7% of patients confirmed lateral neck lymph node metastasis by preoperative computed tomography. Conclusion : If preoperative ultrasonography was performed precisely, additional benefits that could be achieved by computed tomography were not much.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.86-90
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• 2015

Cystic lymph node metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) which presumed to be mainly originated from oropharynx including Waldeyer's ring may present as a benign cystic mass on lateral neck such as branchial cleft cyst. Branchial cleft cyst is one of the most common lateral neck cystic mass which may result in regional infection or lymph adenopathy. Many of previously reported literatures showed the incidence of cystic lymph node metastasis from oropharynx including Waldeyer's ring. Preoperative imaging studies and fine needle aspiration cytology cannot provide the accurate results until excision of cystic mass for the diagnostic or therapeutic purpose. Recently, we experienced the rare case of cystic lymph node metastasis from ipsilateral tonsil, which mimicked infected 2nd branchial cleft cyst. Thus, we reported our experience with presentation of case and review of literatures.

• International journal of thyroidology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 2018

Metastases to regional cervical lymph nodes occur frequently in patients with thyroid cancer. The appropriate management of regional lymph node is important to achieve good disease control and to classify risk stratification for adjuvant radioactive iodine. However, there are some occasions that neck dissection is difficult and embarrassing in thyroid cancer. Especially, extensive or unusual nodal metastases bring challenges and makes neck dissection more difficult. Carotid artery management is one of the most difficult procedure in neck dissection. The management of patients who have persistent or recurrent cervical metastasis involving the carotid artery has been controversial and treatment dilemma to the surgeon. Metastasis of well differentiated thyroid cancer to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes is rare but occasionally encountered. The complete surgical excision is usually recommended for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis of well differentiated thyroid cancer. An extensive mediastinal dissection in advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma is occasionally required. This paper will review recent reports of management of advanced nodal metastasis of thyroid cancer and share the author's personal experience.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.48 no.8
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• pp.594-606
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• 2010

Lymph node status is the single most important prognostic factor in oral cancer because lymph node involvement decreases overall survival by 50%. Appropriate management of the regional lymphatics, therefore, plays a central role in the treatment of the oral cancer patients. The purposes of this article are to present the history of neck dissections, including current neck dissection classification, describe the technique of the most common neck dissection applicable to oral cavity cancers, and discuss some of the complications associated with neck dissection. Finally, a brief review of elective neck dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy will be presented. It is necessary that dentists have to be interested in oral cancer and these interest will make it possible to prevent oral cancer, detect it earlier and also improve the prognosis, survival and the quality of life of survivors.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.81-84
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• 2017

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by accumulation of dendritic cells with features similar to epidermal Langerhans cells. It is a rare entity that may involve various organ levels such as the skeletal, pulmonary, hematopoietic and lympho-vascular systems. The patient was a 1-year-old female presented with fever associated with otorrhea and palpable cervical lymph node for 4 days. Neck ultrasonography and Computed tomography imaging revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes suggesting suspicious malignant morphology. Lymph node biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. Histological and immunophenotypic examination showed the lymph node to be consistent with LCH. The patient was given chemotherapy.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.35-39
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• 2016

Castleman's disease (CD) is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder. The disease entity is classified into 2 clinical subtypes, unicentric and multicentric type. Prevalence of lymphoid malignancy in multicentric CD (MCD) is very low. In this case, we report a case of 77 years old woman who developed high fever and swelling in both side of her neck. Neck lymph node biopsy revealed plasma cell hyperplasia. Patient's symptom was subsided after treatment with Dexamethasone. Three months later, multiple lymph node enlargement was developed in abdomen and neck area again. Repeated neck lymph node biopsy confirmed diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The patient started chemotherapy.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.58-61
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• 2004

Lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer occurs to anterior compartment (level VI) and superior mediastinal lymph node (Level VII). In lateral neck, it occurs commonly in middle and lower jugular lymph node (level III, IV). And it can also metastasis to posterior neck lymph node (level V). Superior mediastinal lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer requires superior mediastinal dissection with massive removal of peritracheal and periesophageal soft tissue. After superior mediastinal dissection, severe complication may occurs such as innominate artery rupture and tracheal necrosis. We describe a case of tracheal necrosis as a complication of superior mediastinal dissection and total thyroidectomy in thyroid cancer patient.