PURPOSE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate various cellular functions, including development, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. Different signatures associated with various tissue types, diagnosis, progression, prognosis, staging, and treatment response have been identified by miRNA expression profiling of human tumors. miRNAs function as oncogenes or as tumor suppressors. The relationship between gastric cancer and miRNA garnered attention due to the high incidence of gastric cancer in Asian countries. miR-222/221 expression increases in gastric tumor tissues. The oncogenic effect of miR-222/221 was previously determined in functional studies and xenograft models. In this study, transgenic mice over-expressing miR-222/221 were generated to confirm the effect of miR-222/221 on gastric carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At 6 weeks of age, 65 transgenic mice and 53 wild-type mice were given drinking water containing N-nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU) for 5 alternating weeks to induce gastric cancer. The mice were euthanized at 36 weeks of age and histologic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Hyperplasia was observed in 3.77% of the wild-type mice and in 18.46% of the transgenic mice (p=0.020). Adenoma was observed in 20.75% of the wild-type mice and 26.15% of the transgenic mice (p=0.522). Carcinoma was observed in 32.08% of the wild-type mice and 41.54% of the transgenic mice (p=0.341). The frequency of hyperplasia, adenoma, and carcinoma was higher in transgenic mice, but the difference was statistically significant only in hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that hyperplasia, a gastric pre-cancerous lesion, is associated with miR-222/221 expression but miR-222/221 expression does not affect tumorigenesis itself.
Adenoma ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Carcinogenesis* ; Cell Proliferation ; Diagnosis ; Drinking Water ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Incidence ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic* ; MicroRNAs ; Oncogenes ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms

PURPOSE: Metformin is associated with an anticancer effect. However, the effects of metformin in rectal cancer are controversial. This study investigated the impact of metformin on the survival of patients with diabetes mellitus and nonmetastatic rectal cancer who underwent curative surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database was provided by the Korea Center Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance Service of the Republic of Korea. A cohort of patients with newly diagnosed rectal cancer between 2005 and 2011 was identified. Drug exposure was defined as receiving the oral hypoglycemic agent for at least 90 days over the period from 6 months before the initial diagnosis of rectal cancer to the last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 4,503 patients were prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents and classified as the diabetic group, of which 3,694 patients received metformin for at least 90 days. Unadjusted analyses showed a significantly higher overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.596; 95% confidence interval, 0.506 to 0.702) and rectal cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio, 0.621; 95% confidence interval, 0.507 to 0.760) in the metformin group than in the nonmetformin group. The adjusted overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.631; 95% confidence interval, 0.527 to 0.755) and cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio, 0.598; 95% confidence interval, 0.479 to 0.746) in the group with a medication possession ratio of 80% or greater was significantly higher than in the group with a medication possession ratio of less than 80%. CONCLUSION: Metformin use is associated with overall and cancer-specific survival in diabetic patients with a nonmetastatic rectal cancer treated with a curative resection.
Cohort Studies ; Colorectal Surgery ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; Korea ; Metformin* ; National Health Programs ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Republic of Korea

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of ex vivo multispectral photoacoustic (PA) imaging in differentiating cholesterol versus neoplastic polyps, and benign versus malignant polyps, of the gallbladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 surgically confirmed gallbladder polyps (24 cholesterol polyps, 4 adenomas, and 10 adenocarcinomas) from 38 patients were prospectively included in this study. The surgical specimens were set on a gel pad immersed in a saline-filled container. The PA intensities of polyps were then measured, using two separate wavelength intervals (421–647 nm and 692–917 nm). Mann-Whitney U test was performed for the comparison of normalized PA intensities between the cholesterol and neoplastic polyps, and between the benign and malignant polyps. Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted for the comparison of normalized PA intensities among the cholesterol polyps, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the normalized PA intensities between the cholesterol and neoplastic polyps at 459 nm (median, 1.00 vs. 0.73; p = 0.032). Comparing the benign and malignant polyps, there were significant differences in the normalized PA intensities at 765 nm (median, 0.67 vs. 0.78; p = 0.013), 787 nm (median, 0.65 vs. 0.77; p = 0.034), and 853 nm (median, 0.59 vs. 0.85; p = 0.028). The comparison of the normalized PA intensities among cholesterol polyps, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas demonstrated marginally significant differences at 765 nm (median, 0.67 vs. 0.66 vs. 0.78, respectively; p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: These preliminary results indicate that benign versus malignant gallbladder polyps might exhibit different spectral patterns on multispectral PA imaging.
Adenocarcinoma ; Adenoma ; Cholesterol ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Gallbladder Neoplasms ; Gallbladder* ; Humans ; Photoacoustic Techniques ; Polyps* ; Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertions for palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions have been revealed to be an effective treatment. We present our clinical experience with the use of SEMS for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions caused by periampullary cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent endoscopic biliary and duodenal SEMS insertion for palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction caused by periampullary cancer between July 2007 and October 2016. The patients received simultaneous or sequential endoscopic biliary stenting and duodenal stenting with COMVITM stents (partially covered; Taewoong, Seoul, Korea). RESULTS: The final diagnoses of our enrolled patients were 15 pancreas head cancer, and 3 distal common bile duct (CBD) cancer. The main stricture site in the duodenum was bulb (n = 4, 22.2%), 2nd portion (n = 9, 50.0%), and 3rd portion (n = 5, 27.8%). The technical success rates of CBD and duodenal stenting were 100% (18/18), and 100% (18/18), respectively. The clinical success rates of CBD and duodenal stenting were 100% (18/18), and 88.9% (16/18), respectively. Median actuarial stent patency for biliary and duodenal SEMS were 6.5 months (range, 1-2 months) and 4.5 months (range, 1-14 months), respectively. Three patients (16.7%) had recurrent biliary obstruction and all of them underwent percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) with biliary SEMS reinsertion. Three other patients (16.7%, totally different from patients with CBD restenosis) had recurrent duodenal obstruction and all of them underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with duodenal SEMS reinsertion. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic SEMS insertions for simultaneous palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction in patients with periampullary cancer may provide a safe, and less invasive alternative to surgical palliation with a successful clinical outcome.
Common Bile Duct ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Diagnosis ; Drainage ; Duodenal Obstruction ; Duodenum ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Palliative Care* ; Pancreas ; Retrospective Studies ; Self Expandable Metallic Stents ; Seoul ; Stents*

Gastrointestinal neoplasms with an exocrine and a neuroendocrine component are rare. Such neoplasms are called “mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas” (MANECs) according to the most recent World Health Organization classification of gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. MANECs have no specific findings that distinguish them from pure adenocarcinomas. In addition, the optimal management strategy of MANECs is largely unknown. We describe the case of a 32-year-old man with dizziness and abdominal bloating. A cecal mass was suspected based on an image study done at a local clinic. We evaluated the cecal mass by using colonoscopy, contrast enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, and laboratory studies. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. The final histopathological diagnosis was a high-grade MANEC of the ascending colon, tumor stage T3N2M0.
Abdomen ; Adenocarcinoma ; Adult ; Cecum* ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Classification ; Colon, Ascending ; Colonoscopy ; Diagnosis ; Dizziness ; Electrons ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; World Health Organization

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report the case of a long, solitary, rosary-shaped neurofibroma that was misdiagnosed as another disease due to the patient's surgical history involving repetitive procedures and its abnormal appearance. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Neurofibroma is an intradural-extramedullary spinal tumor. It is generally not difficult to diagnose due to its frequent occurrence and specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. However, to date, neurofibromatosis stigmata and long, solitary, rosary-shaped neurofibromas have rarely been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 60-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to persistent pain, despite previous surgery and repetitive procedures. On physical examination, vision loss, hearing loss, skin discoloration, or subcutaneous nodules were not observed. A neurologic examination revealed normal motor and sensory function and voiding sensation. No pathologic reflexes such as the Babinski sign were observed. Previous sequential MRIs revealed intradural lesions that progressed from the thoracic vertebra 11 to the lumbar vertebra 3. She had no signs of neurofibromatosis stigmata, and the neurologic examination was unremarkable. The initial diagnosis was based on serial MRIs, which revealed a parasite infestation, a spinal cord tumor (myxopapillary-type ependymoma with hemorrhage), arachnoiditis, and vascular malformations. Total mass excision was performed, and the final diagnosis was neurofibroma. RESULTS: There were no signs of a tumor remnants or local recurrence in a 1-year follow-up MRI study. CONCLUSIONS: Although intradural spinal tumors are very rare, their clinical features are nonspecific and resemble other degenerative spinal diseases, including spinal stenosis and disc herniation. These diseases may easily be overlooked by physicians.
Arachnoid ; Arachnoiditis ; Christianity ; Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Errors ; Ependymoma ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Neurofibroma* ; Neurofibromatoses ; Neurologic Examination ; Parasites ; Physical Examination ; Recurrence ; Reflex ; Reflex, Babinski ; Sensation ; Skin ; Spinal Cord Neoplasms ; Spinal Diseases ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine ; Vascular Malformations

BACKGROUND: Jeju Island is geographically and socioeconomically distinct from the mainland of South Korea. Thus, the presentation and management of non-melanocytic skin cancers (NMSC) of the head and neck may differ from those in other regions of the country. We compared the clinical characteristics and treatment modalities of NMSC on Jeju Island with the findings of similar regional studies. METHODS: Patient data, including age, sex, diagnosis, tumor site, treatment, and recurrence, were obtained from the medical and pathology records of patients diagnosed with NMSC between January 2010 and June 2015. RESULTS: In total, 190 patients (57 men) with a mean age of 75 years (range, 42–97) were assessed. Overall, 203 NMSCs were diagnosed, including 123 basal cell carcinomas and 80 squamous cell carcinomas. The tumor sites included the nose, cheeks, periorbital area, and lips (n=55, 54, 25, and 20, respectively). We identified 92 T1-stage and 60 T2-stage tumors, and 120 cases were treated with wide surgical resection and 17 cases were treated with radiation therapy at the medical center. Of the 120 cases treated surgically, 69 required reconstructive surgery using a local skin flap, 22 required full-thickness skin grafting, and 12 underwent primary closure. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas recurred in 2 and 1 cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the reports from other regions, the average patient age was 10 years higher, with a marked female preponderance. While the proportion of squamous cell carcinoma was higher than in other regions, the tumor distribution and surgical management profiles were similar.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cheek ; Clinical Study* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Head* ; Humans ; Korea ; Lip ; Neck* ; Nose ; Pathology ; Recurrence ; Skin Neoplasms* ; Skin Transplantation ; Skin*

Tufted angioma is a rare benign vascular neoplasm that usually occurs in children. It appears as an erythematous, purplish, indurated papule or plaque on the trunk or neck. Although it can have variable clinical manifestations, the annular or serpiginous configuration of lesions resembling tinea infections has rarely been reported. A 47-year-old woman presented with an erythematous plaque enlarging by peripheral extension to form polycyclic or serpiginous figures on her left chin and buccal cheek for 7 months without any subjective symptoms. Tinea faciale was considered as the initial clinical diagnosis, but repeated KOH tests were all negative; therefore, skin biopsy was performed. Histopathology revealed discrete circumscribed foci of capillaries scattered throughout the dermis showing a cannon ball appearance, compatible with tufted angioma. Clinical features showed considerable improvement after 2 sessions of intense pulsed light and pulsed-dye laser (5 repetitions) without any complications. Herein, we report a rare case of polycyclic variant of tufted angioma, which developed in a woman in her 5th decade.
Biopsy ; Capillaries ; Cheek ; Child ; Chin ; Dermis ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hemangioma* ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Skin ; Tinea* ; Vascular Neoplasms

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic vasculitis that affect small and medium-sized blood vessels and is accompanied by asthma, eosinophilia, and peripheral neuropathy. This report describes a case of a 52-year-old man who had a history of sinusitis, asthma, and thymus cancer and who had complained of bilateral lower extremity paresthesia and weakness for a month. Peripheral neuropathy was detected by electrodiagnostic studies. Resection of a mediastinal mass, which was diagnosed as thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma, was performed five months before his visit. After thymectomy, peripheral blood tests revealed a gradual increase in eosinophils. Two months after surgery, he was admitted to the hospital for dyspnea, and nodules of focal consolidation were found in his chest X-ray. One month later, pyoderma occurred in the right shin, and the skin biopsy showed extravascular eosinophilic infiltration. He was diagnosed with CSS after thymectomy, and we report a very rare case of CSS presented with thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Asthma ; Biopsy ; Blood Vessels ; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine* ; Churg-Strauss Syndrome* ; Diagnosis* ; Dyspnea ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Middle Aged ; Paresthesia ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Polyneuropathies ; Pyoderma ; Sinusitis ; Skin ; Systemic Vasculitis ; Thorax ; Thymectomy ; Thymus Neoplasms

PURPOSE: To report brain metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as homonymous hemianopia. CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old female with a history of hepatectomy and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 19 months earlier was referred to our neuro-ophthalmology clinic for evaluation due to headache and decreased visual acuity over the past several months. Best visual acuity was 20/20, and the results of all other aspects of our examination were normal except Humphrey automatic perimetry, which showed complete left homonymous hemianopia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass in the right occipital lobe. Craniotomy and removal of tumor were performed. HCC was confirmed by histopathologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: Metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma to the occipital lobe is extremely rare but can present as homonymous hemianopia. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this when examining a patient with a history of HCC.
Brain ; Brain Neoplasms ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Craniotomy ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Headache ; Hemianopsia* ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Occipital Lobe* ; Visual Acuity ; Visual Field Tests