A Case of Schwannoma Located in the External Auditory Canal / 대한이비인후과학회지

Schwannoma is slowly-growing, benign tumor that originates from the schwann cell and is rarely found in the external auditory canal (EAC). In this article, we describe a 30-year-old female patient with 12x7x4 mm EAC schwannoma located between the helical crura and tragus of the left ear. The schwannoma was easily removed by local excision. We discuss the differential diagnosis, clinical and histologic features, and treatment of EAC schwannoma.

A Case of Nasal Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma Misdiagnosed as Reccurent Periorbital Cellulitis or Acute Dacryocystitis

Nasal extranodal natural killer/T cell (NK/T cell) lymphoma is more common in East Asia than in the United States, comprising up to 7-10% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Early nasal symptoms are nonspecific and similar to chronic rhinosinusitis, such as nasal obstruction and nasal bleeding. With disease progression, inflammation and necrosis of the mucosa increase, hindering pathologic diagnosis. We experienced a case of nasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma in a 58-year-old woman who presented with recurrent periorbital swelling.

A Case of the Carotid-Cavernous Fistula Due to the Internal Carotid Artery Injury During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Rupture of the internal carotid artery (ICA) during endoscopic sinus surgery is a rare complication. However, it can potentially result in death within minutes. In the event of a traumatic injury to the ICA during sphenoid sinus exploration, it is very difficult to control the bleeding. We present a case of carotid-cavernous fistula after an accidentally-developed ICA bleed during endoscopic sphenoidotomy. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular embolization techniques that included detachable microcoils.

A Case of Ethmoid Osteoma with Orbital Extension Presenting with Occipital Headache

Osteoma is a slow-growing benign tumor composed of mature bone. Paranasal sinus osteoma is benign, well-circumscribed, slow-growing, frequently asymptomatic and usually diagnosed incidentally. However, depending on the location, osteoma may lead to headaches, proptosis, rhinorrhea, diplopia, hyposmia and facial deformity. While it is generally agreed that surgical intervention is not indicated, symptomatic osteomas are always treated surgically, typically with open procedures. As an alternative, the endonasal technique presents several important advantages: better visualization of anatomic structures; preservation of the natural drainage pathway; absence of scar formation; reduced morbidity; shorter hospital stay; and limited bleeding. We experienced a case of osteoma presenting with occipital headache and that was removed using anintranasal endoscopic approach. Here we report this case with a review of literature.

Perception of Artificial Hydration for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: Patients, Families and General Public / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate how much understand about artificial hydration in patients with terminal cancer, according to the subject groups, including patients, families, and general public. METHODS: Data were collected from June 2007 to December 2007 and the participants included 22 hospitalized patients in the hospice unit of S Hospital, 100 families, and 101 participants who participated in a hospice education program for the general public. The questionnaire was developed through literature review, interview with patients' families, and expertise consultation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with an SAS program. RESULTS: Understanding of artificial hydration among patients, families and general public was examined from three perspectives. From an ethical perspective, 'if you receive artificial hydration, you can live longer', 45.5%, 63%, and 52.4% of the above three groups, respectively, answered "yes". From an emotional perspective, 'artificial hydration must be provided', 81.8%, 70% and 58.4%, respectively, agreed. From a cultural perspective, 'if artificial hydration is not provided for the patient, the families will feel painful', 95.5%, 83%, and 88.2%, respectively, answered "yes". CONCLUSION: This study found the differences in understanding of artificial hydration among patients, families and general public, and also found that less than 50 percent of the participants understood artificial hydration appropriately. We suggest, therefore, that patients' understanding about artificial hydration should be determined in the clinical setting and then followed by individualized education according to given medical situations.