The role of computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative staging of gastric cancer, even if controversial, may be fundamental for evaluating the local extent and nodal involvement of the disease, especially in locally advanced cases. However, previous results of CT staging have not been satisfactory for predicting the invasive depth of the tumor or possible nodal metastases. Recently introduced multidetector row CT (MDCT) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging are expected to overcome the limitations in cancer staging by offering rapid and accurate information for space perception, detailed hemodynamics, and real-time 3D processing of volumetric data sets. In particular, virtual endoscopic imaging may be helpful for detecting early gastric cancer. In our experience, T and N stagings of gastric cancer were improved with 3D MDCT when using volume rendering and virtual endoscopic imaging compared with conventional axial two-dimensional (2D) CT (accuracy of T staging with 3D vs. 2D CT images, 84% vs. 77%; accuracy of N staging, 63% vs. 61% with 3D vs. 2D images, respectively). In particular, the detection rate of early gastric cancer was markedly increased up to 96% when using 3D MDCT. Therefore, we believe that 3D MDCT of the stomach may enhance the performance of CT in the preoperative evaluation of patients who have gastric cancer by offering easy early detection of lesions and accurate tumor staging through the 3D imaging process.
The mucin-hypersecreting bile duct tumor can be characterized by a striking homology with IPMT of the pancreas in clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a therapeutic laughter program and the number of program sessions on anxiety, depression, and stress in breast cancer patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 31 patients who received four sessions of therapeutic laughter program comprised and 29 who were assigned to the no-program control group. Scores for anxiety, depression, and stress were measured using an 11-point numerical rating scale. While no change was detected in the control group, the program group reported reductions of 1.94, 1.84, and 2.06 points for anxiety, depression, and stress, respectively (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01). Scores decreased significantly after the first therapeutic laughter session (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01). As the therapeutic laughter program was effective after only a single session in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress in breast cancer patients, it could be recommended as a first-line complementary/alternative therapy.
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