Won Ku Choi

Relationships among sexual function, marital intimacy, type D personality and quality of life in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses

This study aimed to identify the relationships among sexual function, marital intimacy, type D personality and quality of life (QoL) in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and 104 patients were recruited using convenience sampling, from the inpatient and outpatient gynaecological clinics of two tertiary medical centres using structured questionnaires. Of the 104 participants, 31.7% were classified as having a type D personality. The type D group had lower marital intimacy, higher symptoms and lower QoL than the non-type D personality group. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis showed that monthly income, symptoms, marital intimacy and type D personality were independent factors that influenced QoL in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, marital intimacy and type D personality should be considered in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses when evaluating QoL. Intervention strategies considering these characteristics could improve QoL for patients with ovarian cancer patient, with spouses.

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vagina: A case report and literature review

Rationale: Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is an exceptionally rare mesenchymal tumor that predominantly manifests in the female genital organs during the reproductive age. Its rarity alone makes it a fascinating subject for study. The diagnosis of AAM necessitates differentiation from other benign or mesenchymal tumors and can be confirmed through immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Surgical resection is the primary treatment, and adjuvant treatment can be used as hormonal therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors. Patient concerns: A 44-year-old premenopausal Korean woman presented with a growing perineal mass and frequent urination. Diagnoses: Histopathological findings confirmed AAM, with IHC staining showing estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, actin and desmin positivity, and CD34 and S100 negativity. Interventions: The mass was excised transvaginally under general anesthesia. Outcomes: The patient showed no signs of recurrence 6 months postoperatively. Lessons: AAM in the vagina is a rare tumor that requires differential diagnosis using IHC staining. Previously, we reviewed reported cases and confirmed the feasibility and effectiveness of surgery as the main treatment. This might reassure us about the potential successful treatment of AAM. Adjuvant hormonal therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors can further reduce the risk of recurrence.