Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital announced on January 8 that a paper on rare diseases, co-authored by Professor Lee Donghoon of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and fourth-year medical student Kim Chaewon of Chonnam National University School of Medicine, has been published in the SCI-level international journal 'Journal of Craniofacial Surgery'.
This paper was written based on a rare case encountered by Kim Chaewon during a four-week student internship and clinical practice at Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital. The significance lies in the fact that the case discovered during the internship was not limited to simple observation, but was systematically analyzed and reviewed under the guidance of Professor Lee Donghoon, ultimately resulting in an academic paper.
The topic of the paper is 'Submucosal Angiolipoma of the Nasopharynx'. Angiolipoma is a benign tumor composed of mature adipose tissue and vascular components, and it typically occurs in the arms or trunk. Its occurrence in the nasopharynx, where adipose tissue is scarce, is considered extremely rare worldwide.
According to the paper, a 73-year-old male patient visited the hospital complaining of a persistent foreign body sensation in his throat for about five months. An endoscopic examination revealed a pedunculated tumor on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. The medical team completely removed the tumor through endoscopic surgery, and a pathological examination confirmed the final diagnosis as submucosal angiolipoma. The patient has remained stable without recurrence for 31 months since the surgery.
Kim Chaewon participated as the first author in this study, providing a detailed description of the diagnostic process and treatment strategies for the rare disease. In particular, she systematically organized the process of differentiating the possibility of metastasis from the patient's previous history of malignant melanoma, thereby enhancing the completeness of the paper.
Professor Lee Donghoon, the corresponding author, stated, "I was impressed by Kim Chaewon's attitude, as she did not overlook the academic value of the case and conducted an in-depth analysis despite the short internship period. I hope this experience will serve as an important foundation for her growth as a physician who understands both clinical practice and research."
Kim Chaewon said, "Thanks to my advisor's meticulous guidance, I was able to thoroughly learn the entire process of diagnosing and treating patients in a real clinical setting. I hope to continue conducting research that provides a basis for patient care in the future."
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