Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Original Articles

Revisiting human sparganosis: a pathologic review from a single institution: Jeemin Yim, Young A Kim, Jeong Hwan Park, Hye Eun Park, Hyun Beom Song, Ji Eun Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2026;60(1):83-91. Published online January 9, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.10.14

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Abstract PDF: Background
Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Spirometra species. Although it was relatively common in the past, it is now often overlooked. In this study, we review cases diagnosed through histopathological examination at a single institution in recent years to raise awareness of this neglected parasitic disease. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cases of human sparganosis identified in the pathology archives of a single institution in South Korea between 2004 and 2025. A comprehensive review was conducted, including demographic data, clinical features, lesion locations, imaging findings, exposure history (such as dietary habits), and histopathologic findings. Results: A total of 15 patients were identified, including 10 females and 5 males, with a mean age of 65.1 years. Lesions were most commonly located in the lower extremities and breast. Imaging findings were largely nonspecific, with ultrasonography being the most frequently used modality. In most cases, clinical suspicion of sparganosis was absent, and excision was performed under the impression of a benign or malignant tumor. Histologically, variably degenerated parasitic structures were identified within granulomatous inflammation. However, preserved features such as calcospherules and tegumental structures facilitated definitive diagnosis. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of recognizing the characteristic histopathological features of sparganosis, which can allow for accurate diagnosis even in the absence of clinical suspicion. Although rare, sparganosis remains a relevant diagnostic consideration in endemic regions, particularly in East Asia.

Diagnostic value of cytology in detecting human papillomavirus–independent cervical malignancies: a nation-wide study in Korea: Hye-Ra Jung, Junyoung Shin, Chong Woo Yoo, Eun Na Kim, Cheol Lee, Kyeongmin Kim, Ho-chang Lee, Yonghee Lee, Ji Hye Kim, Soo Jin Jung, Yumin Chung, Joo Yeon Kim, Hye Eun Park, Tae Hoen Kim, Wonae Lee, Min-Sun Cho, Ran Hong, Yoon Jung Choi, Younghee Choi, Young Sub Lee, Sang-Ryung Lee, Myunghee Kang, Young Jin Seo, Seung-Sook Lee, Yoon-Jung Hwang, Hyun-Jung Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(6):444-452. Published online November 11, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.10.21

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Abstract PDF: Background
Human papillomavirus (HPV) independent cervical malignancies (HPV-IDCMs) have recently been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) 5th edition. These malignancies have historically received limited attention due to their rarity and the potential for evasion of HPV-based screening.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 5,854 biopsy-confirmed cervical malignancies from 22 institutions over 3 years (July 2020–June 2023). Histologic classification followed the WHO guidelines. HPV independence was confirmed by dual negativity for p16 and HPV; discordant cases (p16-positive/HPV-negative) underwent additional HPV testing using paraffin-embedded tissue. Cytological results were matched sequentially to histological confirmation.
Results
The prevalence of HPV-IDCM was 4.4% (257/5,854) overall and was 3.6% (208/5,805 cases) among primary cervical malignancy. Patient age of HPV-IDCM was 29 to 89 years (median, 57.79). Its histologic subtypes included primary adenocarcinoma (n = 116), endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 35), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 72), metastatic carcinoma (n = 14), carcinoma, not otherwise specified (n = 10), neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 3), and others (n = 7). Among 155 cytology-histological matched cases, the overall and primary Pap test detection rates were 85.2% (132/155) and 83.2% (104/125), respectively. The interval between cytology and histologic confirmation extended up to 38 months.
Conclusions
HPV-IDCMs comprised 3.6% of primary cervical malignancies with a high detection rate via cytology (83.2%). These findings affirm the value of cytological screening, particularly in patients with limited screening history or at risk for HPV-independent lesions, and may guide future screening protocols.

The combination of CDX2 expression status and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density as a prognostic factor in adjuvant FOLFOX-treated patients with stage III colorectal cancers: Ji-Ae Lee, Hye Eun Park, Hye-Yeong Jin, Lingyan Jin, Seung Yeon Yoo, Nam-Yun Cho, Jeong Mo Bae, Jung Ho Kim, Gyeong Hoon Kang; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(1):50-59. Published online October 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.09.26

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) with caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2) loss are recognized to pursue an aggressive behavior but tend to be accompanied by a high density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). However, little is known about whether there is an interplay between CDX2 loss and TIL density in the survival of patients with CRC.
Methods
Stage III CRC tissues were assessed for CDX2 loss using immunohistochemistry and analyzed for their densities of CD8 TILs in both intraepithelial (iTILs) and stromal areas using a machine learning-based analytic method.
Results
CDX2 loss was significantly associated with a higher density of CD8 TILs in both intraepithelial and stromal areas. Both CDX2 loss and a high CD8 iTIL density were found to be prognostic parameters and showed hazard ratios of 2.314 (1.050–5.100) and 0.378 (0.175–0.817), respectively, for cancer-specific survival. A subset of CRCs with retained CDX2 expression and a high density of CD8 iTILs showed the best clinical outcome (hazard ratio of 0.138 [0.023–0.826]), whereas a subset with CDX2 loss and a high density of CD8 iTILs exhibited the worst clinical outcome (15.781 [3.939–63.230]).
Conclusions
Altogether, a high density of CD8 iTILs did not make a difference in the survival of patients with CRC with CDX2 loss. The combination of CDX2 expression and intraepithelial CD8 TIL density was an independent prognostic marker in adjuvant chemotherapy-treated patients with stage III CRC.

CpG Island Methylation in Sessile Serrated Adenoma/Polyp of the Colorectum: Implications for Differential Diagnosis of Molecularly High-Risk Lesions among Non-dysplastic Sessile Serrated Adenomas/Polyps: Ji Ae Lee, Hye Eun Park, Seung-Yeon Yoo, Seorin Jeong, Nam-Yun Cho, Gyeong Hoon Kang, Jung Ho Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2019;53(4):225-235. Published online March 19, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2019.03.12

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Although colorectal sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) with morphologic dysplasia are regarded as definite high-risk premalignant lesions, no reliable grading or risk-stratifying system exists for non-dysplastic SSA/Ps. The accumulation of CpG island methylation is a molecular hallmark of progression of SSA/Ps. Thus, we decided to classify non-dysplastic SSA/Ps into risk subgroups based on the extent of CpG island methylation.
Methods
The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) status of 132 non-dysplastic SSA/Ps was determined using eight CIMP-specific promoter markers. SSA/Ps with CIMP-high and/or MLH1 promoter methylation were regarded as a high-risk subgroup.
Results
Based on the CIMP analysis results, methylation frequency of each CIMP marker suggested a sequential pattern of CpG island methylation during progression of SSA/P, indicating MLH1 as a late-methylated marker. Among the 132 non-dysplastic SSA/Ps, 34 (26%) were determined to be high-risk lesions (33 CIMP-high and 8 MLH1-methylated cases; seven cases overlapped). All 34 high-risk SSA/Ps were located exclusively in the proximal colon (100%, p = .001) and were significantly associated with older age (≥ 50 years, 100%; p = .003) and a larger histologically measured lesion size (> 5 mm, 100%; p = .004). In addition, the high-risk SSA/Ps were characterized by a relatively higher number of typical base-dilated serrated crypts.
Conclusions
Both CIMP-high and MLH1 methylation are late-step molecular events during progression of SSA/Ps and rarely occur in SSA/Ps of young patients. Comprehensive consideration of age (≥ 50), location (proximal colon), and histologic size (> 5 mm) may be important for the prediction of high-risk lesions among non-dysplastic SSA/Ps.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

MLH1 Methylation Status and Microsatellite Instability in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Manuel Alejandro Rico-Méndez, Miguel Angel Trujillo-Rojas, María de la Luz Ayala-Madrigal, Jesús Arturo Hernández-Sandoval, Anahí González-Mercado, Melva Gutiérrez-Angulo, José Geovanni Romero-Quintana, Jesús Alonso Valenzuela-Pérez, Ruth Ramírez-Ramírez,
Genes.2025; 16(2): 182. CrossRef
Histologic Reappraisal and Evaluation of MLH1 Protein Expression in Sessile Serrated Lesions of the Proximal Colon
Priscilla de Sene Portel Oliveira, Miriam Aparecida da Silva Trevisan, Rita Barbosa de Carvalho, Rita de Cássia Perina Martins, João José Fagundes, Claudio Saddy Rodrigues Coy, Ashwini Esnakula
Gastroenterology Research and Practice.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Immune microenvironmental heterogeneity according to tumor DNA methylation phenotypes in microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancers
Jung Ho Kim, Jiyun Hong, Ji Ae Lee, Minsun Jung, Eunwoo Choi, Nam-Yun Cho, Gyeong Hoon Kang, Sangwoo Kim
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
How to "pick up" colorectal serrated lesions and polyps in daily histopathology practice: From terminologies to diagnostic pitfalls
Thai H Tran, Vinh H Nguyen, Diem TN Vo
World Journal of Clinical Oncology.2024; 15(9): 1157. CrossRef
Serrated Colorectal Lesions: An Up-to-Date Review from Histological Pattern to Molecular Pathogenesis
Martino Mezzapesa, Giuseppe Losurdo, Francesca Celiberto, Salvatore Rizzi, Antonio d’Amati, Domenico Piscitelli, Enzo Ierardi, Alfredo Di Leo
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2022; 23(8): 4461. CrossRef
NTRK oncogenic fusions are exclusively associated with the serrated neoplasia pathway in the colorectum and begin to occur in sessile serrated lesions
Jung Ho Kim, Jeong Hoon Hong, Yoon‐La Choi, Ji Ae Lee, Mi‐kyoung Seo, Mi‐Sook Lee, Sung Bin An, Min Jung Sung, Nam‐Yun Cho, Sung‐Su Kim, Young Kee Shin, Sangwoo Kim, Gyeong Hoon Kang
The Journal of Pathology.2021; 255(4): 399. CrossRef
Evolving pathologic concepts of serrated lesions of the colorectum
Jung Ho Kim, Gyeong Hoon Kang
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine.2020; 54(4): 276. CrossRef

Multiplicity of Advanced T Category–Tumors Is a Risk Factor for Survival in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma: Hye Eun Park, Seungyeon Yoo, Jeong Mo Bae, Seorin Jeong, Nam-Yun Cho, Gyeong Hoon Kang; J Pathol Transl Med. 2018;52(6):386-395. Published online November 14, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2018.10.02

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Abstract PDF

Background
Previous studies on synchronous colorectal carcinoma (SCRC) have reported inconsistent results about its clinicopathologic and molecular features and prognostic significance.
Methods
Forty-six patients with multiple advanced tumors (T2 or higher category) who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and who are not associated with familial adenomatous polyposis were selected and 99 tumors from them were subjected to clinicopathologic and molecular analysis. Ninety-two cases of solitary colorectal carcinoma (CRC) were selected as a control considering the distributions of types of surgeries performed on patients with SCRC and T categories of individual tumors from SCRC.
Results
SCRC with multiple advanced tumors was significantly associated with more frequent nodal metastasis (p = .003) and distant metastasis (p = .001) than solitary CRC. KRAS mutation, microsatellite instability, and CpG island methylator phenotype statuses were not different between SCRC and solitary CRC groups. In univariate survival analysis, overall and recurrence-free survival were significantly lower in patients with SCRC than in patients with solitary CRC, even after adjusting for the extensiveness of surgical procedure, adjuvant chemotherapy, or staging. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that tumor multiplicity was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio, 4.618; 95% confidence interval, 2.126 to 10.030; p < .001), but not for recurrence-free survival (p = .151).
Conclusions
Findings suggested that multiplicity of advanced T category–tumors might be associated with an increased risk of nodal metastasis and a risk factor for poor survival, which raises a concern about the guideline of American Joint Committee on Cancer’s tumor-node-metastasis staging that T staging of an index tumor determines T staging of SCRC.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Reveal the Regulation Patterns of Prognosis-Related miRNAs and lncRNAs Across Solid Tumors in the Cancer Genome Atlas
Zuojing Yin, Qiming Wang, Xinmiao Yan, Lu Zhang, Kailin Tang, Zhiwei Cao, Tianyi Qiu
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Whole-Slide Image Analysis Reveals Quantitative Landscape of Tumor–Immune Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancers
Seung-Yeon Yoo, Hye Eun Park, Jung Ho Kim, Xianyu Wen, Seorin Jeong, Nam-Yun Cho, Hwang Gwan Gwon, Kwangsoo Kim, Hye Seung Lee, Seung-Yong Jeong, Kyu Joo Park, Sae-Won Han, Tae-You Kim, Jeong Mo Bae, Gyeong Hoon Kang
Clinical Cancer Research.2020; 26(4): 870. CrossRef

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