1: Gynaecological Cancers: Benign Cervical Disease Flashcards
What is a cervical ectropion
Eversion of the endocervix, exposing columnar epithelium
What commonly causes cervical ectropion
Increased oestrogen
When are cervical ectropions more common
Adolescence (Puberty)
COCP
Pregnancy
What is an overall RF for cervical ectropion
Increased oestrogen
What are risk factors for cervical ectropion
COCP
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Adolescence
When is a cervical ectropion rare and other differential diagnosis should be considered
If post-menopausal women
What are common symptoms of cervical ectropion
Asymptomatic. Or:
- Post-coital bleed
- IM bleed
- Increase in non-purulent discharge
How will cervical ectropion appear on exam
Red area of cervix
What is the cervix made of
Endocervix and Ectocervix
What is the endocervix
Lines inner portion of cervix
What type of epithelium is the endocervix
Columnar epithelium
What is the ectocervix
Lines portion of the cervix in vagina
What does the ectocervix contain
Stratified squamous epithelium
Explain pathophysiology of cervical ectropion
Ectocervix undergoes metaplasia triggered by oestrogen to form endocervix, which contains columnar epithelium.
Why will some women with cervical ectropion experience increase in discharge
As columnar epithelium contains mucinous glands.
Why does post-coital bleeding occur in cervical ectropion
As intercourse can disrupt blood vessels of the columnar epithelium.
How is cervical ectropion diagnosed
Clinically
Explain management of cervical ectropion
Does not require management, unless symptomatic
What is first line for cervical ectropion
COCP
What is second-line for cervical ectropion
Ablation
What are cervical polyps
Benign growths inner surface cervix
What is peak incidence of cervical polyps
50-60
What is a risk factor for cervical polyps
Multiparous
How do cervical polyps usually present
Asymptomatic
If symptomatic, how may cervical polyps present
Abnormal uterine bleeding:
- Intermenstrual
- Post-coital
What causes cervical polyps
Focal hyperplasia of endocervix
What is thought to cause cervical polyps
Chronic inflammation
How can cervical polyps only be definitively diagnosed
Histology on removal
What is associated with cervical polyps
Endometrial polyps. Therefore TV-US for women
What is risk of polyps transforming to malignancy and what does this mean
0.5%. All polyps should be removed when identified
How are small cervical polyps removed
Polpectomy forceps
How are large cervical polyps removed
Diathermy loop excision
