Cancer & Benign breast lumps Flashcards
Describe atypical ductal hyperplasia
Neoplastic proliferation of epithelial cells but does not fulfill the criteria of a non-invasive carcinoma
What are complex sclerosing lesions? Are they benign or malignant?
Complex Sclerosing lesions are radial scars that are benign lesions (but can appear malignant radiologically)
The NHS Breast screening programme is provided for women in which age range?
50 - 70
How often should mammogram be done? What are the things to look out for in a mammogram?
Mammogram should be taken every three years. Look out for calcifications and densities.
Which two genes are the most common cause of breast cancer?
BRCA2 and p53 genes
Breast cancer is derived from which cells?
Breast cancers are developed from epithelial cells that line the terminal duct lobular unit
What is the most common cause of cervical carcinoma?
Human papilloma virus (16 and 18)
Cervical carcinoma is usually squamous, columnar or glandular carcinoma?
Squamous cancers
Describe the stages of cervical carcinoma
Stage I: Tumours are confined to the cervix
Stage II: Tumours have extended locally to upper 2/3 of the vagina, IIb if in parametria.
Stage III: Tumours have spread to lower 1/3 of vagina, IIIb if to pelvic wall
Stage IV: Tumours have spread to bladder or rectum, IVb if spread to distant organs
Why must postmenopausal vaginal bleeding be promptly investigated?
Postmenopausal bleeding may suggest endometrial carcinoma
Which is more common: cancer in the uterine body or cancer of the cervix?
Cancer of the cervix
What is a common cause of endometrial carcinoma?
Excessive exposure to oestrogen unopposed by progesterone
Which 2 medications are risk factors of endometrial carcinoma?
Tamoxifen and tibolone
Describe the presentation of endometrial carcinoma
Usually postmenopausal bleeding. There is initially scanty and occasional bleeding with watery discharge. Then, bleeding gets heavy and frequent.
Premenopausal women will have intermenstrual bleeding or just menorrhagia.
What is the HPV vaccine protective against?
HPV vaccine is protective against cervical cancer.
Which HPV strains are the most common cause of cervical cancer?
HPV 16 and 18
Which gynaecological cancer have the best prognosis?
Endometrial cancer
Which gynaecological cancer is most common?
Ovarian cancer
What are the hallmark features of cancer in Gynae?
Haemorrhage and necrosis
Which is the most common benign breast tumour?
Describe its presentation.
Fibroadenoma.
Most common benign breast growth that is highly mobile on palpation (historically termed as “breast mouse”)
What are the indications for potential excision of fibroadenomas?
If is grows >3cm in diameter or under patient preference.
What is an adenoma?
An adenoma is a benign glandular tumour.
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a soft, mobile, benign adipose tumour.
What tissues is a fibroadenoma composed of? Which other tumour is also composed of these tissues and are difficult to distinguish from fibroadenomas?
Fibroadenoma is composed of stromal and epithelial tissue. Phyllodes tumour (high malignant potential).
Which of the following breast masses infer an increased risk of developing breast cancer?
A) Atypical ductal hyperplasia
B) Fibrocystic changes
C) Non-proliferative tumours
D) All benign tumours infer an increased risk of malignancy
A) Atypical ductal hyperplasia
What is a papilloma?
Who and where does it normally occur in?
What is a common presentation of a papilloma?
They can appear similar to which type of carcinoma?
A papilloma is a benign breast lesion that occurs in women in their 40s and 50s.
They are usually found in the subareolar region.
Hence, a common presentation is bloody or clear nipple discharge.
Similar to ductal carcinomas.
Which of the following statements about atypical ductal hyperplasia is false?
A) It is a proliferative breast lesion
B) It infers up to 5 times increased risk of breast cancer.
C) It is considered a pre-malignant lesion
D) It is histologically similar to in-situ carcinoma.
C) Atypical ductal hyperplasia is NOT considered a pre-malignant lesion.
