Cervix, Vulva & Vagina Pathology Flashcards
Describe the histology of a normal ectocervix
Basement membrane underpinned in stroma, basal cells on top then paranasal cells. Nuclei get smaller and become exfoliating cells
What does the ectocervix look like on a smear?
Squamous velds, small well defined nucleus with large surrounding cytoplasm
Describe the histology of a normal endocervix
Single layer of glandular epithelium, lined by single cell layer of columnar epithelium
What does the endocervix look like on a smear?
Cytoplasm, nuclei and cilia can be seen
Describe the transformation zone
Squamo-columnar junction
What is inflammation of the cervix called?
Cervicitis
What can cause inflammation of the cervix?
Chlamydia
Herpes
Follicular cervicitis
Name the neoplasm that can present in the cervix
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Cervical intraepithelial glandular neoplasia
Squamous carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
State the risk factors for cervical pathology
High risk HPV Many sexual partners Vulnerable SC Junction - age of first intercourse - long term oral contraceptives - non-use barrier contraception Smoking Immunosuppression (HIV/Chemotherapy)
Describe low risk HPV
Type 6 and 11
Infection of squamous epithelium causes enlarged nuclei, thickened and papillomatous with cytoplasmic vacuolation
Describe high risk HPV
Type 16 and 18
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Pale cells with odd shaped nuclei
What is special about squamous cells?
They can produce keratin
What is CIN?
Pre-invasive, dysplasia of squamous cells at the transformation zone
What nuclear abnormalities can be seen in CIN?
Hyperchromasia
Increased nucleocytoplasmic ratio
Pleomorphism
What happens to the basal cells in CIN?
Usually the nuclei get smaller (mature) towards the surface but in CIN there is excess mitotic activity above basal layers and abnormal mitotic figures can be seen
What is seen in CIN I?
Basal 1/3 of epithelium occupied by abnormal cells, surface cells mature but nuclei slightly abnormal
What is seen in CIN II?
Abnormal cells extend into the middle 1/3 with mitoses and abnormal mitotic figures
Describe CIN III
Abnormal cells occupy full thickness of epithelium with mitoses and abnormal cells
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ