Exam I pathology Flashcards
Vulvar: Bartholin’s (greater vestibular) glands are located on either side of the vagina. They function in the production of mucous and lubrication of the vulva and the vagina. They are normally not palpable, except in thin women.
True/False - blockage of the duct leads to the accumulation of lfuid within the gland causing cyst formation
True
*can be associated with N. gonorrhea
Vulvar: A patient presents with a soft, painless mass adjacent to the vaginal opening.
You suspect
Bartholin duct cyst
*ducts open onto the vulvar vestibule at 4 and 8’ o’clock positions on each side of the vaginal orifice
Vulvar: A patient presents with complaints of a painful vulvar mass. She states she has difficulty walking and sitting.
Physical exam reveals a swollen, tender, soft or fluctuant mass +/- purulent discharge.
You suspect a Bartholin gland abscess. What is the etiology? How is it treated?
-obstruction and infection of the Bartholin duct
MC: E. coli
Tx: incision and drainage; antibiotics for recurrence or severe infection
Vulvar: A patient presents with complaints of pruritus in her vulvar region. PE reveals soft, 1mm tan to pinkish cauliflower shaped, fungating, pedunculated, plaque like warts on her vulva.
Histology reveals:
1. HPV-infected squamous cells with hyperchromatic raisin-like nuclei surrounded by a clear space
She admits to having multiple sexual partners. You suspect
Condyloma acuminata
- HPV 6, 11
- contact w/ infected skin or mucosa (sexual contact)
- virus invades mucosa via microabrasions
- warts are highly infectious (not required for transmission)
Vulvar: The risk of developing Condyloma acuminata increases with increased number of sexual partners. It may be found in a variety of locations, including the vulva, penis and perineum, or cervix, urethra and anal canal.
True/False - There is a vaccine
True
*often asymptomatic
Vulvar: ______ is a genital ulcer followed by lymph node involvement. It is caused by C. trachomatis (L1, L2, L3 serotypes). It is MC seen in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
Lymphogranuloma venereum
- scarring of lymphatics – lymphedema; rectal strictures
- unlike chlamydia (which inflammation is limited to site of infection)
Vulvar: A patient presents with complaints of recurrent, painful vesicles that ulcerate +/- systemic symptoms (mailaise, HA, fever).
You request a Tzanck smear for Dx, which reveals:
1. multi-nucleated squamous cells with intra-nuclear inclusions.
You suspect
HSV-2 (HSV-1 inc. prevalent)
- genital herpes MC ulcerative STD in US
- latent in sensory ganglia (recurrences vary in frequency)
Vulvar: ______ refers to infection in a patient without pre-existing antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2
Initial presentation van vary from subclinical (asymptomatic) to severe w/ genital ulcers and systemic symptoms. Average incubation period is 4 days (range 2-12 days)
- Primary infection
Vulvar: ______ refers to the acquisition of genital HSV-1 in a patient with pre-existing antibodies to HSV-2 or acquisition of genital HSV-2 in a patient with pre-existing antibodies to HSV-1.
For example, an individual w/ prior orolabial herpes and HSV1 antibody response, who then develops genital Herpes due to HSV-2 exposure
Non-primary first episode infection
- fewer lesions
- less systemic symptoms (b/c abs against one HSV type protect against another)
Vulvar: _____ refers to reactivation of the genital HSV
Recurrent infection
- common, but less severe than primary/non-primary
- mean duration is shorter (10 vs. 19 days)
Vulvar: ______ is a sexually transmitted disease caused by T. pallidum, and is associated with contact with the lesion (very infectious). Clinical manifestation depends upon the stage of the disease
Syphillis
- T. pallidum initiatie infection wherever inoculation occurs (lips 2ndary to oral contact)
- causes breaks in the skin (ulcer) and inc. risk of other STI’s (HIV)
Vulvar: In ______ syphillis, patients present with a painless chancre (lesion) at site of transmission. As this lesion (chancre) develops, organisms drain into regional lymph nodes and disseminate systemically
Primary syphillis
*resolves within 3-12 wks (w/ or w/out Tx)
Vulvar: Historically, T. pallidum was identified using darkfield microscopy. Currently, serologic testing is used:
- Screening tests
- Confirmatory tests
____ are non-specific, and include RPR (rapid plasma reagin) and VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory). THe both use a non-treponemal antigen (cardiolipin).
Screening tests
- low cost, easy
- screen and monitor therapy (titers dec. w/ effective therapy)
Vulvar: Historically, T. pallidum was identified using darkfield microscopy. Currently, serologic testing is used:
- Screening tests
- Confirmatory tests
______ is a specific serologic test used to confirm the presence of T. pallidum (syphillis). It uses treponemal antigens that are more specific. It is more expensive and difficult to perform
Fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test
*positive for life – cannot use to monitor therapy
Vulvar: True/False - Immune response during early infection causes resolution of the primary chancre (even in the absence of therapy). However, the patient still needs antibiotic therapy (PCN) to prevent systemic dissemination of the spirochetes and development of secondary/tertiary syphillis.
True
PCN=penicillin
Vulvar: A patient presents with fever, HA, malaise, and weight loss. He admits to anorexia, and complains of myalgia.
Physical exam reveals a diffuse and symmetric maculopapular rash that involves the entire trunk and extremities, including the palms and soles.
He reports having a chancre ~4-10 weeks ago, but did not receive treatment for his infection.
You suspect
Secondary syphillis
- immune response against the organism
- untreated syphillis = systemic, secondary syphillis
Symptoms:
-rash, condyloma lata, alopecia
Vulvar: A patient with secondary syphillis presents with distinctive rash that includes the mucosal surfaces. On these mucosal surfaces, you note raised, gray to white lesions (typically in the warm, moist areas).
You suspect
condyloma lata
*mouth, perineum
Vulvar: A patient presents with fever, HA, malaise, and weight loss. He admits to anorexia, and complains of myalgia.
On PE you note “moth-eaten” alopecia on the scalp, eyebrows and beard. This is another physical finding of -____
secondary syphillis
*resolves with treatment
Vulvar: Involvement of the CNS (neurosyphilis) can occur early after infection, and may either present asymptomatic infection or meningitis.
A patient presents with abnormal CSF:
- Lymphocytic pleocytosis
- Inc. protein
- Reactive VDRL
He is otherwise asymptomatic. This is
Asymptomatic infection
- Dx based on CSF abnormalities
- weeks to months after initial infection
NOTE: Tx to prevent progression to symptomatic
Vulvar: A patient presents 1 year following Dx of syphillis. He complaines of HA, N/V and stiff neck. He exhibits confusion.
On PE you note cranial neuropathies (optic, facial, or auditory). you suspect
Symptomatic meningitis
Vulvar: ______ is manifestation of treponema pallidum years after initial infection in untreated patients. It mostly involves cardiovascular and/or nervous system
Tertiary syphilis
*gummas, heart, neurosyphilis
Vulvar: A patient presents with brown-red nodules of varying size. These nodules ulcerate, forming well-circumscribed lesions.
You note these are MC located on the skin and in the bone. You suspect tertiary syphillis. What are these manifestations?
Syphilitic gummas
- areas of granulomatous inflammation
- healing of ulcers = extensive scarring/disfigurement
Vulvar: A patient presents 10-25 years post-Dx of syphillis. He failed to receive treatment during early disease. He presents with progressive dementia that is increasing in severity. Patient exhibits forgetfulness, and personality changes.
CSF studies reveal:
- Inc. WBC (lymphocytes), protein
- Reactive syphillis (VDRL) on CSF
Imaging reveals atrophy
You suspect
Neurosyphillis
- late involvement of brain = progressive dementia
- tabes dorsalis, gummas, cardiomyopathy
Vulvar: Tertiary syphillis presents with
- Tabes dorsalis
- Sensory ataxia
- Argyll-Robertson pupil
______ is a disease of the posterior columns and dorsal roots of the spinal cord. It has a long latent period (~20 years), and is relatively uncommon w/ antibiotics.
Tabes dorsalis
Vulvar: Tertiary syphillis presents with
- Tabes dorsalis
- Sensory ataxia
- Argyll-Robertson pupil
____ is absence of lower extremity reflexes, and impaired proprioception and vibratory sensation
Sensory ataxia
Vulvar: Vulvar: Tertiary syphillis presents with
- Tabes dorsalis
- Sensory ataxia
- Argyll-Robertson pupil
___ is small pupil that contracts normally to accommodation, but does not react to light
Argyll-Robertson pupil
Vulvar: Tertiary syphillis involves the ______ aorta, resulting in a dilated aorta and aortic regurgitation.
It is most likely secondary to vasculitis (narrowing) of the vasa vasorum (ischemia of the medial wall of the aorta).
Findings include:
- Plasma cells in infiltrate (endarteritis obliterans)
- “Tree barking”
ascending aorta
- 15-30 yrs. after
- syphillitic aneurysms can rarely cause dissection
Vulvar: A patient presents with:
- Notched central incisors
- Mulberry molars
- Interstitial keratitis w/ blindness
- Deafness due to 8th CN injury
- Destruction of nasal septum, soft palate
You suspect
COngenital syphillis
- transplacental infection (after 20 weeks);
- MC w/ primary or secondary (plenty of bacteria)
Hutchinson triad:
–notched central incisors, keratitis, deafness
Vulvar: ______ is an acute, self-limited febrile reaction with HA, myalgia, rigors (fever and chills). It is due to release of various mediators from killed organisms (associated with treatment of T. pallidum).
Jarisch-Herxheimer rxn
- can’t prevent
- inform patients
- resolve within 12-24 hrs.
Vulvar: A patient presents with a painful genital ulcer and inguinal lymphadenopathy.
Gram stain reveals a gram negative rod. You suspect
Chancroid
- Haemophilus ducretyi (STD)
- uncommon in U.S.
Vulvar: A pre-menopausal female presents with a dermatologic condition characterized by inflammation, epithelial thinning (white parchment-like, atrophic hypopigmented area), pruritus and pain.
You suspect
Lichen sclerosus
- pre-pubertal and/or postmenopausal
- unknown etiology (maybe genetic; hormonal dec. E2)
- adult onset inc. risk vulvar SCC
- *HLA-DQ7 (T-cell mediated)
Vulvar: A patient presents with complaints of pruritus (itching) of her skin. She states she repeatedly rubs and scratches the affected sites.
You note red to brown skin colored plaques on her vulva. You suspect
Lichen simplex chronicus
*thickened epidermis due to rubbing
Vulvar: _____ is a pre-malignant lesion of the vulva caused by HPV infection. Patients with these lesions are at increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.
Histology reveals:
1. nuclear irregularity w/ nucleoli and numerous mitotic figures
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
*VIN 1: mild = atypia of bottom 1/3 VIN II (moderate) = bottom 2/3 VIN III (severe) = full thickness atypia
Vulvar: A 67 year old female presents with a plaque, ulcer, or mass (fleshy, nodular, or warty) on the labia majora.
This best describes
Vulvar cancer
- 4th MC gynecologic cancer (after endometrial, ovarian, cervical)
- Dx post-menopause
- may involve labia minora, perineum, clit, mons
Vulvar: Many vulvar malignancies are asymptomatic. However, pruritus is common (non-specific). Patients may have bleeding, discharge, and/or enlarge lymph nodes in the groin. THis is less common, but if present may suggest advanced disease.
List the common histologic malignancies
- Squamous cell MC
- Melanoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcionma of Bartholin
- Extramammary Paget’s
Vulvar: Vulvar cancers tend to spread first to the groin (inguinal-femoral) lymph nodes. Squamous cell carcinoma is the MC histologic type of vulvar cancer.
HPV (16, 18, 33) is the major risk factor for developing squamous cell carcinoma. What are risk factors for HPV infection?
a. early age at first intercourse
b. multiple sexual partners
c. HIV infection
d. cigarette smoking
all of the above
*vulvar dystrophies (lichen sclerosus) 2nd major risk factor for SCC of the vulva
Vulvar: A post-menopausal, caucasian female presents to the clinic with vulvar malignancy.
Histology reveals:
1. PAS negative vulvar malignancy
You suspect
Melanoma
non-pigmented look similar to Paget’s, but are PAS -
Vulvar: A post-menopausal female presents with a gradually enlarging Bartholin gland. She is otherwise asymptomatic. You suspect?
adenocarcinoma of Bartholin gland
- rare
- DD= Bartholin cysts: MC pre-menopausal
Vulvar: A post-menopausal, caucasian female presents to the clinic complaining of pruritis.
On pelvic exam, you note multifocal, eczematoid appearance with well-demarcated, slightly raised edges and a red background.
Histology reveals:
- Intra-epithelial proliferation of malignant glandula cells (adenocarcinoma)
- cells are larger than surrounding keratinocytes, and present as small clusters
You suspect
a. Paget’s
b. Krukenberg tumor
c. Leiomyoma
d. Rhabodmyoma
Extramammary Paget’s disease
- may occur anywhere on vulva, mons, perineum, perianal, inner thigh
- NOT associated with underlying malignancy (unlike disease of nipple)
Dx: based on presence of Mucin (PAS +)
Vagina/Cervix: Lactobacilli are normal components of the vaginal flora. They produce acid (from glycogen within the vaginal cells) to maintain the vagina at >4.5 pH. They also play a role in suppression of growth of other organisms.
True/False - suppression of lactoacilli (antibiotics) leads to overgrowth of other bacteria
True
*alter vaginal env = overgrowth of other organisms
Vagina: A patient presents with complaints of “fishy” smelling vaginal discharge post-coitus.
Wet prep reveals:
1. Clue cells (gram negative rods attached to sq. epithelial cells)
A whiff test is performed (fishy smell produced w/ addition of 10% KOH) to vaginal secretions. You suspect
Bacterial vaginosis
- overgrowth of gardnerella vaginallis
- smell after sex b/c seminal fluid is alkaline
Tx: Only treat patient (not STD)
Vagina: A patient presents with complaints of profuse, forthy, green vaginal discharge.
On pelvic exam you note a fiery red cervix/vagina.
Wet prep reveals: Oval to pear shaped unicellular, flagellated protozoa with jerky motility
You suspect
Trichomonas vaginalis
*STI - treat both partners
Vagina: A patient presents with pruritus, burning, and irritation.
On pelvic exam you note fiery red vaginal mucosa with white, curd-like discharge.
Lab reveals budding yeast with pseudohyphae.
You suspect
Candida
*normal part of flora
RF’s:
-DM, antibiotics, inc. estrogen (pregnancy, OCP’s), immunosuppression (steroids, HIV), heat, moisture, occlusive clothing
Vagina: A patient presents with dyspareunia (pain with sex) and vaginal pain (may be asymptomatic).
You note a palpable, tense cyst within the lateral vaginal wall on exam.
Yoususpect
Gartner duct cyst
- uncommon, benign
- within lateral vaginal wall
- develop from remnants of the mesonephric ducts
Vagina: DES was a nonsteroidal estrogen used to suppress post-partum lactation and to treat post-menopausal symptoms. It was later used to prevent miscarriages, premature birth and other pregnancy problems. However, it readily crosses the placenta.
True/False - Exposure to DES in utero can lead to development of various abnormalities because it prevents resorption of the vaginal glands in the vaginal mucosa (vaginal adenosis).
True
Vagina: A patient presents with complaints of vaginal irritation and post-coital bleeding.
Pelvic exam reveals punctate, red, granular areas of the vagina.
Histology reveals areas of columnar epithelium within squamous epithelium of the vagina/cervical mucosa.
You suspect
Vaginal adenosis
- exposure to DES in utero
- persistence of Mullerian glandular epithelium within the vagina (after birth). It is attributed to failure of the squamous epithelium to completely replace the columnar epithelium
Vagina: Young female offspring of women who had received DES during pregnancy are at an increased risk of
clear cell adenocarcinoma
MC 19 y/o
Vagina: A 4 year old female presents with a malignant tumor of SK muscle.
PE reveals grape-like clusters. protruding from the vagina
Histology reveals striated, rhabdomyoblasts.
You suspect
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
*sarcoma botryoides
Vagina: _____ Is a primary tumor of the vagina, and is rare. It is usually secondary to extension of swuamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
It is commonly associated with HPV. It arises from vaginal intra-epithelail neoplasia.
Squamous cell carcinoma
- metastatic spread:
- -upper 1/3 of vagina to iliac nodes
- -lower 2/3 of vagina to inguinal nodes
Cervix: The cervix is composed of three types of histology:
- Ectocervix (strat. squamous)
- Endocervix (columnar mucous)
- Junction b/t the two (squamocolumnar/transformation zone)
The ______ is the area where the two epithelium meet. Chronic irritation in this region leads to the development of squamous metaplasia. This is important because these cells are susceptible to HPV infection, and serves as a site of cervical dysplasia/cancer formation.
transformation zone
Cervix: A patient presents with mucopurulent exudate in the endocervical canal (or swab). Her endocervix appears “friable” with easy bleeding induced when the swab is passed through the os.
You suspect
Cervicitis
*inflammation of cervix
Cervix: Chlamydia trachomatis (serotypes D-K) is an STD that causes mucosal infections of the genital tract (cervix, tubes, endometrium, urethra and epididymus). Incubation is 7-12 days.
How is diagnosed? How do you Tx?
Dx: DNA probe of vaginal swab
Tx: both patient and sex partner; doxycycline
NOTE: serotypes A, B, C = trachoma (conjuntivitis - blindness; endemic in Africa)
Cervix: Opthalmia neonatorum (neonatal conjuntivitis) can arise secondary to passage through the infected birth canal.
In N. gonorrhea, it causes a _____ conjuntivitis seen in the 1st week of life. In chlamydia trachomatis, it causes an initial _____, then becomes mucupurulent.
- N. gonorrhea: mucopurulent
- Chlamydia: watery, then mucopurulent
- -2nd week
Cervix: Chlamydia trachomatis are obligate intracellular bacteria that infect metaplastic squamous cells in the endocervix. These cells were previously endocervical glandular cells that underwent squamous metaplasia due to irritation from acid pH in the vagina.
What is the infectious form of chlamydia trachomatis?
Elementary body
- taken up by host cell (receptor-mediated endo)
- inside endosome - becomes active reticulate body
- reticulate body replicates = new EB’s that infect new cells
Cervix: _____ is an STI with an incubation of 2-7 days. Manifestations range from asymptomatic to disseminated infection (women during menses, lacking terminal complement C5-C9).
It commonly presents with urethritis in men, and cervicitis in women.
N. gonorrhea
*cervicitis may lead to PID and infertility
Dx: DNA probe
Cervix: A patient presents with fever (102F), chills, and a papular rash on her trunk and distal extremities. She complains of joint pain (arthritis) and tenosynovitis (knees, hands/wrists, feet/ankles).
Gram stain reveals gram (-) diploccocus.
You suspect disseminated gonococcal infection. What are the causes?
- Menses
- Terminal complment deficiency
- skin/joint = immune complex deposition
- true septic arthritis can occur
Cervix: A 21 year old female presents with complaints of severe acute lower abdominal pain.
You note vaginal discharge on pelvic exam, and cervical motion tenderness (Chandelier sign) during the exam.
Gross reveals:
1. Inflammatory mass involving adnexa (“tubo-ovarian abscess”)
She has a history of multiple sex partners, and admits to having a previous STD 3 months ago. You suspect
Pelvic inflammatory disease
- C. trachomatis predominant
- often polymicrobial with N. gonorrhea and Gardnerella
DD: appendicitis, cervicitis, UTI, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy (mandatory in workup of childbearing age w/ abdominal pain)
Cervix: Pelvic inflammatory disease involves the endometrium (endometritis), fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and ovaries (oophoritis) by ascending cerval infection.
True/False - Involvement of the fallopian tube can lead to scarring and increases risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
True
- other complications:
- -Fitz-Hugh Curtis: violin string adhesions (secondary to infection/inflamed perihepatic structures)
Cervix: HPV is a DNA virus that is typed according to its DNA sequence. It has high and low risk types based on its ability to cause cervical cancer.
WHat are the high risk? low risk?
HIgh risk: HPV-16 (MC), 18
Low risk: 6, 11
–vulvar, perineal, perianal warts (condylomata acuminata)
Cervix: Genital HPV infections are extremely common, with prevalence peaking during ages 20-24. This is related to the onset of sexual activity. Prevalence decreases due to acquisition of immunity and inc. of monogaminity w/ age.
Treu/False - Most infections are transient, and eliminated by the immune system. Duration of infection is often related to HPV type with higher risk strains lasting longer.
True
*persistent infection inc. risk of cervical dysplasia, subsequent carcinoma
Cervix: HPV infects metaplastic squamous cells at the squamocolumnar junction (transformation zone). This can lead to development of cervical dysplasia and cancer.
True/False - Although many women are infected with HPV, few develop cancer. This suggests that other factors play a role in determining regression or persistence of the infection and cancer development.
True
*factors: smoking, host immune status
Cervix: HPV viral proteins interfere with tumor suppressor enabling continued cell proliferation, and acquisition of additional mutations that can lead to cancer.
What are the proteins involved?
- E6 - binds p53, telomerase (inc. expression)
2. HPV E7 - binds RB (inhibits p21)
Cervix: Cervical dysplasia occurs in different grades:
- Mild dysplasia (CIN I) - low grade SIL
- Moderate dysplasia (CIN II) - high grade SIL
- Severe dysplasia (CIN III) - high grade SIL
- Carcinoma in situ (CIN III) - high grade SIL
_____ is not treated as a pre-malignant lesion because it does not progress directly into invasive carcinoma. Most cases regress spontaneously, with only a small % progressing to HSIL.
LSIL
*atypical squamous cells confined to the lower 1/3 of the epithelium
Cervix: Cervical dysplasia occurs in different grades:
- Mild dysplasia (CIN I) - low grade SIL
- Moderate dysplasia (CIN II) - high grade SIL
- Severe dysplasia (CIN III) - high grade SIL
- Carcinoma in situ (CIN III) - high grade SIL
____ is due to progressive disruption of the cell cycle, leading to inc. cell proliferation, and dec./arrested epithelial maturation. It may become irreversible leading to malignancy.
HSIL
- higher risk of cancer
- extend higher than the lower 1/3
Cerix: True/False - Cervical dysplasia is diagnosed based on presence/ID of nuclear atypia (nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, and variation in nuclear size and shape).
It is associated with viral cytopathic effect (koilocytes), or nuclear alterations associated with a perinuclear halo
True
Cervix: Most LSIL and ALL of HSIL are associated with high risk HPV’s (16 MC). The majority of HSIL’s develop from LSIL’s, however, some develop de novo.
True/False - It is difficult to predict the outcome in an individual patient, however, progression to invasive carcinoma, when it occurs, takes place over a period of years.
True
LSIL: 60% regress; 30% persist; 10% to HSIL
HSIL: 30% regress; 60% persist; 10% to carcinoma
Cervix: The mean age of a patient with invasive cervical carcinoma is 45.
What is the MC histologic subtype?
Squamous cell carcinoma
2nd MC: adenocarcinoma