Female GU and Breast Flashcards
What are the two main components of the breast?
- Stromal/connective tissue
- Epithelial
Describe the changes in breast tissue according to the menstrual cycle
- Proliferative Phase (days 3-7) - Proliferation
- Follicular Phase (days 8-14) - Decrease in size
- Luteal Phase (days 15-20) - Myoepithelial changes and proliferation
Variations in stromal water content throughout
Describe the changes in breast tissue throughout pregnancy
Early Pregnancy - Lobular Enlargement to prepare for milk production and stromal depletion
Rest of Pregnancy - Secretory changes and lobular enlargement
Around 3 months after lactation has ceased, the breasts will have returned to normal
Describe the classification of the results of a fine needle aspirate
C1 - Insufficient C2 - Benign C3 - Atypical and probably benign C4 - Atypical and probably malignant C5 - Malignant
Describe the classification of the results of a core biopsy
B1 - Normal or insufficient B2 - Benign B3 - Atypical and probably benign B4 - Atypical and probably malignant B5 - A - Insitu malignant B - Invasive malignant
What is a fibroadenoma?
Smal benign lumps of stroma and epithelium that are very motile and often seen in young women aged 20-30
What are fibroadenomatoids?
Small lumps that are similar to fibroadenomas but have a stroma that appears abnormal. They are well defined, rounded and opaque
What are phyllodes tumours?
Small lumps similar to fibroadenomas that have a very well defined margin and a stroma that is much more cellular. The stroma may display;
- Pleomorphism
- Mitotic activity
- Overgrowth
- Necrosis
- Malignancy
What is a fibrocytic lesion?
A lump due to cysts or nodular formation that tend to present in older women (30-40) and are more prominent and painful in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. On examination there is usually evidence of fibrosis and epithelial hyperplasia
What is duct ectasia?
Shortening of the ducts close to the onset of menopause that usually presents with nipple changes and discharge associated with pain
NB: A mammary fistula may occur, causing chronic nipple discharge
What is a papillary lesion?
A central mass that is accompanied by nipple discharge that is often blood stained. Upon imaging there is often micro-calcification and cytology can range from C1-C5
What is Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia? (PASH)
A hard palpable lump that clinically appears to be malignant but is infact benign
What is Granulomatous Mastitis?
A distinct hard lump that can be associated with chronic inflammation and pain. It is usually found in younger women who have had childre.
NB: Granulomatous conditions e.g. TB must be ruled out
What is a ductal carcinoma in situ?
A carcinoma that is confined to the ducts and can present with a lump, nipple discharge or nipple eczema.
NB: If left untreated (excision, mastectomy or radiotherapy) then 30% will develop into an invasive carcinoma in 15 years
What is a lobular carcinoma in situ?
Usually a chance finding in breast biopsies with no clinical or mammographic features; however it is usually multifocal and bilateral so is a risk factor for developing invasive carcinoma
What is invasive ductal carcinoma?
This is the most common form of breast cancer (>70%) and has many different microscopic features so if no typical features of other breast cancers can be found then IDC is diagnosed.
NB: Can be grade 1, 2 or 3
What is an invasive lobular carcinoma?
The second most common form of invasive breast cancer (10%). Microscopically signet ring cells can be seen and the cancer is diffusely infiltrative. This type of cancer is often mutlicentric and bilateral
What is a tubular carcinoma?
A very well differentiated grade 1 cancer that has a 95% 5 year survival
- 3% of all breast cancers
- 9% of all screening diagnoses
What is a mucinous/mucoid carcinoma?
This is the most common breast cancer in women aged 75+. On x-ray the lesion appears as a benign, well circumscribed tumour with lakes of mucin and well differentiated cells
What three morphological features are considered when grading breast cancer?
- Tubules
- Pleomorphism
- Mitoses