Female Reproductive Tract Pathology Flashcards
Describe the embryologic development of the female GU tract
Germ cells migrate to the genital ridge to form gonads; Mullerian (paramesonephric) and Wolffian ducts (mesonephric) form; lack of SRY gene leads to ovary formation of the gonads; presence of estrogen leads to female anatomical differentiation
What is uterine didelphys?
When there are two separate uterine cavities with two separate cervices; caused by failure of fusion of the Müllerian ducts during embryologic development
What is Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (Mullerian agenesis)?
Uterine/vaginal absence or underdevelopment due to Mullerian agenesis; leads to amenorrhea but normal breast, pubic hair and vulvar development
When does Pap smear screening start?
21 years
What are the guidelines for a Pap smear for ages 21-29?
Cytology every 3 years
What are the Pap smear guidelines for ages 30-65?
Co-testing with high risk HPV (molecular test) every 5 years if normal is an option; if HPV+ take cytology at 6-12mo
When can Pap test screening stop?
When >65 years old if not at high risk (3 consecutive negative Pap tests; negative hrHPV last 10 years)
What are reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescence?
Anovulatory cycle, coagulation disorders
What are reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive age women?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (anovulatory cycle, ovulatory dysfunctional bleeding), anatomic lesions (Leiomyoma, adenomyosis, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, carcinoma), complications of pregnancy (abortion, trophoblastic disease, ectopic pregnancy)
What are reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding in perimenopausal women?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding due to anovulatory cycle; anatomic lesions (carcinoma, hyperplasia, polyps)
What are reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding in postmenopausal women?
Endometrial atrophy; anatomic lesions (need to exclude carcinoma)
What is the most common reason for an anovulatory cycle?
Hormonal imbalances during menarche (initiation of messes) and perimenopausal period
What are some conditions that can cause an anovulatory cycle?
Ovarian lesions (PCOS, functioning ovarian tumor), generalized metabolic disorder (obesity, malnutrition, chronic systemic dz), specific endocrine disorders (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary disease)
What are the factors resulting in persistence and survival of endometriotic tissue?
Release of proinflammatory and inflammatory factors; increased aromatase enzyme production causing increased estrogen; mutations in tumor suppressors/oncogenes
What are the RF for endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma?
Chronic unopposed estrogen seen with obesity (often with DM), PCOS, estrogen replacement therapy, Tamoxifen therapy, estrogen producing tumors (granulosa cell tumor and thecoma of ovary)
Early menarche, late menopause and nulliparity (lack of child bearing) also increase the risk of what?
Endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma