Gynae Flashcards
What are fibroids?
Benign tumours of the smooth muscle of the uterus that are oestrogen sensitive (grow in response to oestrogen)
Also called uterine leiomyomas
How common are fibroids?
- Very common - 40-60% of women in later reproductive years
- More common in black women
What are the types of fibroids?
- Intramural: within myometrium
- Subserosal: just below outer layer of uterus (grow outwards)
- Submucosal: just below lining of uterus
- Pedunculated: on a stalk
What is the presentation of fibroids?
Often asymptomatic
* Menorrhagia (heavy period)
* Prolonged period (> 7 days)
* Abdominal pain (worse during period)
* Bloating
* Urinary/bowel Sx: due to pelvic pressure/fullness
* Deep dyspareunia
* Reduced fertility
What investigations should be done for fibroids?
- Hysteroscopy: submucosal fibroids presenting with heavy menstruation
- Pelvic USS
- MRI before surgery
What is the medical management of fibroids?
- Mirena coil - depending on size & shape of fibroids/uterus
- NSAIDs and tranexamic acid - Sx management
- Combined oral contraceptive
- Cyclical oral progestogens
- Referral to gynaecology if > 3cm
What is the surgical management of smaller and larger fibroids?
Smaller fibroids:
* Endometrial ablation
* Resection of submucosal fibroids
* Hysterectomy
Larger fibroids:
* Uterine artery embolisation
* Myomectomy- if still want to conceive
* Hysterectomy
What is uterine artery embolisation?
- Catheter inserted into femoral artery, then passed through to uterine artery
- Once in correct place, particles injected that cause a blockage in the arterial supply to the fibroid: starves it of oxygen causing it to shrink
What medications may be used before fibroid surgery?
GnRH agonists e.g. goserelin/leuprorelin
* Used to reduce size of fibroid before surgery by reducing the amount of oestrogen maintaining the fibroid
* Usually only used short-term
What is myomectomy?
Surgically removing fibroid via laparoscopic surgery (keyhole) or laparotomy (open surgery)
* Only Tx known to potentially improve fertility in fibroid patients
What is endometrial ablation?
- Used to destroy the endometrium
- Balloon thermal ablation: inserting specially designed balloon into endometrial cavity & filling it with high-temp fluid that burns the endometrial lining of uterus
What is a hysterectomy?
Removing the uterus & fibroids
* May be laparoscopy, laparotomy or vaginal approach
* Ovaries may be removed or left (depends on patient preference, risks & benefits)
What are some complications of fibroids? (7)
- Iron deficiency anaemia (from heavy period)
- Reduced fertility
- Pregnancy Cx e.g. miscarriages, premature labour, obstructive delivery
- Constipation
- Urinary outflow obstruction/ UTI
- Red degeneration of fibroid
- Torsion of fibroid (usually affects pedunculated fibroids)
- Malignant change to leiomyosarcoma (very rare)
What is red degeneration of fibroids?
Ischaemia, infarction & necrosis of the fibroid due to disrupted blood supply
* More likely to occur in fibroids > 5cm during 2nd + 3rd trimester
What are possible causes of ischaemia in red degeneration of fibroids?
- As fibroid rapidly enlarges during pregnancy it outgrows its blood supply
- Kinking in blood vessels as uterus changes shape & expands during pregnancy
How does red degeneration of fibroids present?
- Severe abdo pain
- Low-grade fever
- Tachycardia
- Vomiting
What is the management of red degeneration of fibroids?
Rest, fluid, analgesia
What are ovarian cysts?
Cyst = Fluid-filled sac
* Functional ovarian cysts - related to fluctuating hormones of menstrual cycle
* Very common in pre-menopausal women (benign usually)
What is the presentation of ovarian cysts?
- Most are asymptomatic
- Pelvic pain: if ovarian torsion, haemorrhage or rupture of cyst
- Bloating
- Fullness in abdomen
- Palpable pelvic mass
What are the two types of functional cysts?
Follicular cysts (MC):
* Occur when follicle fails to rupture and release egg
* Harmless & tend to disappear after a few cycles
* Typically have thin walls & no internal structures = give reassuring appearance on USS
Corpus luteum cysts:
* Occur when corpus luteum fails to break down & instead fills with fluid
* May cause pelvic discomfort/pain/delayed period
* Often seen in early pregnancy
What are some other types of ovarian cysts (not functional)?
- Serous cystadenoma: benign tumour of epithelial cells
- Mucinous cystadenoma: same as above but these can become huge & take up lots of space in pelvis/abdomen
- Endometrioma: lumps of endometrial tissue within ovary (occurs in endometriosis), can cause pain & disrupt ovulation
- Dermoid cysts/Germ cell tumours: benign ovarian tumours, teratomas (come from germ cells & may contain various tissue types e.g. skin, teeth, hair, bone), associated w/ ovarian torsion
- Sex Cord-stromal tumours: rare, can be benign or malignantm, arise from stroma or sex cords, several types - includes Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours & granulosa cell tumours
What features of an ovarian cyst history/examination suggest malignancy?
- Abdo bloating
- Reduced appetite
- Wt loss
- Early satiety
- Urinary Sx
- Pain
- Ascites
- Lymphadenopathy
What investigations are done for ovarian cysts?
- Premenopausal women w/ simple ovarian cyst < 5cm on USS don’t need further Ix
- Women < 40 years with complex ovarian mass require tumour markers for a possible germ cell tumour (LDH, alpha-FP, HCG)
-Laparoscopic ultrasound guided aspiration - CA125 = tumour marker for ovarian cancer
What are some non-malignant causes of raised CA125?
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Pelvic infection
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
What is the Risk of malignancy index (RMI)?
Estimates risk of an ovarian mass being malignant, takes into account:
* Menopausal status
* USS findings
* CA125 level
What is the management of ovarian cysts in pre-menopausal women?
- < 5cm: resolves within 3 cycles (no follow up needed)
- 5-7cm: routine referral to gynae & yearly US monitoring
- >7cm: MRI scan/surgical evaluation
Persistent/enlarging cysts: ovarian cystectomy (removing cyst) possibly with oophorectomy (removing affected ovary)
What is the management of ovarian cysts in post-menopausal women?
- Raised CA125/complex cysts: 2-week wait suspected cancer referral
- Simple cysts/normal CA125: monitor with USS every 4-6 months
Requires correlation with CA125 result
What are the 3 main complications of ovarian cysts when patient presents with acute onset pain?
- Torsion
- Haemorrhage in cyst
- Rupture w/ bleeding into peritoneum
What is the triad of Meig’s syndrome?
- Ovarian fibroma
- Pleural effusion
- Ascites
- Typically older women
- Removal of tumour = complete resolution of effusion & ascites
What is ovarian torsion?
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Ovary twists in relation to the adnexa
(surrounding connective tissue, fallopian tube & blood supply)
What is the pathophysiology of ovarian torsion?
- Usually due to ovarian mass >5cm / normal ovaries in younger girls before menarche (longer infundibulopelvic ligaments that can twist more easily)
- Twisting of adnexa & blood supply to ovary = ischaemia
- If torsion persists = necrosis = function lost
What is the presentation of ovarian torsion?
Sudden onset severe unilateral pelvic pain
* constant
* gets progressively worse
* associated with N+V
* localised tenderness on exam & maybe palpable mass in pelvis
What investigation is done for ovarian torsion? And what does it show?
Pelvic USS shows:
* whirlpool sign
* free fluid in pelvis
* oedema of ovary
What is the management of ovarian torsion?
Laparoscopic surgery to either:
* DETORSION = untwist ovary & fix it in place
* OOPHORECTOMY = remove affected ovary
What are the complications of ovarian torsion?
- If left untreated = loss of function of ovary (fertility not typically affected because other ovary can usually compensate)
- When necrotic ovary isn’t removed = infected/develop abscess/sepsis
- May also rupture - peritonitis & adhesions
What is Lichen Sclerosus?
Chronic inflammatory skin condition that presents with patches of shiny porcelain-white skin
* Autoimmune condition: associated with other AI diseases (T1DM, hypothyroid, vitiligo, alopecia)
Where does lichen sclerosus typically affect?
- Women: labia, perineum, perianal skin
- Men: foreskin, glans of penis
What is the presentation of lichen sclerosus?
- 45-60 y.o woman complaining of vulval itching & skin changes in vulva
- Can be asymptomatic
- itching
- soreness/pain
- skin tightness
- superficial dyspareunia
- erosions
- fissures
What is the Koebner phenomenon?
When Sx are made worse by friction to the skin
* e.g. lichen sclerosus can be made worse by tight underwear, urinary incontinence & scratching
What is the appearance of lichen sclerosus?
- ‘Porcelain-white’
- Shiny
- Tight
- Thin
- Slightly raised
- May be papules/plaques
What is the management of lichen sclerosus?
Control Sx with potent topical steroids and follow up every 3-6 months
- Clobetasol propionate (Dermovate)
- Emollients should be used regularly
What are the complications of lichen sclerosus?
- 5% risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva
- Pain/discomfort
- Sexual dysfunction
- Bleeding
- Vaginal/urethral openings narrowing
What are the most common types of cervical cancer?
- Squamous cell carcinoma - 80% (MC)
- Adenocarcinoma
Who does cervical cancer typically affect?
Younger women, peaking in reproductive years
What is the most common cause of cervical cancer?
HPV - types 16 and 18 (responsible for ~70% cervical cancers)
How does HPV cause cervical cancer?
- P53 & pRb = tumour suppressor genes
- HPV produces two proteins: E6 and E7
- E6 inhibits p53
- E7 inhibits pRb
- Therefore HPV promotes development of cancer by inhibiting tumour suppressor genes
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
- Increased risk of catching HPV: early sexual activity, more sex partners, not using condoms
- Not engaging with screening = later detection of precancerous/cancerous changes
- Smoking
- HIV
- Combined contraceptive pill
- FHx
What is the presentation of cervical cancer?
Non specific:
* Abnormal vaginal bleeding
* Vaginal discharge
* Pelvic pain
* Dyspareunia
Appearances that suggest cervical cancer:
* Ulceration
* Inflammation
* Bleeding
* Visible tumour
What are two prevention strategies for cervical cancer?
- HPV vaccine: HPV strongly associated w/ cervical cancer, so children 12-13 y.o. vaccinated to reduce risk
- Cervical screening with smear tests: screen for precancerous & cancerous changes to cells of cervix
What is the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grading system?
- Grading system for the levels of dysplasia in the cells of the cervix
- CIN is diagnosed at colposcopy (NOT with cervical screening)
Grades are:
* CIN I - mild dysplasia
* CIN II - moderate dysplasia
* CIN III - severe dysplasia / cervical carcinoma in situ
What is involved in cervical cancer screening?
Aims to pick up precancerous changes in epithelial cells of cervix
* Smear test: speculum exam & collection of cells from cervix
* Cells deposited into preservation fluid & transported to lab for microscopy to check for dyskaryosis (precancerous cervical cells)
* Samples initially tested for high-risk HPV before cells are examined: if HPV negative, the cells are not examined = smear considered negative
How often are smear tests in the cervical screening program?
- Every 3 years for 25-49 y.o
- Every 5 years for 50-64 y.o.
What is the management depending on the smear test results?
- HPV negative - continue routine screening
- HPV positive with normal cytology - repeat HPV test after 12 months
- HPV positive with abnormal cytology - refer for colposcopy
What happens during colposcopy?
- Inserting speculum & using colposcope to magnify cervix (allows epithelial lining of cervix to be examined)
- Acetic acid / iodine solution stains used
- Acetic acid = abnormal cells appear white (“acetowhite”): occurs in cells with more nucleic material e.g. cervical cancer cells
- Schiller’s iodine test = healthy cells appear brown, abnormal areas don’t stain
- To get tissue sample = punch biopsy/large loop excision of the transformational zone (loop biopsy)
What is a loop biopsy?
Using a loop wire with electrical current (diathermy) to remove abnormal epithelial tissue on the cervix by cauterising it
* Bleeding/abnormal discharge can occur for weeks following LLETZ procedure
What is a cone biopsy?
Treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) & very early-stage cervical cancer
* Under general anaesthetic - cone-shaped piece of cervix removed using scalpel
* Sent to histology to assess for malignancy
Risks include:
* pain
* bleeding
* infection
* scar formation with stenosis of cervix
* increased risk of miscarriage & premature labour
What is the FIGO staging system for cervical cancer?
- Stage 1: confined to cervix
- Stage 2: invades uterus or upper 2/3 vagina
- Stage 3: invades pelvic wall or lower 1/3 vagina
- Stage 4: invades bladder, rectum or beyond pelvis
What is the management of each cervical cancer stage?
- CIN & early-stage 1A: LLETZ / cone biopsy
- Stage 1B-2A: radical hysterectomy & removal of local lymph nodes w/ chemo + radio
- Stage 2B-4A: chemotherapy + radiotherapy
- Stage 4B: combination of surgery, radio, chemo, palliative care
What is pelvic exenteration?
- Removing all/most of pelvic organs (vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, rectum)
- Used in advanced cervical cancer
What is Bevacizumab?
- MAB used in combo with other chemotherapies in treatment of metastatic/recurrent cervical cancer
- Targets vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A): responsible for growth of new blood vessels
What is endometrial cancer?
Cancer of the uterus lining
* Oestrogen-dependent cancer = oestrogen stimulates growth of endometrial cancer cells
What is the most common type of endometrial cancer?
Adenocarcinoma ~80%
What are the risk factors for endometrial cancer?
DONT NOT HELP
Diabetes
Obesity
Nulliparity
Oestrogen
Tamoxifen
HNPCC
Early menarche
Late menopause
PCOS
Exposure to unopposed oestrogen (oestrogen without progesterone)
What is the primary source of oestrogen in postmenopausal women?
Adipose tissue
* Contains aromatase = enzyme that converts androgens (e.g. testosterone) into oestrogen
* More adipose tissue = more aromatase = more androgens converted
What are 4 protective factors against endometrial cancer?
- Combined contraceptive pill
- Mirena coil
- Increased pregnancies
- Cigarette smoking
What is the presentation of endometrial cancer?
Postmenopausal bleeding
* Postcoital bleeding
* Intermenstrual bleeding
* Menorrhagia
* Abnormal vaginal discharge
* Haematuria
* Anaemia
* Raised platelet count
What is the criteria for a transvaginal USS referral for women over 55 years?
- Unexplained vaginal discharge
- Visible haematuria plus raised platelets/ anaemia/elevated glucose levels
What investigations should be done for endometrial cancer? (3)
- Transvaginal USS for endometrial thickness
- Pipelle biopsy: highly sensitive for endometrial cancer
- Hysteroscopy w/ endometrial biopsy
What is the FIGO staging for endometrial cancer?
- Stage 1: confined to uterus
- Stage 2: invades cervix
- Stage 3: invades ovaries/fallopian tubes/vagina/lymph nodes
- Stage 4: invades bladder/rectum/beyond pelvis
What is the management of stage 1 and 2 endometrial cancer?
Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH and BSO): removal of uterus, cervix & adnexa
What are some other treatment options for endometrial cancer? (not TAH and BSO)
- Radical hysterectomy - also removes pelvic lymph nodes, surrounding tissues & top of vagina
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Progesterone: hormonal Tx to slow progression
What are the types of ovarian cancer?
- Epithelial cell tumours (MC): MC subtype = serous tumours
- Dermoid cysts/Germ cell tumours: teratomas, benign, may contain various tissue types e.g. teeth, hair, bone
- Sex cord-stromal tumours: rare
- Metastasis: from cancer elsewhere
What is a Krukenberg tumour?
Metastasis in ovary from GI tract cancer, particularly stomach
* Have ‘signet-ring’ cells on histology
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
- Age (60 y.o. peak)
- BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes
- Increased number of ovulations (early onset period, late menopause, no pregnancies)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Recurrent use of clomifene - medication used for ovulation
What are protective factors for ovarian cancer?
Factors that stop ovulation or reduce number of lifetime ovulations reduce the risk:
* Combined contraceptive pill
* Breastfeeding
* Pregnancy
What is the presentation of ovarian cancer?
- Non-specific Sx
- Abdo bloating
- Early satiety
- Appetite loss
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary Sx (freq/urgency)
- Wt loss
- Abdo/pelvic mass
- Ascites
- Referred hip/groin pain (due to ovarian mass pressing on obturator nerve