Gynae Oncology Flashcards
Outline the cervical screening programme
Woman aged 25ys and older offered smear tests every 3 years up until age 49
Between ages 50 and 64 women are offered a smear test every 5 years
What changes occur in the uterus during puberty?
Rising levels of oestrogen at puberty cause a conformational change in the uterus
It starts to evert and the columnar epithelial (internal epithelial) cells become exposed the vaginal cavity
The acid levels cause the columnar epithelium to become squamous epithelium = transitional / transformational zone
What happens when oncogenic factors act on the transofrmational zone?
Give rise to pre-cancerous lesions = cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
How many types of HPV are there and how many affect the genital tract?
> 100 types
40 of these affect the genital tract
Is HPV common?
Yes
ALL sexually active women are exposed to HPV and many of them will have HPV present in their genital tract
However, different types of HPV are more oncogenic than others
Which types of HPV cause 70% of cancers?
16 and 18
What does a smear test involve?
A speculum is inserted into the vagina and the cervix is visualised
A plastic broom is inserted into the external os and is rotated 5 full times clockwise
This swab is then snapped off into the sample pot and sent for liquid cytology
What is assessed in cells obtained from a smear test? (4)
Dyskaryosis:
1) Nucleus enlargement
2) Variations in size and shape of nuclei
3) Hyperchromasia (dark staining of nuclei due to inc amount of DNA)
4) Reduction in the amount of cytoplasm
When is a smear test be performed?
If +ve for HPV strains
What happens if a woman’s smear test shows moderate or above dyskariosis?
Referral for colposcopy - 2wk wait
What is a colposcopy?
Smear test will be repeated to get full visualisation of transformation zone of cervix
Cervix stained with 5% acetic acid:
- CIN appears white
Abnormal capillary patterns may be observed
- Punctuation
- Mosaicism
Punch biopsies may be taken
How is CIN classified?
Histological diagnosis ONLY made on biopsy
CIN1 - lower 1/3rd of epithelium
CIN2 - lower 2/3rds of epithelium
CIN3 - full thickness of epithelium
What is the management of low-grade CIN (CIN1)?
60% spontaneously regress
Follow up with colposcopy and cytology 6 months after initial
What is the management of CIN2 and 3?
LLETZ - large loop excision of the transformation zone
Under local anaesthetic
Excision up to 10mm deep
What are some advantages of the LLETZ procedure? (3)
1) Effective - 95% women have negative smears at 6 months
2) Cost-effective - pt can be treated at first hospital visit
3) Provides a specimen for pathological assessment - 1% of loop biopsies have an unsuspected microscopic cancer
What are some disadvantages of the LLETZ procedure? (3)
Potential impact on obstetric outcome
- Small loops are not likely to affect
- However if a large part of the cervix is removed it may lead to preterm delivery through cervical weakening
What is the maximum number of LLETZ procedures recommended?
3 - then consider hysterectomy
Other than the LLETZ procedure, what are other options for the treatment of CIN?
1) Cryotherapy
- Cervix frozen with liquid nitrogen
- Insufficient in high grade
- No specimen
2) Cone biopsy
- Cutting away cervix under GA
- %% can develop cervical stenosis or incompetence which can lead to obstetric complications
What follow up is required for women who undergo treatment for CIN1?
Cytology at 6 months
If normal, borderline nuclear change (BNC) or low-grade dyskaryosis = HPV test
If high-grade dyskaryosis = colposcopy
If no treatment - cytology at 12 months +/- colposcopy
What follow up is required for women who undergo treatment for CIN2 or 3?
Cytology every 6 months then yearly
What are the most common gynae cancers?
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1) Uterine
2) Ovary
3) Cervical
What is the most common cancer in women under 35?
Cervical
What age ranges are most affected by cervical cancer?
Peaks in 30-39yr group and over 80s
What is the precursor lesion for carcinoma in the cervix?
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
Histological diagnosis that needs persistent infection with HPV to develop