Gynaecological Oncology & Screening - Cervical Cancer Flashcards
Histology of Cervix (3).
- Endocervix : Columnar Epithelium.
- Ectocervix : Squamous Epithelium.
- Meeting : Squamous-Columnar Junction.
What happens in the Cervix during Puberty and Pregnancy?
Hormonally-Induced Eversion : lower pH of the vagina results in the formation of a physiological Transformation Zone (TZ) - columnar epithelium undergoes physiological metaplasia to become squamous epithelium.
Types of Cervical Cancer (2).
- 80% - Invasive SCC (from CIN).
2. 20% - Adenocarcinoma (from CGIN - Glandular).
Main Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer (3).
- Increased Risk of Catching HPV.
- Non-Engagement with Screening (Late Detection of Precancerous and Cancerous Changes).
- Lifestyle Factors.
What can cause an Increased Risk of Catching HPV? (4)
- Early Sexual Activity.
- Increased Number of Sexual Partners.
- Sexual Partners With More Partners.
- Not Using Condoms.
Lifestyle Factors (6).
- Smoking.
- HIV.
- COCP for 5+ Years.
- Increased Number of Full-Term Pregnancies.
- Family History.
- Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol during Foetal Development (a drug used before 1971).
Epidemiology of HPV.
- Commonest Cause of Cervical Cancer.
- 100+ Strains - Type 16 and 18 : Cervical Cancer.’
- Resolve within 2 years spontaneously usually.
Pathophysiology of HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer (2).
- p53 and pRb are tumour suppressor genes.
2. HPV produces E6 and E7 proteins which inhibit these tumour suppressor genes (E6 - p53; E7 - pRb).
HPV Vaccine (4).
- Given to Boys and Girls BEFORE becoming sexually active.
- Current NHS Vaccine : Gardasil.
- 6 and 11 : Genital Warts.
- 16 and 18 and 33 : Cervical Cancer.
How do Infected Endocervical Cells appear under a microscope?
Koilocytes :
- Enlarged Nucleus.
- Irregular Nuclear Membrane Contour.
- Hyperchromasia : Nucleus Stains Darker than Normal.
- Perinuclear Halo.
What is CIN?
Cervical Intrapeithelial Neoplasia - dysplasia (premalignant change) in the cells of the cervix - a diagnosis at colposcopy.
Grading of CIN (3).
- CIN I : Mild Dysplasia (1/3 of Thickness of Epithelial Layer - likely to return to normal without treatment).
- CIN II : Moderate Dysplasia (2/3 of Thickness of Epithelial Layer - likely to progress to cancer without treatment).
- CIN III (Cervical CIS) : Severe Dysplasia - very likely to progress to cancer without treatment.
Management of CIN.
- CIN I : Observation and Follow-Up.
2. CIN II/III - LLETZ.
Clinical Presentation of Cervical Cancer (6).
- Asymptomatic.
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding - Intermenstrual, Postcoital, Postmenopausal.
- Vaginal Discharge.
- Pelvic Pain.
- Dyspareunia.
- Constitutional Symptoms.
What is the Rule of Thumb with Cervical Cancer?
Post-Coital Bleeding is due to Cervical Cancer until proven otherwise.