Gynaecology Flashcards
What is Asherman’s syndrome?
Presence of intrauterine adhesions that may partially/ completely occlude the uterine cavity
Recall 3 risk factors for Asherman’s syndrome
Endometrial resection
Dilation and curettage (for miscarriage)
Endometriosis
Recall 3 symptoms of Asherman’s syndrome
Amenorrhoea, subfertility, cyclical abdo pain
Recall what investigations should be done in suspected Asherman’s
Saline hysterosonography (HSG), TVUSS
What would be seen on TVUSS in Asherman’s syndrome?
Sub-endothelial linear striations + ‘boggy’ uterus
How is Asherman’s syndrome managed?
Initially: Hysteroscopic adhesionolysis + post-op copper IUD
Next: PO oestrogens and reasses cavity
Recall some complications of Asherman’s
Infertility, miscarriage, oligomenorrhoea
What is atrophic vaginitis?
Vaginal irritation caused by thinning of the vaginal epithelium
What is the cause of atrophic vaginitis?
Reduction in circulating oestrogen ie. Post-menopause
Give 3 signs of atrophic vaginitis
Irritation, dyspareunia, discharge (may be bloody)
How does atrophic vaginitis appear O/E?
Pale, thin vaginal walls with loss of rugal folds, cracks or fissures
What investigations would you order in suspected atrophic vaginitis?
- Clinical examination
- Swabs for potential infection
- Biopsy for potential malignancy/ ulcers
How is atrophic vaginitis managed?
- Systemic HRT
2. If bleeding on intercourse –> water based moisturisers and lubricants
What 8 things should be checked for when doing a history for gynaecological infections?
Discharge (smell, consistency, colour, volume), Blood Pain Urinary symptoms Itch FLAWS Pregnancy status Sexual history
What investigations should be done in a suspected gynaecological infection?
pH, swabs (double or triple) and blood tests (for HIV/ syphilis)
What is the normal pH for the lateral wall of the vagina?
3.5-4.5 (due to lactobacilii in vagina)
What is a low vaginal pH indicative of?
Candida
What is a raised vaginal pH indicative of?
Contamination, BV or TV
Describe the method of ‘double swab’?
- Endocervical swab - tests for gonorrhoea and chlamydia
2. High vaginal swab, “charcoal swab” - fungal and bacterial (BV, TV, candida, GBS)
Describe the method of ‘triple swab’?
- Endocervical (for chlamydia)
- Endocervical charcoal swab (for gonorrhoea)
- High vaginal charcoal swab (for fungal/ bacterial infection)
What type of testing is done on the endocervical swab?
NAAT (nucleic acid amplification testing) for chlamydia/ gonorrhoea
What type of testing is done on the high vaginal swab?
MCandS
How does gonorrhoea appear under the microscope?
Gram neg diplococci
What is the most common cause of abnormal discharge?
BV
How does discharge appear in BV?
Thin and watery, grey/ white - FISHY SMELLING ODOUR
What are the symptoms of BV?
Just the discharge
What is the cause of BV?
Overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria
What is the most commonly implicated microbe in BV?
Gardinella vaginalis
What is required for BV diagnosis?
Clinical diagnosis + microscopy, can show high pH
What would be shown on microscopy in BV?
Clue cells - vaginal epithelium cells coated with lots of bacilli
What are the criteria for BV diagnosis confirmation?
Amsel’s criteria: need 3 out of 4 out of:
- Thin, white, homogeneous discharge
- Clue cells on microscopy
- Vaginal pH > 4.5
- Fishy odour on adding 10% KOH
How is BV managed?
- If asymptomatic, no treatment
- Metronidazole, PO, 400mg, BD, 7 days
Second line: Intravaginal clindamycin PV cream, 5g 2% 7 days
Recall some complications of BV
Late miscarriage, preterm birth, PROM and postpartum endometritis
Recall the symptoms of trichomonas vaginalis
Asymptomatic in 50%
Discharge: green/ yellow, “frothy”, offensive odour
Dyspareunia
Vulval itch/ soreness
What is seen OE in trichomonas vaginalis?
Strawberry cervix
Recall some key investigations and results in trichomonas vaginalis?
High vaginal swab + direct microscopy shows flagellated organism
pH > 4.5 - it is only high in BV and TV
What is the treatment of trichomonas vaginalis?
First line: Metronidazole 400mg BD PO, 7 days
Second line: Metronidazole, 2g, PO stat
What are the causative organisms that can cause thrush?
Candida albicans (in 90%) Candida glabrata (in 5%)
What are the causes of candidiasis?
Can be spontaneous
Can be secondary to a disruption of normal vaginal flora
Recall some risk factors for vaginal candidiasis
Oestrogen exposure (eg pregnancy, intercourse, poorly-controlled diabetes, HIV, recent Abx (eg for a UTI))
What is the most tell-tale examination finding in vaginal candidiasis?
‘Cottage-cheese’ type discharge
What is the expected pH in thrush?
Low/ normal
What investigations would you do in suspected thrush?
Wouldn’t usually do any, but diagnostic is HVS MCandS showing speckled gram pos spores and pseudohyphae
What are pseudohyphae indicative of?
C. albicans infection specifically
How should thrush be managed?
1st line: clotrimazole pessary + 1% clotrimazole cream (BD)
2nd line/ severe: fluconazole PO STAT
If pregnant, use topical treatment only
What is the latin name for cutaneous warts?
Condylomata acuminate
What is the causative organism in cutaneous warts?
HPV 6 and 11
What is the name of the HPV vaccine?
Gardasil
Which seroforms of HPV cause cervical cancer vs cutaneous warts?
6 + 11 = cutaneous warts; 16 + 18 = cervical cancer
Recall the symptoms of cutaneous warts?
Generally painless warts but may itch/ bleed/ become inflamed
How do you investigate for cutaneous warts?
Usually a clinical diagnosis, but should also do an STI screen (triple swab: HIV, syphillis, HBV)
What sort of organism is chlamydia trachomatis?
Gram neg parasite - cannot be seen under microscope
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Asymptomatic in 75% of women - when sympatomatic –> purulent PV discharge, dyspareunia, IMB, PCB, abdo pain + dysuria
What investigations should be done in suspected chlamydia?
Unlike gonorrhoea, if there are signs and symptoms of chlamydia you can treat on suspicion alone
If not sure:
1. NAAT - vulvovaginal swab or first catch urine
2. Culture and sensitivities
Direct microscopy will show neutrophils but no organisms
How should chlamydia be managed?
1st line: doxycyline - but contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding
2nd line/ pregnant/ breast-feeding: azithromycin (STAT)
Recall the signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea
Asymptomatic in 50%
If symptomatic, symptoms similar to chlamydia: PV discharge, IMB, PCB, dysuria, dyspareunia, lower abdo pain
Recall the findings on speculum examination in gonorrhoea
Mucopurulent endocervical discharge
Easily induced endocervical bleeding
Recall the findings on bimanual examination in gonorrhoea
Cervical motion/ adnexal tenderness
Uterine tenderness
When can empirical treatment be given in suspected gonorrhoea?
ONLY if recent sexual contact with confirmed gonorrhoeal infection
What would be seen on direct microscopy in gonorrhoea?
Neutrophils and gram neg diplococci
What other investigations can confirm gonorrhoea infection?
NAAT / culture and sensitivities
How should gonorrhoea be managed?
AFTER confirmation by NAAT/ MCandS/ direct microscopy (any will do)
Ceftriaxone 1g IM (NEW for 2019)
Then:
Screening for other STIs, abstain for 1 week, contact tracing - cure rate = 95% with treatment
Recall some of the complications of gonorrhoea
PID, or a version of PID with liver-abdo wall adhesions called Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
Disseminated disease in 1%
What is the causative organism in syhillis?
Treponema pallidum (gram neg spirochete)
What are the symptoms of primary syphillis?
Painless chancre and local lymphadenopathy
How long does primary syphillis last?
3-4 weeks
What are the symptoms of secondary syphillis?
ONLY 25% GET SYMPTOMS
Rough papulonodular rash, “snail track oral ulcer”, condylomata lata (really gross)
How long does secondary syphillis last, and after how long will it resolve?
It appears 4-10 weeks after the chancre, and resolves in 2 - 12 weeks before the infection becomes latent
How is latent syphilis categorised?
Early and late - which guides management
Early = exposure/ symtoms <2 years after infection, latent = >2 years
How long does tertiary syphillis last?
1-20 years
What % of untreated syphillis progresses to tertiary?
30%
Recall the subtypes of tertiary syphillis
- Gummatous: erosive skin and bone lesions
- Cardiovascular: early diastolic decrescendo from aortic regurgitation
- Neurosyphillis - might be meningovascular, general paresis or tabes dorsalis (lightening pains)
How can suspected syphillis be investigated for?
- Microbiology = if chancre/ chondylomata are present, the most sensitive one is the ‘dark ground’ method, if not, PCR
- Serology
- Routine screening in pregnant women to detect treponemal antibodies
- Can use a ‘treponomal test’ - eg. EIA, TPHA
Recall how syphillis is managed in adults
In primary/ secondary/ early latent:
Benzathine-Pen IM STAT OR doxycycline BD 14/7
If late latent/ non-neuro tertiary;
Benzathine-Pen IM OW 3/52, or doxycycline BD 28/7
If neurosyphillis, penicillin IV, 4-hourly, 14/7 or doxycycline BD 28/7
Prednisolone
What is the Jarish-Herxheimer reaction?
Release of proinflammatory cytokines in response to dying organisms
Signs and symptoms = 24 hours of febrile myalgia
May follow syphillis treatment
How does congenital syphillis appear?
Rash on soles of feet and hands +/- bone lesions
What is the cause of PID?
Ascending infection from the genital tract
What is the most common organism implicated in PID?
Chlamydia trachomatis
What are the symptoms of PID?
Often asymptomatic - but causes infertility and chronic pelvic pain
Acutely: BL lower abdo pain, PV discharge, fever, irregular PCB, dyspareunia
How should PID be investigated for?
Must start Abx before swabs
- Triple swabs
- Speculum (to look for signs of inflammation + discharge)
- Bimanual (cervical excitation, adnexal masses (eg tuboovarian abscess)
- If febrile do blood cultures
How should PID be managed?
First assess patient for admission - admit if pyrexial or septic
Otherwise
- Outpatient Abx, all 3 of ceftriaxone, doxycycline + metronidazole
- If inpatient, do IV cefoxitin + doxycycline
Remove any IUD, + other obvious stuff like STI screen, contact
What is the mechanism by which PID can cause ectopic pregnancy?
Paralysed cilia in fallopian tubes
What is Bartholin’s cyst?
A cyst/ abscess of bartholin’s gland (greater vestibular gland)
Likely to have overlying streptococcal/ GBS infection
= blockage of a duct to a gland in vagina which has become infected
What is the difference between Bartholin’s cyst and labial cysts?
Bartholin’s cysts may extend into the vaginal canal, but labial cysts will remain in labia
Recall the appropriate investigations in suspected Bartholin’s cyst
If person is >40, consider a vulval biopsy
If infected, MCandS from abscess - most are sterile but may help organism differentiation
How should Bartholin’s cysts be managed?
Conservatively if draining and the patient is well
If not, Incision and drainage + ‘word’ catheter + flucloxacillin OD
If not - marsupialisation (forming an open pouch to stop the cyst from reforming)
What is CIN?
Premalignant atypia in squamous lining of cervix (FIGO stage 0)
What serotypes of HPV are usually implicated in cervical cancer?
HPV 16 and 18
What is the peak age range of onset of CIN?
25-29 y/o
What are the dysplastic epithelial changes that occur in CIN?
Increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio
Abnormal nuclear shape: poikilocytosis
Recall the grading system for CIN
Grade 1 = mild dysplasia confined to lower 1/3 of epithelium
Grade 2 = Moderate dysplasia affecting 2/3 of epithelial thickness
Grade 3 = Severe dysplasia extending to the upper 1/3 of epithelium
What are the symptoms of CIN?
Same as cervical cancer symptoms: PV bleeding. IMB, PCB, PMB
If a smear test revealed CIN grade I, what should be done next?
An HPV test: If it’s positive, do a colposcopy, if it’s negative, do a routine recall
What does dyskaryosis mean?
Abnormal nucleus appearance
If a smear test revealed moderate to severe dyskaryosis (CIN grades II and III),
what should be done next?
Urgent colposcopy (within 2 weeks) followed by treatment if necessary
If a smear test revealed suspected invasive cancer, what should be done next?
Urgent colposcopy (<2 weeks)
How should CIN grade 1 be managed?
Smear in 12 months (conservative)
How can CIN be treated?
1st line: Large loop excision of the transformational zone (LLETZ - loop diathermy) - involves a wire loop with current running through that removes cells - however it is heavy on the side effects
Biggest risk = increases risk of miscarriage
2nd line - core biopsy - only performed if a large area needs to be removed, done under GA
Always do a follow-up test of cure 6 months later - smear and HPV test
What are the subtypes of cervical cancer and their relative prevalences?
Squamous (80%)
Adenocarcinoma (20%)
What is the staging sysytem used in cervical cancer?
FIGO
Recall the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
PV discharge
PCB, IMB, PMB
Dyspareunia (deep)
Symptoms of late metastasis (ie SOB, DIC) + FLAWS
To which lymph nodes does cervical cancer metastasise?
Iliac (NOT para-aortic)
Other than the screening pathway, how can cervical cancer be investigated?
MRI is better than CT-CAP (whereas CT-CAP is better for ovarian cancer)
Bloods to show anaemia, UandEs showing obstructive picture, LFTs may show metastasis, clotting and group and save
Recall all the stages of cervical cancer and their management!
Stage Ia1 (microinvasive) - mx = LLETZ/ cone biopsy
Stage Ia2 to IIa - mx =
- Fertility sparing: radical trachelectomy (removal of cervix) + BL pelvic node dissection
- If tumour is <4cm: radical hysterectomy + BL pelvic node dissection (Wertheim’s)
- If tumour is >4cm: chemoradiation
Stage IIb to IVa (locally advanced disease) - mx = chemoradiation
What types of radiotherapy can be useful in cervical cancer?
- External beam radiotherapy
2. Internal radiotherapy
What are the main complications of Wertheim’s hysterectomy to be aware of?
Bladder dysfunction (common, may require self-catheterisation), sexual dysfunction (due to vaginal shortening), lymphoedema - manage with leg elevation, good skin care + massage
Recall some side effects of radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer
Fatigue, skin erythema, infertility, dysuria, urgency, dyspareunia (due to vaginal stenosis), diarrhoea, incontinence
What is DUB (dusfunctional uterine bleeding)?
Abnormal uterine bleeding in the absence of organic pathology
What are the subtypes of DUB?
Anovulatory (90%) and ovulatory (10%)
What is the broad pathophysiology in anovulatory vs ovulatory DUB
Anovulatory: failure of follicular development –> no increase in progesterone –> cystic hyperplasia of endometrial glands with hypertrophy of columnar epithelium due to unopposed oestrogen stimulation –> heavy bleeds
Ovulatory: prolonged progesterone secretion –> irregular shedding
How is menorrhagia defined?
Whatever the woman defines as menorrhagia individually!
Recall some possible differentials that may cause DUB
Polyps, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy, iatrogenic, coagulopathy, endometriosis, PCOS, hypothyroid
What investigations should be done in DUB?
Speculum and bimanual first: bimanual will be bulky, may reveal fibroids
Next: bloods –> FBC (anaemia?), TFTs (hypothyroid?), clotting screen (VWD?)
2nd line (if cause not found): TVUSS (PCOS, fibroids, Ca?)
If still can’t find diagnosis: OPD hysterectomy, laparoscopy +/- biopsy (endometriosis?)
In what cases is DUB treated as a symptom, rather than just treating the cause?
No identified pathology/ fibroids are present <3cm, or patholgy is adenomysosis
How should DUB be managed?
1st line, if contraception is required: LNG IUS
2nd line, if fertility is required - tranexamic acid to treat bleed, mefenamic acid for pain
2nd line, if contraception is required but LNG IUS didn’t work: COCP/ cyclical oral progestogens
If it needs to be surgical: endometrial ablation/ hysterectomy
On what tissues is tamoxifen oestrogenic, and on which tissues is it anti-oestrogenic?
Oestrogenic on uterus and bone, anti-oestrogenic on breast
What are the risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia?
Oestrogen: so early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, tamoxifen, HRT, COCP
PLUS
Increasing age, high insulin levels, obesity, smoking, FHx for ovarian Ca
What are the symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia?
PV bleeding, usually PMB
How should potential endometrial hyperplasia be investigated?
1st line = TVUSS - if more than 4mm, --> hysteroscopy + biopsy 2nd line (and gold standard) = hysteroscopy + pipelle biopsy
How does presence/ absence of atypia in endometrial hyperplasia guide management?
If there is no atypia, <5% will become malignant in 20 years so it’s pretty chill, if there is atypia, that’s more suboptimal
Without atypia: 1st line = progestogens (either LNG-IUS (mirena) or oral non-cyclical), 2nd line = possible hysterectomy - review in 3-6 months
If there is atypia: 1st line is a hysterectomy, but if fertility needs to be spared then use progestogens - endometrial surveillance with biopsy every 3 months
Which symptom signals endometrial cancer until proven otherwise?
PMB
What are the subtypes of endometrial cancer?
Type 1 (85%) - secretory, endometrioid, mucinous (SEM) carcinoma Type 2 (15%) - uterine papillary Serous carcinoma, Clear cell carcinoma (SC)
What are the main differences between the different types of endometrial cancer?
Type 1 = younger patients, oestrogen-dependent, superficially invade, lower grade
Type 2 = older patients, less oestrogen-dependent, deeper invasion, higher grade
Describe the genetic components of each type of endometrial Ca
Type 1 - need to acquire >= 4 mutations, most importantly PTEN and PI3KCA
Type 2 - P53 is very associated with SCC, Her-2 amplification is associated with both
To which lymph nodes does endometrial cancer metastasise?
Para-aortic LNs
Recall the general FIGO staging of Endometrial Ca
I - limited to uterus
II - spread to cervix
III - spread to adjacent
IV - distant spread
Which investigations are appropriate in endometrial Ca?
Similar to EH
1st line = TVUSS - >4mm –> hysteroscopy + biopsy
2nd line - hysteroscopy
What is the most useful investigation for deciding FIGO stage of ovarian cancer?
CT CAP (better than MRI in this case)
Recall the management of endometrial Ca depending on stage
Stage 1 - total abdominal hysterectomy, BL salpingoophrectomy + peritoneal washings
Stage 2+ - radical hysterectomy + radiotherapy adjunct
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Cyclical/ chronic pelvic pain before/ during menstruation, dyspareunia, dyschezia, dysmenorrhoea
What is the simplest way to differentiate endometriosis and fibroids clinically?
There is no menorrhagia in endometriosis
Which investigations are appropriate in suspected endometriosis?
Bimanual and speculum TVUSS HSG (hysterosalpingography) HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography) DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY = GOLD STANDARD
What are the typical bimanual and speculum findings in endometriosis?
Reduced motility, tender nodularity in posterior vaginal fornix, visible vaginal endometriotic lesions, fixed retroverted uterus
What would a diagnostic laparoscopy show in endometriosis?
Red vesicles or punctate marks on peritoneum
Recall the management protocol for endometriosis
1st line is a 3m trial of paracetamol + NSAIDs - avoid opiates to prevent constipation
OR 3m trial of COCP or progesterone (which induces amenorrhoea)
2nd line = surgical - laparoscopic ablation/ hysterectomy with BSO
What are the 4 main types of FGM?
Type 1: clitoridectomy
Type 2: Excision = removal of clitoris + labia minora +/- labia majora
Type 3: Infibulation - narrowing vaginal opening by creating a seal by cutting and repositioning the labia
Type 4: Any other mutilation
Recall some symptoms caused by FGM?
Constant pain, incontinence, dyspareunia, depression, bleeding, abscesses
Recall some options for management for FGM
Deinfibulation: offered to those unable to have sex/ pass urine
If <18, record in notes, report to police and social services
If >18, record in notes but no obligation to report - may offer deinfibulation
What are fibroids?
Benign tumours arising from the myometrium
What are the subtypes of fibroids?
Submucosal (within cavity), intramural, suberosal (can undergo secondary changes)
Recall the changes that fibroids go through
- Hyaline degeneration
- Calcification (post menopausal)
- Red degeneration (coagulative necrosis in pregnancy)
What is the aetiology of fibroids?
They are hormone dependent - they enlarge in pregnancy (due to oestrogen) but shrink in menopause
What are the signs and symptoms of fibroids?
May be asymptomatic and found OE (uterine enlargement, palpable pelvic masses)
Symptoms of DUB, miscarriage, sub-fertility
Signs –> abdominal swelling, pressure symptoms on bowel or bladder
Which investigations are appropriate in fibroids?
1st line is TVUSS
Otherwise, DUB investigations
What are some recognised risk and protective factors for fibroids?
RISK = BONE: B - black women O - obesity N - nulliparity E - expecting (pregnancy)
Protecting = SMC: S = smoking M = multiparity C = COCP
How should fibroids >3cm be managed?
1st line: (non-contraceptive)
- Tranexamic acid
- Mefenamic acid/ NSAIDs
1st line (contraceptive)
- Mirena (NICE/PassMed)
- COCP (WestMid tuition/Ludley’s notes)
- Cyclical oral progestogens
Surgical/ radiological:
- Prior to surgery: injectable GnRH agonist - induced menopausal state
- Another short-term option = ulipristal acetate - as effective as GnRH agonists but does not induce a menopausal state
Surgical: hysteroscopic (if small submucosal or polypoid fibroid), myomectomy (best for improving fertility) or hysterectomy
Radiological: Uterine artery embolisation - it infarcts the fibroids, and may preserve fertility (but may also cause ovarian failure)
What are the symptoms of red degeneration of fibroids?
Low fever, pain and vomiting
What syndrome is associated with leiomyosarcoma?
Gardner’s syndrome (subtype of FAP with exta-colonic polyps)
What are the types of gynaecological polyp?
Cervical, endometrial, ectropion
What is the appearance of normal cervical epithelium?
Endocervix is columnar, ectocervix is squamous
How should gynaecological polyps be investigated?
Speculum for cervical polyps, TVUSS/ outpatient hysteroscopy for endometrial polyps
What is cervical ectropion?
Ectocervical migration of columnar epithelium (so columnar epithelium on the side of the cervix seen with the speculum)
What are the signs and symptoms of cervical ectropion?
IMB, PCB, increased discharge
What is the main risk factor associated with cervical ectropion?
Oestrogen - so pregnancy and COCP
How should cervical ectropion be managed?
Reassurance, cryotherapy + move from oestrogen-based contraceptives
What is a cervical polyp?
Overgrowth of endocervical columnar epithelium - benign and solitary
What are the signs and symptoms of cervical polyps?
Asymptomatic or small bleeding and discharge
How should cervical polyps be managed?
Reassurance, generally advised to be removed (if small can just be twisted off!)
How should endometrial polyps be managed?
May resolve spontaneously if small
If AUB symptoms, can have polypectomy
What are the subtypes of HPV, and which are high and low risk?
Low risk = 6 and 11 (benign genital warts)
High risk = 16 and 18 (CIN, VIN, VAIN)