Gynaecology Flashcards
What is Androgen insensitivity syndrome?
X-linked recessive condition due to end-organ resistance to testosterone
mutation in the androgen receptor gene
causing genotypically male children (46XY) to have a female phenotype
What are the features of Androgen insensitivity syndrome?
‘primary amenorrhoea’
little or no axillary and pubic hair
undescended testes causing groin swellings
breast development may occur as a result of the conversion of testosterone to oestradiol
How is Androgen insensitivity syndrome diagnosed?
buccal smear or chromosomal analysis to reveal 46XY genotype
after puberty, testosterone concentrations are in the high-normal to slightly elevated reference range for postpubertal boys
What would hormone results for Androgen insensitivity syndrome show
Raised LH
Normal or raised FSH
Normal or raised testosterone levels (for a male)
Raised oestrogen levels (for a male)
How is Androgen insensitivity syndrome managed?
counselling - raise the child as female
bilateral orchidectomy (increased risk of testicular cancer due to undescended testes)
oestrogen therapy
What is Adenomyosis
endometrial tissue within the myometrium
Who is Adenomyosis more common in
multiparous women towards the end of their reproductive years
It may occur alone, or alongside endometriosis or fibroids.
What conditions tend to resolve after menopause
Adenomyosis endometriosis and fibroids.
How does Adenomyosis present
Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
Heavy periods (menorrhagia)
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
How would Adenomyosis feel on examination
an enlarged and tender uterus.
What is first line investigation for Adenomyosis
Transvaginal ultrasound
MRI and transabdominal ultrasound are alternative investigations
What is the gold standard investigation for Adenomyosis
histological examination of the uterus after a hysterectomy
How is Adenomyosis managed when the woman does not want contraception
Tranexamic acid when there is no associated pain (antifibrinolytic – reduces bleeding)
Mefenamic acid when there is associated pain (NSAID – reduces bleeding and pain)
How is Adenomyosis managed when contraception is wanted
Mirena coil (first line)
Combined oral contraceptive pill
Cyclical oral progestogens
What are other management options of Adenomyosis beside tranexamic acid and contraception
GnRH analogues to induce a menopause-like state
Endometrial ablation
Uterine artery embolisation
Hysterectomy
What conditions are associated with Adenomyosis
Infertility
Miscarriage
Preterm birth
Small for gestational age
Preterm premature rupture of membranes
Malpresentation
Need for caesarean section
Postpartum haemorrhage
What is Atrophic Vaginitis
dryness and atrophy of the vaginal mucosa related to a lack of oestrogen
Who does Atrophic Vaginitis occur in
post menopausal
how does Atrophic Vaginitis present
Itching
Dryness
Dyspareunia (discomfort or pain during sex)
Bleeding due to localised inflammation
how does Atrophic Vaginitis appear on examination
Pale mucosa
Thin skin
Reduced skin folds
Erythema and inflammation
Dryness
Sparse pubic hair
how is Atrophic Vaginitis managed
Vaginal lubricants - Sylk, Replens and YES
Topical oestrogen - cream, pessaries, tablets, ring
What is Asherman’s Syndrome
adhesions (sometimes called synechiae) form within the uterus, following damage to the uterus and form physical obstructions and distort the pelvic organ
When does Asherman’s Syndrome occur
typically presents following recent dilatation and curettage, uterine surgery or endometritis
How does Asherman’s Syndrome present
Secondary amenorrhoea (absent periods)
Significantly lighter periods
Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
sometimes infertility
What is the gold standard investigation for Asherman’s Syndrome
Hysteroscopy
can involve dissection and treatment of the adhesions
Other than Hysteroscopy how else can Asherman’s Syndrome be investigated
Hysterosalpingography - contrast is injected into the uterus and imaged with xrays
Sonohysterography - uterus is filled with fluid & ultrasound
MRI
How is Asherman’s Syndrome managed
dissecting the adhesions during hysteroscopy
reoccurrence is common
why males do not develop a uterus
anti-Mullerian hormone
What structure in a fetus do congenital structural abnormality refer to
Mullerian ducts.
Name 4 congenital structural abnormality
Bicornuate Uterus
Imperforate Hymen
Transverse Vaginal Septae
Vaginal Hypoplasia and Agenesis
What is a Bicornuate Uterus
two “horns” to the uterus, giving the uterus a heart-shaped appearance.
What are typical complications of Bicornuate Uterus
Miscarriage
Premature birth
Malpresentation
What is a Imperforate Hymen
the hymen at the entrance of the vagina is fully formed, without an opening.
causes cyclical pelvic pain and cramping, but without any vaginal bleeding
How is Imperforate Hymen diagnosed and treatmed
diagnosed during a clinical examination. treated with surgical incision
What is a complication of untreated Imperforate Hymen
retrograde menstruation leading to endometriosis.
What is a Transverse Vaginal Septae
a wall forms transversely across the vagina. This septum can either be perforate or imperforate
perforate = still menstruate, but can have difficulty with intercourse or tampon use. imperforate = present similarly to an imperforate hymen
What are complications of transverse Vaginal Septae
infertility and pregnancy-related complications
How is transverse Vaginal Septae diagnosed
examination, ultrasound or MRI.
How is transverse Vaginal Septae treated and what is the complication of treatment
surgical correction
The main complications of surgery are vaginal stenosis and recurrence of the septae.
What is Vaginal hypoplasia
abnormally small vagina
What is Vaginal agenesis
an absent vagina.
What causes Vaginal Hypoplasia and Agenesis
failure of the Mullerian ducts to properly develop
Are ovaries affected in Vaginal Hypoplasia and Agenesis
ovaries are usually unaffected, leading to normal female sex hormones.
The exception to this is with androgen insensitivity syndrome, where there are testes rather than ovaries.
How is Vaginal Hypoplasia and Agenesis managed
use of a vaginal dilator over a prolonged period to create an adequate vaginal size. Alternatively, vaginal surgery may be necessary.
What is cervical cancer
80% are squamous cell carcinoma
adenocarcinoma next most common
strongly associated with human papillomavirus
When are children vax against HPV
12-13
What is used to screen for precancerous and cancerous changes to the cells of cervix
Cervical screening with smear tests
What is the most common cause of cervical cancer
human papillomavirus (HPV)
What other cancers is HPV associated ith
anal, vulval, vaginal, penis, mouth and throat cancers.
What two strains of HPV are responsible for 80% of cervical cancer cases
type 16 and 18
How does HPV promote the development of cancer
HPV produces two proteins (E6 and E7) that inhibit tumour suppressor genes
E6 protein inhibits p53
E7 protein inhibits pRb.
What are rick factors for cervical cancer
Early sexual activity
Increased number of sexual partners
Sexual partners who have had more partners
Not using condoms
Non-engagement with cervical screening
Smoking
HIV
Combined contraceptive pill >5 years
Increased number of full-term pregnancies
Family history
How does cervical cancer present
often detected asymptomatic
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (intermenstrual, postcoital or post-menopausal bleeding)
Vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Dyspareunia (pain or discomfort with sex)
How does cervical cancer appear on examination
Ulceration
Inflammation
Bleeding
Visible tumour
How are precursor to squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix graded
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
how is Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) diagosed
colposcopy
What does Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade
dysplasia (premalignant change)
What does smear results show
dyskaryosis (precancerous changes)
What is CIN 1
mild dysplasia
affecting 1/3 the thickness of the epithelial layer
likely to return to normal without treatment
What is CIN 3
severe dysplasia
very likely to progress to cancer if untreated
sometimes called cervical carcinoma in situ.
What is CIN 2
moderate dysplasia
affecting 2/3 the thickness of the epithelial layer
likely to progress to cancer if untreated
how is cervical cancer screened
cervical smear test
precancerous changes in the epithelial cells of the cervix
how often do you have cervical screen
Every three years aged 25 – 49
Every five years aged 50 – 64
what are cervical smear samples tested for
Tested for high-risk HPV then the cells are examined.
If HPV negative then cell not tested
What women are exceptions to standard cervical screening program
- Women with HIV (annually)
- Women over 65 may request a smear if they have not had one since aged 50
- Women with previous CIN may require additional tests (e.g. test of cure after treatment)
- immunocompromised women may have additional screening (e.g. women on dialysis, cytotoxic drugs or undergoing an organ transplant)
- Pregnant women due a routine smear should wait until 12 weeks post-partum
What other conditions can be identified on a smear test
bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis
What happens to women with HPV positive with abnormal cytology smear result
refer for colposcopy
What happens to women with HPV positive with normal cytology smear result
repeat the HPV test after 12 months
What is Colposcopy
Inserting a speculum and using equipment (a colposcope) to magnify the cervix.
stains such as acetic acid and iodine solution can be used to differentiate abnormal areas.
What does Acetic acid do in a colposcopy
causes abnormal cells to appear white
(acetowhite)
Why do abnormal cells turn white with acetic
increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio (more nuclear material)
such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer cells.
What is Schiller’s iodine test
an iodine solution to stain the cells of the cervix.
Iodine will stain healthy cells a brown colour.
Abnormal areas will not stain.
How are tissue samples collected in colposcopy
punch biopsy or large loop excision of the transformational zone
What is Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ)
using a loop of wire with electrical current (diathermy) to remove abnormal epithelial tissue on the cervix
Loop Biopsy
local anaesthetic
What is a cone biopsy
treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and very early-stage cervical cancer.
surgeon removes a cone-shaped piece of the cervix using a scalpel
general anaesthetic
what are the risks of Cone Biopsy
Pain
Bleeding
Infection
Scar formation with stenosis of the cervix
Increased risk of miscarriage and premature labour
what are the risks of loop Biopsy
may increase the risk of preterm labour.
bleeding and abnormal discharge
how is cervical cancer staged
International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO
What are the stages of cervical cancer (stage 1-4)
Stage 1: Confined to the cervix
Stage 2: Invades the uterus or upper 2/3 of the vagina
Stage 3: Invades the pelvic wall or lower 1/3 of the vagina
Stage 4: Invades the bladder, rectum or beyond the pelvis
How is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early-stage 1A cervical cancer managed
gold standard = hysterectomy +/- lymph
node clearance
maintain fertility = LLETZ or cone biopsy
with negative margins
How is Stage 1B cervical cancer managed
Radical hysterectomy and removal of local lymph nodes with chemotherapy and radiotherapy
How is Stage B2 cervical cancer managed
radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph
node dissection
How is Stage 2 and 3 cervical cancer managed
radiation with concurrent
chemotherapy
if hydronephrosis → nephrostomy
How is Stage 4 cervical cancer managed
radiation and/or chemotherapy
4B = palliative chemotherapy
What monoclonal antibody is used in combo w chemo for metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
What does Bevacizumab (Avastin) target
targets vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)
What HPV strain cause genital warts
6 and 11
What is the 5 year survival for stage 1A cervical cancer
98%
What is the 5 year survival for stage 4 cervical cancer
15%
What is menorrhagia
Heavy menstrual bleeding
> 80ml loss
Name 5 causes of menorrhagia
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (no identifiable cause)
- Extremes of reproductive age
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection)
- Contraceptives, particularly the copper coil
- Anticoagulant medications
- Bleeding disorders (e.g. Von Willebrand disease)
- Endocrine disorders (diabetes and hypothyroidism)
- Connective tissue disorders
- Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Name 5 key history questions to ask a woman presenting with menorrhagia
- Age at menarche
- Cycle length, days menstruating and variation
- Intermenstrual bleeding and post coital bleeding
- Contraceptive history
- Sexual history
- Possibility of pregnancy
- Plans for future pregnancies
- Cervical screening history
- Migraines with or without aura (for the pill)
- Past medical history and past drug history
- Smoking and alcohol history
- Family history
How should menorrhagia be investigated
Pelvic examination with a speculum and bimanual
FBC
Hysteroscopy
Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound
Swabs
Coag screen
Ferritin
TFT
How is menorrhagia managed when the woman does not want contraception
Tranexamic acid when NO associated pain (antifibrinolytic – reduces bleeding)
Mefenamic acid when there is associated pain (NSAID – reduces bleeding and pain)
How is menorrhagia managed when the woman wants contraception
- Mirena coil (first line)
- Combined oral contraceptive pill
- Cyclical oral progestogens, such as norethisterone 5mg three times daily from day 5 – 26 (although this is associated with progestogenic side effects and an increased risk of venous thromboembolism)
What is the final option for when medical management has failed for menorrhagia
endometrial ablation and hysterectomy.
What is endometrial cancer
Cancer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
80% of cases are adenocarcinoma
What is endometrial cancer dependent on
oestrogen-dependent cancer, meaning that oestrogen stimulates the growth of endometrial cancer cells.
What is the key presenting feature of endometrial cancer
a woman presenting with postmenopausal bleeding
What are risk factors for endometrial cancer
obesity and diabetes
PCOS
tamoxifen
excess oestrogen
- nulliparity
- early menarche
- late menopause
- unopposed oestrogen
what is endometrial hyperplasia
a precancerous condition involving thickening of the endometrium
What percent of cases of endometrial hyperplasia turn into endometrial cancer
5%
Most cases of endometrial hyperplasia will return to normal
Name the 2 types of endometrial hyperplasia
Hyperplasia without atypia
Atypical hyperplasia
How is endometrial hyperplasia without atypia treated
high dose progestogens with repeat sampling in 3-4 months (eg levonorgestrel intra-uterine system)
How is atypical endometrial hyperplasia treated
hysterectomy
How does unopposed oestrogen contribute to endometrial cancer
stimulates the endometrial cells and increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
what is unopposed oestrogen
oestrogen without progesterone
Name causes of increased exposure of unopposed oestrogen
Increased age
Earlier onset of menstruation
Late menopause
Oestrogen only hormone replacement therapy
No or fewer pregnancies
Obesity
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Tamoxifen
How does PCOS lead to increased exposure to unopposed oestrogen
lack of ovulation
less likely to form corpus luteum –> what produces progesterone & endometrial lining has more exposure to unopposed oestrogen
What should women with PCOS take for endometrial protection
The combined contraceptive pill
An intrauterine system (e.g. Mirena coil)
Cyclical progestogens to induce a withdrawal bleed.
How does obesity contribute to unopposed oestrogen
adipose tissue (fat) is a source of oestrogen
Adipose tissue is the primary source of oestrogen in postmenopausal women
What does adipose fat contain to contribute to unopposed oestrogen and what does it do
aromatase, which is an enzyme that converts androgens such as testosterone into oestrogen
What is tamoxifen oestrogenic effect
anti-oestrogenic effect on breast tissue, but an oestrogenic effect on the endometrium.
name two risk factors for endometrial cancer not related to unopposed oestrogen
Type 2 diabetes
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome
name 4 protective factors against endometrial cancer
Combined contraceptive pill
Mirena coil
Increased pregnancies
Cigarette smoking
How may endometrial cancer present
** postmenopausal bleeding **
also
Postcoital bleeding
Intermenstrual bleeding
Unusually heavy menstrual bleeding
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Haematuria
Anaemia
Raised platelet count
What is the referral criteria for a 2 week wait for endometrial cancer
Postmenopausal bleeding (more than 12 months after the last menstrual period)
What is the NICE criteria for referral for a transvaginal ultrasound with suspected endometrial caner
women >= 55 years who present with postmenopausal bleeding should be referred using the suspected cancer pathway
What are the three investigations for endometrial cancer
Transvaginal ultrasound for endometrial thickness
hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy
What is a normal endometrial thickness post menopause
less than 4mm
What is a pipelle biopsy
highly sensitive for endometrial cancer
inserting thin tube (pipelle) through the cervix into the uterus
quicker and less invasive alternative than hysteroscopy
What indicated on investigations are sufficient to demonstrate a very low risk of endometrial cancer and discharge the patient.
a normal transvaginal ultrasound (endometrial thickness < 4mm) and normal pipelle biopsy
How is endometrial cancer staged
International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system
what are the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system for endometrial cancer
Stage 1: Confined to the uterus
Stage 2: Invades the cervix
Stage 3: Invades the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina or lymph nodes
Stage 4: Invades bladder, rectum or beyond the pelvis
How is stage 1&2 endometrial cancer managed
total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, also known as a TAH and BSO (removal of uterus, cervix and adnexa).
+/- radiotherapy
What is endometriosis
ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterus
affects 10%
What are chocolate cysts
Endometriomas in the ovaries
What is Endometriomas
lump of endometrial tissue outside the uterus
What is Adenomyosis
endometrial tissue within the myometrium (muscle layer) of the uterus.
What is a theory for the cause of endometriosis
During menstruation, the endometrial lining flows backwards, through the fallopian tubes and out into the pelvis and peritoneum (retrograde menstruation)
The endometrial tissue then seeds itself around the pelvis and peritoneal cavity.
How does endometriosis present
Cyclical abdominal or pelvic pain
Deep dyspareunia (pain on deep sexual intercourse)
Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods - often before period starts)
Infertility
Cyclical bleeding from other sites, such as haematuria
urinary symptom
painful bowel movements
What can endometriosis in bladder and bowel cause
can lead to blood in the urine or stools.
How does endometriosis present on examination
- Endometrial tissue visible particularly in the posterior fornix
- reduced organ mobility
- A fixed cervix on bimanual examination
- Tenderness in the vagina, cervix and adnexa
What is the gold standard investigation for endometriosis?
Laparoscopic surgery
definitive diagnosis can be established with a biopsy of the lesions during laparoscopy.
1st = US
other than lapsroscopic surgery how else can endometriosis be investigated
Pelvic ultrasound
may reveal large endometriomas and chocolate cysts
however ultrasound are often unremarkable in patients with endometriosis
What is the body responsible for the staging system for endometriosis
American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
what are the endometriosis stages (stage 1-4)
Stage 1: Small superficial lesions
Stage 2: Mild, but deeper lesions than stage 1
Stage 3: Deeper lesions, with lesions on the ovaries and mild adhesions
Stage 4: Deep and large lesions affecting the ovaries with extensive adhesions