Gynaecology Flashcards
MOA TXA
Plasmin inhibitor
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic analog of lysine which reversibly binds to lysine receptors on plasminogen. This inhibits conversion of plasminogen into plasmin and arrests the breakdown of fibrin.
Ovarian dermoid cyst vs ovarian cystic teratoma
These terms are used interchangeably to describe germ cell tumours however they have slightly different tissue origins:
Ovarian dermoid cyst = purely ectodermal in origin, so contains dermal and epidermal elements (hence the name)
Ovarian mature cystic teratoma = tissue can arise from any of the three germ cell layers (mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm). Normally 2 of the 3 are seen.
stratum functionalis: components
stratum compactum
stratum spongiosum
The Stratum compactum and stratum spongialis develop into the stratum functionalis during the first half of the menstrual cycle (proliferative phase)
When investigating subfertility, it is common to take a ‘mid-luteal’ phase progesterone. For a patient with a regular 28 day cycle, when would you advise a mid-luteal phase progesterone and what level would you be looking for?
A mid-luteal phase progesterone level can be taken to confirm if ovulation has taken place. For patients with a regular menstrual cycle, this is 7 days prior to the first day of expected menstruation.
A serum progesterone >30 nmol/L confirms ovulation has taken place.
Which anatomical structure is found within the infundibulopelvic ligament?
Also known as the ‘suspensory ligament’
Connects the ovary laterally to the pelvic wall
Not a true ligament as it is a fold of the peritoneum
Contains the ovarian artery, vein, nerve plexus and lymphatic vessels
Risk of malignancy index (RMI)
RMI = U x M x Ca-125
Ultrasound features (1 point for each) - BAMMS
Multilocular cysts
Solid areas
Metastases
Ascites
Bilateral lesions
Ultrasound score:
0 points = Ultrasound score 0
1 point = Ultrasound score 1
2-5 points = Ultrasound score 3
Menopausal status
Pre-menopausal = 1
Post-menopausal = 3
Ca-125 in IU/ml
NICE recommend referral to the specialist MDT for any patients who score 250 or more
Which lymphatic groups are most likely to be associated with cervical cancer metastases?
The most common sites of lymph node metastases from cervical cancer are the external iliac, internal iliac and obturator groups.
Which lymphatic groups is most likely to be associated with vaginal cancer metastases from the lower third of the vagina?
superficial inguinal group.
The Female Pelvic Floor
Funnel shaped muscular floor of the true (lesser) pelvis
Supports the abdominal/pelvic organs, opposes rises in intra-abdominal pressure and provides sphincteric action to the rectum and urethra
Composed of the levator ani and coccygeus
Two openings permit passage of the anal canal (rectal hiatus) and vagina/urethra (urogenital hiatus)
The perineal body connects the pelvic floor to the perineum and is located inferiorly
What is the predominant cell type of the luminal epithelium of the fallopian tube?
Secretory cells (most abundant)
Columnar cells
Peg cells (least abundant)
USS features of leiomyoma (fibroid)
Solid, round and well defined
Hypoechoic and heterogenous
Distortion of the outer uterine contour
Calcifications appear hyperechoic
Circumferential flow on colour doppler
Acoustic shadowing (large fibroids)
Type one and type two uterine cancers
Type 1 cancers are associated with unopposed oestrogen (endometrioid adenocarcinomas, slower growing)
Type 2 cancers are oestrogen independent and often related to genetic mutations (uterine serous carcinomas and clear cell carcinomas, faster growing). Risk factors include being postmenopausal, having a thickened uterine wall lining, and family history of ovarian, uterine, or bowel cancer.
True vs false female pelvis
True (lesser) pelvis: Inferior to the pelvic brim, contains the bladder, colon and reproductive organs
False (greater) pelvis: Superior to the pelvic brim, supports organs of the lower abdomen and the gravid uterus
Approximately what proportion of women with BRCA 1 mutation will develop ovarian cancer?
40% risk of women with BRCA 1 mutation developing ovarian cancer before the age of 70.
(15% BRCA 2)
Ovarian blood supply
Primary source is from the ovarian artery; a direct branch of the abdominal aorta
There is a smaller collateral supply from the uterine artery
The right ovarian vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava
The left ovarian vein drains into the left renal vein (in the majority)
Both the ovarian artery and vein are contained within the infundibulopelvic (IP) ligament
Incontinence management
First-line: Lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and bladder training.
Second-line: Anticholinergics (e.g., solifenacin, tolteridine, oxybutynin - avoid in frail older adults due to cognitive risks) or Beta-3 adrenergic agonist mirabegron or vaginal oestrogen for OAB; duloxetine for SUI.
Third-line: Botulinum toxin or neuromodulation (Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or sacral nerve stimulation) for OAB/ UUI; urethral bulking agents or surgery (Mid-urethral sling; colposuspension; fascial sling) for SUI.
Fourth-line: Surgery for refractory cases.
UUI is a symptom of OAB
Endometrial cancer testing
3% of all endometrial cancers are due to Lynch syndrome
The gene for tumour protein p53, is located on the short arm of chromosome 17
30% of EC is associated with BRCA1 mutation
Lynch syndrome screening for EC
Annual screening with TVS, hyst and/or endometrial sampling from age of 35 years after counselling
Lynch syndrome and abnormal vag bleeding to seek urgent medical attention.
Hysterectomy if family complete
Scenarios where women should have urgent investigations TVS, hyst and/or endometrial sampling
Women taking tamoxifen
Women with lynch syndrome
Postmenopausal
Scenarios where women should have pelvic exam inc spec
PMB
Unscheduled bleeding on HRT
Persisten IMB / irreg bleeding
heamaturia
PM Abnormal pv dc
Scenarios where women should have pelvic exam inc histology and 2ww
Premenopausal with persistent IMB/ irreg
Infrequent bleeding and obese/PCOS/Tamoxifen
Unsuccessful rx HMB
Staging vs Grading
Stage: size of the tumor and how far it has spread.
Grade: how abnormal cancer cells look and behave compared to normal cells.
FIGO staging: factors considered
- Tumor size (T): How far the cancer has spread into the uterus and nearby organs
- Lymph node spread (N): Whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the pelvis or around the aorta
- Distant spread (M): Whether the cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or organs
- Histological type: The type of tumor
- Molecular classification: The molecular profile of the tumor, such as POLEmut, MMRd, p53abn, or NSMP
FIGO staging: stages
Stage I: UTERUS ONLY
Confined to the uterine corpus and/or ovary
IA: Limited to the endometrium or <50% myometrial invasion (low-grade, non-aggressive, minimal LVSI). EASY
IB: ≥50% myometrial invasion (low-grade, non-aggressive, minimal LVSI). DEEP
IC: Aggressive histology confined to the endometrium or a polyp. AGGRESSIVE
Stage II: INTO CERVIX
Invasion of cervical stroma, no extrauterine spread
IIA: Non-aggressive histology with cervical stromal invasion. NICE
IIB: Substantial LVSI (non-aggressive histology). STROMAL
IIC: Aggressive histology with myometrial invasion. AGGRESSIVE
Stage III: INVADES NEARBY
Local/regional spread
IIIA: Involvement of uterine serosa and/or adnexa. SEROSA
IIIB: Spread to vagina, parametria, or pelvic peritoneum. VAGINA
IIIC: Pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph node metastasis. LYMPH
Stage IV: FAR AWAY
Distant spread
IVA: Invasion of bladder or bowel mucosa. BLADDER
IVB: Peritoneal metastasis beyond the pelvis. PERITONEUM
IVC: Distant metastasis (e.g., lungs, liver, brain, bone). DISTANT
lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI)