Gynaecology Flashcards
What are the top 3 gynecological causes of acute abdominal pain?
- PID
- Ovarian Torsion
- Follicular cysts/Mittelschmerz
PID is associated with fever and nausea/vomiting; Ovarian torsion is characterized by acute intermittent pelvic pain; Follicular cysts cause mid-cycle pain often relieved by NSAIDs.
What are the associated symptoms of PID?
- Fever
- Nausea/Vomiting
PID is often linked with a history of multiple sex partners and sexually transmitted infections.
What is the treatment for PID?
- Azithromycin + Ceftriaxone
- PO Levofloxacin + Metronidazole for 2 weeks
- Admit for IV antibiotics if unstable or suspected tubo-ovarian abscess
Treatment aims to cover for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
What is the hallmark sign of ovarian torsion?
Acute intermittent pelvic pain with nausea/vomiting
Patients may be scared to move due to the severity of the pain.
What is the diagnostic method for ovarian torsion?
Ultrasound and Doppler of ovarian blood supply
This helps assess blood flow to the affected ovary.
What are the top 2 non-gynecological causes of acute abdominal pain?
- Renal Stones
- Constipation
Renal stones may present with hematuria; constipation may cause abdominal tenderness and requires hydration and fiber.
What is a common presentation of interstitial cystitis?
Pelvic pain nearly daily with recurrent urinary tract infections
This condition often leads to a tender anterior vaginal wall.
What are the top 3 gynecological causes of chronic pelvic pain?
- Teratoma/Dermoid cyst
- Endometriosis/Endometrioma
- Leiomyoma/Fibroids
These conditions can lead to significant symptoms and complications.
What is a teratoma?
A tumor made of all 3 germ layers
It can lead to struma ovarii tumor and has a risk of malignant transformation.
What is the treatment for endometriosis?
- Surgery if >3 cm
- Medical management with progestins or GnRh agonist
Progestins can cause endometrial tissue atrophy.
What is the most common type of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC accounts for 90% of cervical cancer cases.
What screening recommendations exist for cervical cancer?
- Ages 25-44: every 3 years
- Ages 45-60: every 5 years after 2 consecutive normal results
- High-risk: annually from age 20
High-risk groups include HIV-positive individuals and those exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES).
What is the Bethesda classification for cervical cytology?
- LSIL (Low grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion)
- HSIL (High grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion)
- Atypical squamous cells (ASC)
LSIL includes HPV-associated changes; HSIL indicates moderate/severe dyskaryosis.
What is the main risk factor for endometrial cancer?
Excessive unopposed estrogen stimulation
This significantly increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer.
What are the common symptoms of endometrial cancer?
- Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB)
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Intermenstrual bleeding (IMB)
These symptoms often lead to further evaluation and diagnosis.
What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?
- Surgery
- Staging
- Chemotherapy
Surgical options include total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy.
What are the common presentations of ovarian cancer?
- Vague lower abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension
- Early satiety
- GI complaints in advanced stages
Symptoms often become apparent in later stages of the disease.
What is the FIGO staging for cervical cancer?
- Stage 1: Confined to cervix
- Stage 2: Involves proximal 2/3 of vagina
- Stage 3: Spread in pelvis
- Stage 4: Distant spread
Staging helps determine treatment options and prognosis.
What is the primary treatment for CIN ≥II?
LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone)
This procedure is often performed to remove dysplastic cells.
What is the peak incidence age for epithelial ovarian tumors?
56-60 years
Epithelial tumors are the most common type of ovarian cancer.
What is the recommended annual screening for endometrial cancer?
TVUS and endometrial biopsy
TVUS stands for transvaginal ultrasound.
When should a hysterectomy and BSO be performed for endometrial cancer?
When family is complete
BSO stands for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
What are the protective factors against endometrial cancer?
- COCP
- POP
- Cigarette smoking
What are common presentations of endometrial cancer?
- PMB (postmenopausal bleeding)
- Abnormal or blood-stained PV discharge
- IMB (intermenstrual bleeding) or prolonged bleeding in pre- and peri-menopausal women
- Pelvic pain
What is endometrial hyperplasia?
A precursor to endometrial cancer that presents with abnormal bleeding
Endometrial hyperplasia can be classified as simple or complex.
What symptoms are associated with endometrial hyperplasia?
- PMB
- Endometrial cells on cervical smear
- Perimenopausal with irregular heavy menses
- Premenopausal with AUB (abnormal uterine bleeding) with history of anovulation
What are the differential diagnoses for PMB?
- Exogenous oestrogen use, e.g. tamoxifen
- Atrophic endometritis/vaginitis
- Endometrial cancer/hyperplasia
- Other gynecological cancers
What investigations are used to assess endometrial thickness?
TVUS
If the endometrial thickness is > 5mm, further investigations are needed.
What is the significance of an endometrial thickness of 20 mm?
Endometrial cancer is more likely
This finding necessitates further evaluation.
What procedures are involved in the investigation of endometrial issues?
- Hysteroscopy with endometrial sampling
- D&C (dilation and curettage)
What is the staging of endometrial cancer?
- I - Confined to uterine body (most are diagnosed here, good prognosis)
- II - Invades cervix but not beyond uterus
- III - Local and/or regional spread
- IVa - Involves bladder/bowel mucosa
- IVb - Distant metastases
What is the most common pattern of spread for endometrial cancer?
Direct extension
What are the management options for endometrial cancer?
- Total hysterectomy
- BSO
- Peritoneal cytology
- Selective surgical staging
What are the indications for surgical staging in endometrial cancer?
- Grade 3 lesion (poorly differentiated)
- Grade 2 tumour >2cm
- Adenosquamous, clear cell, and papillary serous
- > 50% myometrial invasion
- Cervical extension