Gynaecology + Breast Flashcards
What is ‘strawberry vagina’?
Trichomoniasis
Metrorrhagia?
Regular intermenstrual bleeding
Polymenorrhoea?
> 21 day cycle
Oligomenorrhoea?
> 35 day cycle
Amenorrhoea?
No bleeding >6 months
Some organic causes of menorrhagia?
Fibroids Polyps Cervical erosion Endometrial Hyperplasia IUD/IUS Pelvic Inflammatory disease Endometriosis Carcinoma Trauma
Some systemic causes of menorrhagia?
Adrenal disease, hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes, prolactin disorder
Drugs
Liver diseases
Renal diseases
Name a non-organic cause of menorrhagia?
Absence of pathology–> Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)
How is DUB divided up?
Anovulatory (85%)
Ovulatory
Diagnosis of DUB?
Exclusion of other causes
Age and period cycle of anovulatory DUB?
Extremes of reproductive age
Irregular cycle
(more common in obese women)
Age and period cycle of ovulatory DUB?
35-45 years
Regular heavy periods
(due to inadequate progesterone)
Investigations of DUB?
FBC, Hb, coag screen, TSH, LFTs and renal function
Cervical smear
Transvaginal USS
Endometrial sampling
Management of DUB?
Merina IUS/oral contraceptive GnRH analogues NSAIDs Endometrial resection/ablation Hysterectomy
Which cells secrete progesterone during folliculogenesis?
Granulosa cells
What is formed from a secondary follicle?
Graffian follicle
What does the follicle form after ovulation of the new oocyte?
Corpus Luteum
What lines the fallopian tubes?
Simple columnar epithelium + some ciliated cells and secretory cells
What is the endometrium made of?
Tubular secretory glands
What is the myometrium made of?
3 layers of smooth muscle with collagen + elastic
What is the perimetrium made of?
Loose connective tissue
What is the cervix covered by and what does it transition to?
Stratified squamous epithelium
Transitions to:
Simple columnar epithelium
+ mucous secreting glands
What is common at the transition zone in the cervix?
Cervical cancers
What is the outer layer of the vagina?
Non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
What is the use of glycogen in the cells in the vagina?
Glycogen metabolised to lactic acid to INHIBIT PATHOGENIC BACTERIA
What kind of glands are present in the labia majora?
Apocrine sweat glands and sebaceous glands
What kind of gland are present in the labia minora?
Sebaceous glands
What is the most common approach to treatment of psychosexual dysfunction?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Consideration before vasectomy?
Age >30
Offspring
Medical conditions
How does female sterilisation work?
Blocks fallopian tubes
Effective treatment of premenstrual pain and dyspareunia in endometriosis?
Combined oral contraceptive
Which hormone is used to measure ovarian reserve before IVF?
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)
What forms the indifferent gonads in embryological development?
Genital ridges form primitive sex cords
What is another name for the Mesonephric duct?
Wolffian ducts
What is another name for the Paramesonephric duct?
Mullerian ducts
When does sexual differentiation occur?
Week 7 onwards
What triggers male development?
SRY (sex determining region of Y) transcription factor
How does the Y chromosome produce a male?
Sex determining region causes development of testes
Testes secrete testosterone and mullerian inhibiting factor
What do the male genital tracts arise from?
Wolffian ducts
What do the female genital tracts arise from?
Mullerian ducts
What are the 3 parts of the uterine cycle, and how long do they last?
Proliferative- day 1-14
Secretory (luteal)- day 16-28
Menstruation- day 1-3
What happens in the proliferative stage of the uterine cycle?
Oestrogen causes growth of glands, stroma and vasculature
Increased thickness
What happens in the secretory stage of the uterine cycle?
Progesterone causes glands to become more torturous with lumenal secretions
When sending an endometrial biopsy to the lab, what information is all important to give?
Date of last period and drug list
What is trans-vaginal ultrasound typically used to assess?
Endometrial thickness
What is normal endometrial thickness?
<16mm in pre-menopausal
<4mm in post-menopausal
What is the most common for endometrial sampling?
Dilatation and curretage
How does endometritis occur?
Failure of cervical mucous plug to protect from ascending infection
When are endometrial polyps most common?
Around/after menopause
What is adenomyosis?
Endometrial glands and stroma with myometrium
What is atrophic vaginitis?
Lack of oestrogen causes loss of lubrication, thinning and decreased elasticity
Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis?
Burning pain
Itch
Painful intercourse
Discharge
Treatment of atrophic vaginitis?
Topical oestrogen creams
HRT
What state does the bladder need to be in for transabdominal and transvaginal USS?
transabdominal- full
transvaginal- empty
4 indications for CT?
Acute abdo pain
Post-surgical complications
Staging gynae cancers
Response to treatments
What is hydrosalpinx?
Blocking of fallopian tube with fluid or serous
What is a hysterosalpingography (HSG) and what is it used for?
Real time X ray
Assesses tubal patency
Stress UI?
After effort or exertion or on sneezing/coughing
Urgency UI?
Accompanied by urgency- due to overactive detrusor muscle
Causes of incontinence?
Age Parity Pregnancy Smoking Obesity Menopause UTI
Investigations of incontinence?
Urinalysis
Urodynamics
Management of incontinence?
Reduce caffeine, alcohol, fluids Weight loss Pelvic floor exercises Bladder retraining Anti-muscarinics Mirabegron (relax bladder) Desmopressin Botox injection Topical oestrogen
Name some anti-muscarinics used in incontinence?
Oxybutynin
Tolterodine
Specific management of stress UI?
Physio
Pessary
Bladder neck bulking agent
Autologous sling (surgery)
How common is pelvic prolapse in parous women?
50%
Causes of pelvic prolapse?
Age Obesity Parity/vaginal delivery Chronic constipation Oestrogen deficiency (menopause) Connective tissue disorder
Important history in pelvic prolapse?
Pressure/dragging
Urinary/bowel symptoms (e.g. incomplete emptying)
Sexual dysfunction
Obs Hx
Types of prolapse? (4)
Anterior (cytocele)- bladder through vagina
Middle/apical (vault/enterocele)- vaginal/small bowel prolapse
Posterior (rectocele)- bowel through vaginal
Complete eversion- all compartments
Assessment of prolapse?
POP-Q
USS/MRI
Management of prolapse?
Weight loss Pelvic floor exercises Pessaries- for mild/moderate or elderly Rings/cubes- for young, sexually active Shelves/Gelhorn- severe, not sexually active Surgery
What is climacteric?
Start of symptoms leading up to menopause
What is menopause?
Last ever menstrual period- due to oestrogen deficiency
What is the average age of menopause?
51 years
How is early menopause defined?
<45 years
How is premature menopause defined and causes?
<40 years
Causes: chemotherapy, infections (e.g. mumps), oophorectomy, Turner’s, autoimmune disorders)
How is late menopause defined?
> 54 years
Symptoms of menopause?
Hot flushes Night sweats Mood swings/Irritability Palpitations Joint aches Headaches Vaginal dryness Decreased libido Atrophy of breast Dry skin/hair Urinary symptoms of incontinence May have dysfunctional bleeding
Diagnosis of menopause?
- Symptoms
- Pattern of periods
- Bloods
- in women <45, hysterectomy, or merina coil
- FSH + LH levels
Management of menopause?
Increase calcium (osteoporosis) Weight loss Exercise Decreased caffeine HRT (O+P)- for symptoms
When is oestrogen only HRT used?
For people without uterus
When is topical oestrogen used?
In vaginal dryness
What is oestrogen + progesterone HRT protective against?
Endometrial cancer
Osteoporotic fractures
Bowel cancer
What is oestrogen only HRT protective against?
Breast cancer
What is there a higher risk of in oestrogen + progesterone HRT?
Breast cancer
VTE
CVA
Gallbladder disease
When should HRT be avoided?
History of: Breast, ovarian/cervical cancers Blood clots Heart disease Stroke Hypertension Liver disease
When is HRT contraindicated?
History of VTE, stroke, angina/MI, or breast cancer
Most common cause of uterine mass?
Fibroids (cancers very rarely present with mass)
What is a uterine fibroid?
Leiomyoma (benign smooth muscle)
Features of fibroids?
Common in <40s
Often multiple
OESTROGEN DRIVEN- shrink after menopause
Classifications of fibroids?
intramural, submucous, subserous, intracavity, pedunculated
Symptoms of fibroids?
Often asymptomatic/incidental or menorrhagia pelvic mass pain/tenderness pressure (bowel/bladder)
Diagnosis of fibroids?
USS (homogenous smooth muscle, often multiple)
Treatment of fibroids?
Leave + monitor if asymptomatic
Hysterectomy if family complete
Myomectomy- remove fibroids
Uterine artery embolisation- cut off blood to fibroids
Causes of tubal swellings? (6)
Ectopic pregnancy (unlikely to cause mass) Hydrosalpinx Pyosalpinx- emergency Paratubal cysts- wolffian tubule remnant Endometriosis Salpingitis
3 groups of ovarian masses?
Cysts
Endometriosis
Tumours
What are follicular (functional) cysts in the ovary, and what lines them?
Related to ovulation- occur when ovulation DOESN’T occur- follicle turns to cyst
Lined by granulosa cells
What are endometriotic cysts caused by?
Endometriosis (endometrial glands + stroma in wrong place)
Usually behind ovaries, pouch of Douglas, uterosacral, cervix, vulva, vagina etc.
Features of endometriotic cysts?
Under hormonal control- proliferative/secretory phases
Form CHOCOLATE CYSTS when try to menstruate
Symptoms of endometriosis?
Painful periods Irregular periods Premenstrual bleeding Painful intercourse Subfertility Tender mass (+ nodules)
What does endometriosis increase the risk of?
Ectopic pregnancy- scarring of tubes prevent egg progression
What is unique about the histology of ovarian masses?
Can have a mixture of benign, borderline and malignant tissue all in one tumour
When is a mass particularly concerning: solid, or solid and cystic
Solid and cystic
Where have secondary metastatic ovarian tumours most likely come from?
Breast, pancreas, stomach and GI
When should secondary metastatic ovarian tumours be particularly considered?
When tumours are small or bilateral
Which is the most common benign ovarian tumour?
Epithelial
Classification of epithelial ovarian tumours, and which is most common? (5)
Serous (common, aggressive) Mucinous Endometrioid (often low grade) Clear cell (often low grade) Brenner
Which ovarian benign tumour is associated with endometriosis?
Endometrioid
Which ovarian benign tumours are associated with Lynch Syndrome?
Endometrioid + clear cell
Have younger presentation
What is a dermoid cyst?
Benign cystic teratoma (germ cell tumour)
Can differentiate into anything- teeth, hair, thyroid etc.
Other than dermoid cyst, name 3 other germ cell tumours in the ovary?
Dysgerminoma (children/young women)
Yolk sac tumour
Choriocarcinoma
Clinical triad and pathological features of fibroma?
Clinical- pleural effusion, ascites, uterine bleeding
Pathology- looks like potato
Name 3 kinds of sex-cord/stromal benign epithelial ovarian tumours, and what do they produce?
Granulosa cell- oestrogen
Theca/Leydig cell- androgens
Fibromas
Risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Increase age Nulliparity Family History BRCA 1 +2 (breast + ovarian) Lynch syndrome
What is protective against ovarian cancer?
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (due to decreased number of periods)
How can ovarian cancer spread?
Into peritoneum via open fimbrae
Haematogenous
Lymphatic
Symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Bloating Mass, swelling, pressure ASCITES (peritoneal spread) Low back pain Fatigue Weight loss/anorexia Heartburn Early satiety Bowel/bladder changes (pressure) Leg oedema SOB/pleural effusion
Investigations of ovarian cancer? (5)
Tumour markers- CA125, CEA USS CT for spread Biopsy/fluid aspiration cytology Risk of malignancy score
What is CA125 an indication of, and why can it be raised?
Marker of PERITONEAL INFLAMMATION
High in 80% of ovarian cancer (+ endometriosis, peritonitis, pregnancy, pancreatitis, ascites etc.)
What is CEA an indication of?
Main function is to EXCLUDE METS FROM GI PRIMARY
What USS findings would make a tumour more likely be malignant?
Mixture of solid + cyctic Multi-loculated Thick septations Ascites Bilateral
How to calculate ‘Risk of Malignancy score’ and what is normal?
Menopausal status x serum CA125 x USS score
Normal= <200-250
Staging 1-4 of ovarian cancer (FIGO)?
I- confined to ovaries
II- ovaries + pelvic extension
III- ovaries + peritoneal mets/LN
IV- distant mets
Prognosis of each stage of ovarian cancer?
Stages 1 + 2 are usually curable with surgery
Stages 3 + 4 are treatable but not curable
Treatment of ovarian cancer?
Laparotomy- surgical debulking + examination/staging
+ fertility conserving surgery
When should adjuvant chemotherapy be used to treat ovarian cancer?
Improve surgery outcomes as need less radical surgery
Stage IC or grade 3= use adjuvant chemotherapy
When should chemotherapy after surgery be used to treat ovarian cancer?
Stage II, III and IV
or just chemo
How is ovarian cancer followed up?
Guided by symptoms
Serum CA 125 levels
What does endometrial hyperplasia cause?
DUB or post-menopausal bleeding
Why does endometrial hyperplasia occur?
Due to persistent oestrogen stimulation
Features of simple endometrial hyperplasia?
General process- entire endometrium Cytology normal (often) Common around menopause
Features of complex endometrial hyperplasia?
Focal in one part
Crowded GLANDS
Not premalignancy
Features of atypical endometrial hyperplasia?
Focal in one part
Crowded GLANDS
ABNORMAL cytology
Which kind of endometrial hyperplasia is pre-malignant?
Atypical endometrial hyperplasia
Management of atypical endometrial hyperplasia?
Hysterectomy (prevent cancer formation)
Peak age of endometrial cancer?
50-60
Uncommon <40 (lynch syndrome, PCOS etc.)
Presentation of endometrial cancer?
Abnormal, post-menopausal bleeding
Risk factors for endometrial cancer?
Obesity Lynch Syndrome Hypothyroidism HRT Tamoxifen
How does obesity increase the risk of endometrial cancer?
Adipocytes express aromatase- convert androgens to oestrogens= endometrial proliferation
Higher insulin levels= endometrial proliferation
What is Lynch Syndrome?
HNPCC
Predispose to colorectal, endometrial and ovarian cancer
–> Yearly screening
How does Lynch syndrome occur?
AD inheritance of defective DNA mismatch repair genes
What is the hallmark of Lynch Syndrome on histology?
Microsatellite instability
What kind of carcinoma are most endometrial cancers?
Endometrioid (+mucinous) carcinoma –> type 1 tumours
What kind of carcinoma are type 2 endometrial tumours?
Serous (+ clear cell) carcinoma
Features of serous (+ clear cell) carcinoma of endometrium and who do they affect?
Unrelated to oestrogen
More aggressive + high grade
TP53 mutated/overexpressed
Affect elderly post-menopausal women
How can endometrial cancers spread?
To myometrium/cervix
Lymphatic
Haematogenous
Staging 1-4 of endometrial cancer?
I- confined to body of uterus
II- uterus and cervix
III- uterus + peritoneal cavity/LN
IV- distant mets
Investigations of endometrial cancer?
Transvaginal USS
Biopsy
CT for mets
Treatment of endometrial cancer?
Total hysterectomy + BSO Lymph node dissection Adjuvant radiotherapy- reduce recurrence Adjuvant chemotherapy- for high grade Merina coil
What is a BSO?
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Why is chemotherapy sometimes used before radiotherapy?
To sensitise tumour
Side effects of radiotherapy in endometrial cancer treatment?
Cystitis N+V Diarrhoea Colitis PR bleeding Infertility
What can the Merina coil be used in endometrial cancer treatment?
Young women to maintain fertility
or
If surgery contraindicated
How is endometrial cancer followed up?
Screen for surgery complications
Lose weight
Patient led- signs and symptoms
What is a leiomyosarcoma, and where does it occur?
Occurs in myometrium
Rare- poor prognosis
Women >50
Spindle cell morphology
What is Bartholin’s gland abscess due to?
Blockage of gland duct
What is most Vulvar and Vaginal Pathology related to?
HPV
What is grade 3 VIN?
Squamous cell carcinoma in-situ
What does VIN often occur with?
CIN + vaginal neoplasia
VIN in young people?
Multifocal, recurrent, persistent
VIN in older people?
Greater risk of progression to invasive squamous carcinoma
Presentation of vulvar invasive squamous carcinoma?
Elderly women
Related to HPV + VIN
Ulcer/mass
Mostly low grade, can spread to inguinal LN
Presentation of vulvar Paget’s disease?
Crusting rash- tumour confined to epidermis, spread lateral
May become invasive Paget’s
Contains mucin
Cells of the endocervix?
Columnar epithelium (+ goblet cells producing mucin)
Cells of the ectocervix?
Squamous epithelium
Nuclei become smaller as they get closer to the surface
What is the transformational zone?
Squamo-columnar junction between ectocervix and endocervix
Squamous epithelium over glands= indicative
What happens to the transformational zone throughout life?
Changes position (e.g. at menarche, pregnancy and menopause)
Why is the transformational zone significant?
More replication and so more chance for mutations in this area
What is cervical erosion (ectropion or eversion)?
Exposure of delicate endocervical epithelium to acid environment of vagina, leading to physiological squamous metaplasia (squamous grows over columnar)
When does cervical erosion occur?
Hormone changes (e.g. in young women)
Oral contraceptive pill
Pregnancy
Causes and complications of cervicitis?
Caused by chlamydia, herpes simplex etc.
Can lead to damage of fallopian tubes
Which HPV causes CIN/cancer in 70% of cases?
16+18
What does HPV do to cells?
Infects squamous cells
Takes over cell reproduction + replicates
Produce proteins to inhibit tumour suppressor genes
What are koilocytes?
HPV infected squamous cells with large nuclei
Who is at high risk of HPV? (6)
Many sexual partners (increased exposure)
Age at first intercourse (increased exposure)
Long term use of oral contraceptive
Not using condoms (esp. in MSM)
Smoker (x3 risk)
Immunosuppression
Incubation of HPV before high grade CIN occurs?
6 months-3 years
How long does it take to develop cancer after high grade CIN?
5-20 years
Where is a cervical smear taken?
Transformational zone
Difficult groups for cervical screening?
Minority ethnic groups Domestic violence/assault victims Immigrants/travellers Prisoners Students Disabled Transgender patients Illiteracy, deprived etc.
When should someone be referred for colposcopy after a smear?
Any result over moderate dyskaryosis
What is moderate dyskaryosis consistent with?
CIN II
What is severe dyskaryosis consistent with?
CIN III
What 4 steps are taken in colposcopy?
- Magnified inspection
- Acetic acid staining
- Iodine staining
- Biopsy or LLETZ
Why is acetic acid used during colposcopy?
Abnormality appears white
Why is iodine used during colposcopy?
Abnormality appears negative (no uptake of brown iodine)
What is LLETZ?
Large loop excision of transformation zone- for histology
Treatments of CIN?
LLETZ- excision
Cold coagulation- 100 degree probe causes cells to burst
How is test of cure carried out for CIN?
Smear + HPV test after 6 MONTHS
Positive- further colposcopy
What is CIN and where does it occur?
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Pre-invasive stage of cervical cancer- at TZ
Symptoms of CIN?
Asymptomatic
Histology of CIN?
Dysplasia of squamous cells Large nuclei Excess mitotic activity Koliocytosis Delay in maturation (immature basal cells)
How is grade of CIN determined?
By 1/3s of epithelium affected
CIN I = 1/3
CIN II= 2/3
CIN III= 3/3 (full thickness)
What is important to check in CIN III?
Basement membrane for breakthrough (one cell through= cancer)
Prognosis of CIN?
Some regress, some persist, and some progress to higher grades, or to invasive cervical cancer
When is cervical cancer most common?
<35 years
When does screening for cervical cancer occur?
3 years- 25-49
5 years-50-64
When is screening not appropriate?
If patient is SYMPTOMATIC
Symptoms of cervical cancer?
Abnormal bleeding (post coital, post menopause, inter-menstrual, brownish/bloody discharge) Pelvic pain Dyspareunia Haematuria/UTI Ureteric obstruction
Risk factors for cervical cancer?
Parity
Smoking
FH/personal history
What kind of carcinoma are 75-95% of cervical cancers?
Squamous carcinoma
What does squamous cervical cancer occur from?
Pre-existing CIN
Staging of squamous cervical cancer (FIGO)?
I- confined to cervix
II- to parametrium or top of vagina
III- to pelvic side wall or lower vagina
IV- to adjacent organs or distant mets
At what stage are most cervical cancers found?
Stage 1A/B
Prognosis for cervical cancer?
stage 1 -80-95% 5 year survival
Grading of cervical cancers?
Well differentiated
Moderately differentiated
Poorly differentiated
Undifferentiated/anaplastic
Where can cervical cancer spread to?
Lymphatic early- pelvis, para-aortic nodes
Haematogenous late- liver, lungs, bone
Features of cervical adenocarcinoma?
Glandular formation
Can be mixed with squamous
Worse prognosis
Risk factors for cervical adenocarcinoma?
Later onset of sexual activity,
Smoking
Higher socioeconomic class
HPV 18
What is cervical adenocarcinoma preceded by and what is it equivalent to?
Cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN)- adenocarcinoma in-situ
No grading- equivalent to CIN III
First step in managing cervical cancer?
Planning with CT scan, PET scan or EUA
- Identify tumour borders and affected lymph nodes
How are cervical cancers that are confined to the cervix treated?
Surgery:
LLETZ
Wertheim- remove cervix, vaginal sutured to uterus
Hysterectomy
How are cervical cancers that have spread out of the cervix treated (1B and above)?
Radiotherapy/chemotherapy/brachytherapy
When is radiotherapy used in cervical cancers, and how does it work?
In post-menopausal/family complete
Produces free radicals to attack DNA
normal tissue recovers better than cancer
What is brachytherapy?
Internal radiation treatment- intrauterine tube using a ring applicator (CT guided)
Why is brachytherapy used? (3)
Greatly increases dose given
Spares dose to bladder/rectum
Reduces recurrence rate
What might affect brachytherapy effectiveness?
Anaemia (need adequate blood flow)
3 ways that chemotherapy can be used in cervical cancer treatment?
- Concomittant with radiotherapy (more radiosensitive)- routine
- Neoadjuvant- before definitive treatment (shrink tumour)
- Palliative (disease outside pelvis)
What is cisplatin, and name some side effects?
Chemotherapy drug
VOMITING, pins and needles, tinnitus
Carboplatin and paclitaxel can be used as chemotherapy for cervical cancers. What side effects do they have?
Renal failure
Bone marrow suppression- bleeding + neutropenia
Hair loss (paclitaxel)
Describe breast gross anatomy?
Subcutaneous fat + glands in front of deep fascia and pectoralis major muscle
In young women, what is the tissue of the breast like (compared to older women)?
Younger- more dense tissue
Older- more fat
What are women with more dense breasts at higher risk of?
Breast cancer
How many lobes are in the breast, and how do they drain?
15-25 (each with compound tubule-acinar gland)
via ducts leading to nipple
What surrounds the secretory lobe of the breast?
Dense fibrous tissue (suspensory ligaments)- dermis to deep fascia
Why does puckering/dimpling of the skin sometimes occur with breast tumours?
Puts pressure on the ligaments which is attached to the dermis- pull the skin inwards
What is the TDLU of the breast?
Terminal Duct Lobular Unit – basic functional secretory unit
Pathway of milk from the TDLU of the breast?
Terminal ductules
Intralobular collecting ducts Lactiferous ducts
Lactiferous sinus
Nipple
What contracts to release the milk?
Myoepithelial cells around lobules
Why are plasma cells present in the breast?
To release antibodies (IgA) into breastmilk
What happens in the breast during pregnancy?
Longer + more branched ducts
Proliferation of epithelial cells
Form secretory alveoli- mature + lots of rough ER
What happens in the breast in menopause?
Secretory cells degenerate- duct left only
Reduced collagen and elastic fibres
How are lipids secreted into breastmilk?
Apocrine secretion- surrounded by membrane
How are proteins secreted into breastmilk?
Merocrine secretion- in vesicles then exocytosis
Which is the most common breast lump in <30s?
Fibroadenoma
Which is the most common breast lump in 30-50s?
Cyst
Which is the most common breast lump in >50s?
Breast cancer
What is a hamartoma?
Benign solid mass-rare
normal breast cells, in abnormal proportion or distribution
Symptoms of breast cyst?
Smooth, mobile lump
Cyclical pain
Sudden pain in rupture/bleed
Blue domed with pale fluid
How do breast cysts occur?
Ducts fill with fluid quickly- system can’t absorb quick enough
What are breast cysts associated with?
Menstrual abnormalities, early menarche and late menopause
Management of breast cyst?
Exclude cancer
Reassure
(most resolve after menopause)
Examination findings in fibroadenoma?
Painless
Firm
Smooth
Mobile (breast mouse- move away from fingers)
How is a fibroadenoma investigated?
USS- solid
US core biopsy
Management of fibroadenoma?
Reassure (most resolve after menopause)
Excise if growth/change
What is fat necrosis?
Damage to adipocytes + inflammatory infiltration
Often due to local trauma (e.g. seatbelt)
May be associated with warfarin
What can be seen on fat necrosis biopsy?
Foamy macrophages
What is the pathology behind both sclerosing adenosis and radial scar?
Benign proliferation of the TDLU
Increased acini and their glands
May cause calcification
Symptoms of sclerosing adenosis?
Asymptomatic
or
pain, tenderness, lumpiness/thickening
Where are radial scars mostly found?
Bilateral + multiple (may cause puckering)
What is a radial scar called what it’s >10mm?
Complex sclerosing lesion
Investigations of radial scar?
USS- spiculations, may look like cancer
Vacuum biopsy
Treatment of radial scar?
Excision
What is duct ectasia?
Blocked/clogged sub-arerolar ducts causing inflammation and fibrosis
Symptoms of duct ectasia?
Pain
Bloody/purulent discharge
Nipple retraction/distortion
FISTULA between duct + skin (around nipple)
What is duct ectasia associated with?
Smoking
Management of duct ectasia?
Treat acute infections
Exclude malignancy
Stop smoking
Excise ducts in extreme cases
2 main causes of mastitis?
Duct ectasia
Lactation
Causative bacteria in mastitis caused by duct ectasia?
Mixed + anaerobes
use metronidazole
Causative bacteria in mastitis caused by lactation?
Staph aureus
Strep pyogenes
Complication of mastitis?
Abscess
Mastitis + breastfeeding?
Continue
and/or the infected breast can be pumped until the mastitis clears
Management of mastitis?
Antibiotics
Percutaneous drainage
Incision and drainage
Inflammatory changes in breast + no response to antibiotic therapy?
Inflammatory carcinoma
Causes of mastalgia?
Mastitis
Cysts
Lump
Menstruation
Management of mastalgia?
Take paracetamol
Well-fitting bra
Evening Primrose Oil
Dopaminergic agonists- e.g. Bromocriptine, Cabergoline
Causes of nipple discharge?
Physiological Intraductal papilloma Malignancy Paget’s disease of the nipple Eczema
What is a phyllode tumour?
BENIGN
Slow growing unilateral breast mass- can resemble fibroadenoma
Looks like leaf in histology
When do phyllode tumours occur?
40-50s
Management of phyllode tumour?
Excise
prone to recur if not done fully
Symptoms of an intraductal papilloma?
Nipple discharge +/- blood
or asymptomatic
Pathology of intraductal papilloma?
Like skin tag inside duct
Sometimes fluid/cysts
May have nodules/calcifications
Diagnosis and treatment of intraductal papilloma?
US guided core biopsy
Excise
What is gynaecomastia?
Ductal growth with lobular development- not fat overgrowth IN BOYS
Causes of gynaecomastia?
Result of excess oestrogen or reduced androgens:
Persistent pubertal gynecomastia - 25% Drugs - 10-25% e.g. cannabis, verapamil, steroids, spironolactone, heroin, methotrexate, Obesity Liver cirrhosis Prolactinoma Primary hypogonadism Hyperthyroidism Kleinefelter Syndrome (47XXY) etc.
Treatment of gynaecomastia?
Often resolve spontaneously
Weight loss
Tamoxifen
Mastectomy
In-situ breast carcinoma is a precursor of invasive cancer, confined to the basement membrane. It may be…?
Ductal (80%) or lobular (20%)
Types of ductal precursor?
Atypical ductal hyperplasia
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Paget’s Disease of nipple
What does DCIS look like on screening?
Enlarged ducts
MICROCALCIFICATION
What is Paget’s Disease of the nipple?
High grade DCIS extending along duct to reach epidermis of nipple
(still in-situ- non invasive)
Types of lobular precursor?
Atypical lobular hyperplasia- ALH (<50% of lobule involved)
Lobular carcinoma in situ- LCIS (>50% of lobule involved)
- multifocal and bilateral
What is invasive breast carcinoma?
Malignant epithelial cells (from the TDLU) which have breached the basement membrane
How many will have breast cancer?
1/8
Average age of breast cancer?
65-69
10 year survival of breast cancer?
8%
How is breast carcinoma staged?
TNM staging
Where can breast carcinoma metastases to?
Bone, liver, brain, lungs, abdominal viscera, ovaries, uterus
Risk factors for breast carcinoma?
Female Increased age Early age of menarche Late menopause Nulliparity Oral contraceptive + HRT Preview breast disease FH (1st degree) BRCA 1+2 mutations (tumour suppressor genes) Alcohol High fat diet Smoking Obesity (esp post-menopausal)
Which contraceptive is contraindicated in diagnosed breast cancer?
Merina coil
Name 2 protective factors for breast cancer?
Breastfeeding
Physical activity
Symptoms of breast cancer?
50% asymptomatic Lump Dimpled/depressed skim Nipple change Bloody discharge Texture/colour change
Breast cancer on examination?
More likely to be painless, solid/craggy, and immobile
When is breast screening carried out?
From 50-70, every 3 years= mammography
more if high risk + MRI
Breast carcinomas can express hormone receptors- what are they? (3)
Oestrogen receptor (ER) Progesterone receptor (PR) Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
Tumours which are ‘triple negative’ have a … prognosis?
Very poor
Breast carcinoma has which 2 main features on imaging?
Calcification
Spiculations (star-like lesion)
Which imaging modalities are used in breast carcinoma?
USS= <40s
Mammogram= >40s (younger= more dense= not suitable)
or MRI
+ USS of axilla!!
CT for mets
Why can breast screening lead to over-diagnosis?
Find low grade tumours that are then treated, despite would have never been systemic or symptomatic
What is tomosynthesis?
3D mammogram
Which breast problem can MRI be useful for?
Breast implant rupture
What is the next stage in breast carcinoma after imaging?
Biopsy for cyto/histo-pathology
Which biopsy type is most common for breast?
Core (needle) biopsy
Advantage of using vacuum biopsy over core biopsy?
Can leave in breast until enough tissue is sampled
Advantage of using core biopsy over vacuum biopsy?
Can use big needles to take out papillomas and radial scars (malignant potential) completely
How else can a biopsy sample be tested?
Xray to see that area of calcification has been removed
B1-5 classification of breast biopsy?
B1- normal/unsatisfactory B2- benign B3- atypical, probably benign B4- suspicious B5- malignant
How is the prognosis of breast cancer determines?
Nottingham Prognostic Index
(0.2 x tumour diameter, tumour grade, lymph node status)
<3.4 = good >5.41= bad
What treatment for breast cancer can be used before surgery?
Chemotherapy or hormonal therapy
–> Reduce need for radical surgery + smaller incisions required
3 types of surgery for breast cancer?
Breast Conservation
Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction
Mastectomy
What is a radical mastectomy?
Breast tissue + axillary nodes + pectoralis major
What does breast conservation surgery involve?
Wide local incision + radiotherapy
What does oncoplastic breast reconstruction surgery involve?
Implant (saline/silicon- may use expander) +/- ADM (acellular dermal matrix)
or
Autologous- using own tissue
(free/pedicle flap- tissue for abdomen, back, bum, thigh)
Advantage of autologous oncoplastic breast reconstruction surgery?
NO tissue rejection/allergic reactions
Which breast surgery is best for psychological wellbeing?
Breast conservation
Some finishing touches of breast cancer surgery?
Nipple reconstruction, lipomodelling, contralateral symmetrising
Complications of surgery for breast cancer?
Surgical risks Delayed wound healing Loss of nipple sensation Infection Recurrence Pain Body image LYMPHOEDEMA- poor lymph drainage in arm
How are lymph nodes cleared in breast cancer treatment?
Sentinel node biopsy (using blue dye)
Axillary level 1 + 2 clearance
Radiotherapy
Why is radiotherapy given after surgery in breast cancer treatment?
To reduce rate of local recurrence
Why is chemotherapy sometimes given in breast cancer treatment?
Improves 10 year survival
When and why is ER blockade used in breast cancer treatment?
In tumours +ve for oestrogen receptors
- to reduce relapse
Name the method of ER blockade used in breast cancer treatment?
Tamoxifen
Side effects/complications of tamoxifen?
Menopausal symptoms, alopecia, anaemia
Increased risk of endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia + polyps
When should Tamoxifen be avoided?
Pregnancy
When and why are aromatase inhibitors used in breast cancer treatment?
In post-menopausal women
For ER +ve tumours:
Blocks aromatase enzyme which converts androgens to oestrogen in adipose tissue- reduce oestrogen levels
Examples of aromatase inhibitors?
Letrozole
Anastrozole
Side effects of aromatase inhibitors?
Joint stiffness/pain
When can antibody therapy be used in breast cancer treatment, and what is used?
Use Trastuzumab (Herceptin) to target HER-2 receptor (over-expressed in 15% of breast cancers) For 1 year
Side effects of Trastuzumab?
Allergic reactions
Reversible cardiac failure
When can breast angiosarcomas occur?
2-5 years post radiation therapy
Which metastatic tumours are common in the breast?
Lung Ovarian CC carcinoma of kidney Melanoma Leimyosarcoma
Which type of breast cancer can also occur in men?
Ductal carcinoma
no lobules present in men
Risk factors for breast cancer in men?
Age High BMI Alcohol Lack of exercise High levels of oestrogen Low testosterone History of prostate cancer Family history Radiation
Which pelvic structures drain into the para-aortic nodes?
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries
Uterine fundus
Which pelvic structures drain into the inguinal nodes?
Vulva + vagina
Which pelvic structures drain into the external iliac nodes?
Cervix
Uterine body
Being nulliparous increases the risk of which cancer?
Ovarian + endometrial cancer
Being multiparous increases the risk of which cancer?
Cervical cancer
Being multiparous decreases the risk of which cancer?
Ovarian cancer