Histopath Flashcards
Acute vs chronic inflammation - Cells
Neutrophil polymorphs = ACUTE inflammation
Lymphocytes = CHRONIC inflammation
Lymphocytes + Neutrophils = ACUTE on CHRONIC
Fibrosis = scarring = CHRONIC disease
Erosion vs Ulcer
Erosion: Loss of surface epithelium +/- lamina propria (muscularis intact)
Ulcer: Loss of surface epithelium with depth of tissue loss beyond the muscularis mucosae
Chronic ulcers: have an element of fibrosis Acute ulcers: do not
Metaplasia vs Dysplasia
Metaplasia: Change in one mature cell type for another mature cell type (Reversible)
Dysplasia: Cytological and histological features of malignancy but basement membrane intact
- Mitotic figures
- Raised nuclear : cytoplasmic ratio
Features of adenocarcinomas
Gland forming
Mucin secreting
Features of squamous cell carcinoma
Make keratin (even in non-keratinised tissues) Inter-cellular bridges
Necrosis
- Represents energy failure
- Non-energy dependent cell death
- Cell lysis due to loss of electro-ionic potential
- Pathological
Apoptosis
- Planned, energy dependent exit strategy
- Cell contents are not released
Epithelial types in the oesophagus
Presence of submucosal glands (strict evidence of oesophageal tissue).
Top 2/3 - stratified squamous
Z- line (squamous-columnar junction)
Bottom 1/3 - columnar epithelium
Oesophagitis: Causes, Diseases Process, Complications
Caused by:
1) Reflux
2) Corrosives
–> Inflammation –> Ulceration –> Loss of surface epithelium –> Repair –> Replacement of useful cells with myofibroblasts –> Scarring
Inflammation –> Metaplasia –> Metaplasia (+/-with Goblet cells) –> Dysplasia –> Cancer
Complications:
- Barrett’s Oesophagus: metaplastic columnar lined oesophagus (+/-goblet +ve)
- Malignancy
- Stricture
- Ulceration
- Perforation
- Haemorrhage
Barrett’s Oesophagus
Columnar-lined oesophagus (intestinal-type)
Two distinct features:
- Columnar metaplasia
- Columnar metaplasia + Goblet cells = intestinal –type columnar –> Greater risk of malignant transformation
Not all “Barrett’s” carries an equal risk
Oesophageal Malignancy
Mid Oesophagus (lower 2/3): SCC Commonest cause Worldwide Smoking and boozing Histology: keratinised cells with intracellular bridges
Distal Oesophagus (lower 1/3): Adenocarcinoma
Columnar epithelial transformation
Now commonest in UK –
GORD/Oesophagitis -reduced risk with H.Pylori
Histology - glandular epithelium
Liver Cirrhosis
Fibrosis of the whole liver with nodules of regenerating hepatocytes and distortion of the vascular architecture
Leads to intra and extra hepatic shunting of blood:
- blood runs down scar tissue missing the hepatocytes
- portal anastomoses e.g. oesophageal varices
Oesophageal Varices
Result from any cause of portal hypertension
- Cirrhosis (extra-hepatic shunting)
- Portal vein thrombosis
- IVC obstruction
Porto-systemic anastomotic sites - Oesophagus most clinically relevant
Presents with torrential bleeding and melaena
Rx:
- Resuscitate with blood and crystalloids
- Terlipressin
- Score
- Scope
- Infuse with PPI
Stomach - Cell Types
-Columnar epithelium
Different parts of the stomach have different levels of “specialised cells”
Body and Fundus:
- Parietal cells - acid
- P Cells/ Chief cells - pepsin
Pyloric antrum
- Non-specialised gastric epithelium
- Neuroendocrine cells - gastrin
GOBLET CELLS ARE NOT SEEN IN THE STOMACH –> Indicates intestinal type metaplasia
Acute Gastritis - Causes
Booze, NSAIDs, etc. (H. Pylori), Stress
Stomach is the most sensitive organ in the GI tract to ischaemia
Chronic Gastritis - Causes
A: autoimmune (pernicious anaemia)
B: bacteria (H. Pylori)
C: corrosives (bile reflux, NSAIDs, alcohol)
CMV (Renal Transplant Patients) and Crohn’s
Gastritis - Complications
- Ulceration
- Perforation
- Haemorrhage
- Cancer
H.Pylori Infection
Gram negative curved rod
Hydrogenase: produce energy by oxidizing molecular H2
+/- Cag pathogenicity island = POORER outcome
Hypothesis about pH, quiescence and infection
Leads to:
Chronic gastritis –> Ulcers and scarring Adenocarcinoma
LYPHOMA
H. Pylori –> Induction of MALT –> Germinal centre + lymphoid follicles (Bacterial causes of lymphoma are rare)
Rx = one week triple therapy
- PPI
- Clarythromycin
- Amoxicillin or metronidazole
Lymphoid follicles
Not part of normal structure of MALT
Suggests on-going inflammation
95% of causes will have, or previously had, H.pylori.
Gastric Cancer
95% are Adenocarcinomas
5%: SCC, Lymphoma, GIST (GI stromal tumour)
Two main types of adenocarcinoma
1) Intestinal: well-differentiated, mucin producing, gland forming = a classic adenocarcinoma
2) Diffuse: single-cell architecture, no gland formation, contain signet ring cell
(cell appears like a signet ring as mucin has pushed the contents of the cell to the periphery with nucleus at one end)
Duodenum - Cell Types
-Intestinal-type epithelium -Villous:crypt ratio >2:1
Change in the ratio
- Damage to the villi –> shortening or blunting
- Crypts compensate and undergo hyperplasia –> enlarged crypts
Ratio villous crypts tends to –> 1:1 during inflammatory disease
Duodenal ulcers
Most common cause is H.Pylori
Anterior ulcers –> perforation –> peritonitis
Posterior ulcers –> gastroduodenal artery –> Haemorrhage
Cause of major haemorrhage is a posteriorly sited duodenal ulcer
Coeliac
Diagnosis:
Anti-endomysial Ab +ve
Anti-TTG +ve
OGD on gluten diet
Changes that occur in malabsorption:
- Villous atrophy
- Crypt hyperplasia (and hence reduction in ratio)
- Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes = CD8+ T Cells (>20: 100 lymphocytes: enterocytes)
Complications: malabsorption, deficiencies, lymphoma EATL (enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma)
Tropical Sprue
SAME CHANGES AS COELIAC:
- Villous atrophy
- Crypt hyperplasia (and hence reduction in ratio) -Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes = CD8+ T Cells (>20: 100 lymphocytes: enterocytes)
THEY HAVE BEEN TO THE TROPICS i.e. nearish the equator
Lymphocytic Dueodenitis
Distinct from coeliac disease but usually a continuum
Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes = CD8+ T Cells (20: 100 lymphocytes: enterocytes)
Architectural villous structure normal = normal villi, normal crypts
Duodenal MALToma
Coeliac disease –> chronic inflammation = EATL (Enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma)
Aggressive lymphoma
Important to stick to gluten-free diet to prevent EATL
Hirschprung’s
Congential
Absence of ganglion in myenteric plexus
Nerve fibres ARE present
Distal colon fails to dilate –> obstructing point
- constipation
- distension
Histopathology: hypertrophy of the nerve fibres and absence of ganglion
Colitis - Causes
Acute:
- Infection
- Drugs (notably Abx)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
Chronic Colitis (acute on chronic picture):
- Crohn’s
- UC
- TB
Ischaemic Colitis - Causes
Acute:
Arterial occlusion: Atheroma, Thrombus, Embolism
Venous occlusion: Thrombus,
Hypercoagulable states
Small vessel disease: DM, Vasculitis
Low flow states: CCF, Shock
Obstruction: Hernia, Volvulus, Intussusception
Chronic:
- PVD
- Vasculitis
Polyps of the Large Bowel - Types
Non-neoplastic:
- Hyperplastic polyps = folds of mucosa that have grown a bit much
- Inflammatory pseudo-polyps
- Hamartomatous polyps
Neoplastic polyps:
- Tubular adenoma
- Tubulovillous adenoma
- Villous adenoma (microscopically different)
Polyps of the Large Bowel - Higher Risk of Cancer
Higher risk of cancer:
- Larger polyps (>4cm)
- More polyps
- Higher villous component
- Dysplastic features
Normal –> Adenoma –> Adenocarcinoma Remove the adenoma–> reduce risk of cancer
98% of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas
Renal Stones - Common Sites and Types
Aggregates formed in the renal collecting ducts
The most common sites:
- Pelvi-ureteric (between renal pelvis and ureter)
- Pelvic brim (where ureter crosses iliac blood vessels)
- Vesico-ureteric (where ureter inserts into bladder)
The most common stones:
- Calcium oxalate 75%
- Magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) 15%
- Uric acid 5%
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Precipitated by an increase in the concentration of calcium
Absorptive hypercalciuria (50%) – Vitamin D
Renal hypercalciuria
Hypercalcaemia: primary hyperparathyroidism
Struvite Stones
Precipitated by alkaline urine
Infection with proteus species–>urease producing bacteria Cause staghorn calculi
Uric Acid Stones
Precipitated by an increase in “uric acid” or cell turn-over
Gout
Chemotherapy (usually for B-cell lymphoma or leukaemia)
Acidic urine
Benign Renal Tumours - Papillary Adenoma
<15mm, well-circumscribed
Trisomy 7, Trisomy 17, loss of Y chromosome
Frequent incidental finding in nephrectomies and at autopsy esp in CKD
Benign Renal Tumours - Renal Oncocytoma
Pink oncocytic cells. Macrocytically: well circumscribed, Mahogany-brown mass with central scar.
Seen in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
(note: oncocyte = epithelial cell characterized by an excessive number of mitochondria)
Benign Renal Tumours - Angiomyolipoma
Perivascular epitheloid cells (vessel wall, muscle and fat)
Mostly sporadic but can be seen in tuberous sclerosis (with phaeos and hydrocephalus)
Large >4cm
May present with flank pain
May bleed dramatically
Renal Cell Carcinoma - RFs, Presentation and Sub-Types
Malignant epithelial kidney tumour
RFs: Smoking, HTN, long-term dialysis, obesity, von Hippel Lindau, PKD
Presentation: painless haematuria, may have flank pain +/- abdo mass, may have weight loss and fever. May be detected incidentally on imaging.
Highly metastatic – lungs, liver and bones
Sub-types:
- clear cell renal cell carcinoma (70%)
- papillary renal cell carcinoma (15%)
- chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (5%)
Renal Cell Carcinoma - Clear Cell Carcinoma
Epithelial cell
Golden yellow with haemorrhagic areas
Loss of chromosome 3p
Risk progression index - Leibovich Risk Model
Renal Cell Carcinoma - Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Papillary epithelial cell composed of papillae, >15mm in size
Trisomy 7 and 17, and loss of Y chromosome
2 types:
- type 1 = well defined, classic cytologically
- type 2 = heterogenous microscopically and cytologically
Renal Cell Carcinoma - Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
Epithelial cell
Sheets of large cells, distinct cell borders, reticular cytoplasm, thick-walled vascular network
Grossly appears as well-circumscribed solid brown tumour
Pale, eosinophilic cells
Urothelial Cell Carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma
Arise from:
- Bladder
- Renal pelvis
- Ureters
Common RFs: smoking, aromatic amines (dyes)
Most present with haematuria
Three main subtypes
- Non-Invasive Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma
- Infiltrating Urothelial Carcinoma
- Flat Urothelial Carcinoma in-situ
Liver - Blood Supply
Dual Blood Supply:
- Portal vein
- Hepatic artery
Ischaemic disease of the liver is very rare. More commonly Iatrogenic.
Liver - Histology
Arranged into portal tracts surround a central vein (6:1)
Blood from portal vein and hepatic artery = portal tract
Trickles down the spaces between strands of hepatocytes into the central vein
Divided into three zones 1, 2, 3
Hepatocytes originate near portal tract in zone 1 –> 2 mature –> 3 Zone 3 hepatocytes are the most metabolically active.
Zone 3 is around central veins where oxygenation is poor.
Endothelial cells are unique
• Do not have a basement membrane
• Discontinuous (no tight junctions)
Acute Hepatitis
SPOTTY NECROSIS, foci of inflammation & necrosis, inflammatory infiltrates
Drugs, Hep A&E
Chronic Hepatitis - Causes
Viruses not A/E
Drugs
Auto-immune Hepatitis
Primary biliary cholangitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (UC)
Haemochromatosis (bronzed diabetes) “Prussian blue”
Wilson’s Disease “Rhodanine”
A1AT Def
Chronic Hepatitis - Stage and Grade
Fibrosis = stage
F0 – F4
F4: Compensated cirrhosis
Inflammation = grade
- Portal inflammation: inflammation confined within limiting plate
- Interface hepatitis “piecemeal necrosis”: inflammation across the limiting plate
- Lobular inflammation: inflammation across entire lobule
Liver Inflammation - Histology
Changes that occur in liver inflammation –> Fibrosis
-Loss of hepatocyte microvilli
-Loss of fenestration of endothelium
+
-Stellate cell activation and deposition of ECM in space of Disse
-Activation of Kupffer cells
Liver - Cirrhosis - Features and Complications
Features: Whole liver fibrosis with nodules of regenerating hepatocytes and distortion of vascular architecture
Structural changes in previous slide lead to –> Intra-hepatic shunting (blood flows straight through sinusoids) –> portal anastomoses e.g. oesophageal varices and haemorrhoids
Complications
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Liver cell cancer
- Portal hypertension
Alcoholic Hepatitis - Stages
1- Fatty Liver - fatty infiltrates
2- Alcoholic hepatitis
3- Cirrhosis - fibrosis, loss of parenchymal tissue
Alcoholic Hepatitis - Histological Features
- Ballooning of cells (accumulation of proteins and water –> swelling)
- Mallory Denk Bodies (dense pink material within cells - clumping of IFs)
- Neutrophil polymorphs and scarring
- Apoptosis
- Pericellular fibrosis
- Zone 3 – acetaldehyde highest, and relatively hypoxic
Relatively irreversible
80% of pmts with alcoholic hep are cirrhotic
NAFLD
Very similar histological features as alcoholic liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by increased IR
-TIIDM
-Obesity
= Metabolic syndrome
–> Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (equivalence of alcoholic hepatitis) = NASH
Liver Cancers
Causes
1) Secondary metastatic disease (commonest)
- Multiple in number
- Discrete
2) Primary tumours
- HCC - AFP tumour marker
- Hepatoblastoma (tumours of primitive hepatocytes)
- Cholangiocarcinoma - associated with PSC, histology - capillary ingrowth
- Haemangiosarcoma
Pancreas - Endocrine and Exocrine Components
Endo - Islets of Langerhans: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin
Exocrine- acini: protease, lipase, amylase
Acute Pancreatitis - Causes
Aberrant release of pancreatic enzymes
Causes by duct obstruction and reflux + direct acinar injury
Reflux enzymes –> acinar necrosis –> release of more enzymes
Release of lipases –> fat necrosis –> soaponification with calcium
Causes (GETSMASHED):
Duct obstruction: Gallstones (50%) and tumours, trauma
Metabolic / Toxic: Alcohol (33%), drugs, hypercalcaemia/hyperlipidaemia
Ischaemia: Shock
Infection: Mumps
Autoimmune
Idiopathic
Acute Pancreatitis - Patterns of Injury
Peri-ductal = Obstructive cause - Acinar cells adjacent to the ducts undergo necrosis
Peri-lobular = Vascular/ischaemic cause -Necrosis at the edges of the lobules (blood supply comes with ducts so periphery most affected)
Pan-lobular: either peri-ductal or peri-lobular injury progressing
Alcohol: spasm/oedema of Sphincter of Oddi and the formation of a protein rich pancreatic fluid which obstructs the pancreatic ducts
Acute Pancreatitis - Complications
- Haemorrhagic pancreatitis (50% mortality)
- Metabolic disturbances: shock, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia
- Psuedocyst (lacks epithelial lining - lined by necrotic and granulation tissue) –> may become infected to form abscess
- Abscess
Acute Pancreatitis - Rx
Dx: serum lipase
- IV fluids (sequestration)
- ABX not recommended unless necrotising pancreatitis
- Electrolyte replacement
Chronic Pancreatitis - Causes
Relapsing or persistent pancreatitis
Chronic inflammation with parenchymal fibrosis & loss of parenchyma. Islets look bigger as acini disappear. Duct strictures with calcified stones and secondary dilatations.
Causes:
Alcohol (80%)
Gallstones + tumours Haemochromatosis Idiopathic
Autoimmune (IgG4 Disease)
Pancreatic Tumours
Carcinomas
• Ductal 85%
• Acinar
Acinar-ductal metaplasia (most originate from acinar –> ductal carcinoma)
Cystic neoplasms
• Serous cystadenoma
• Mucinous cystic neoplasm
Neuroendocrine tumours
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
5YSR: 5%
K-ras mutations 95%
Peri-neural invasion very common
Commonest in the head of pancreas (60%), progressively less common moving down to the tail
(Opposite of neuroendocrine tumours)
Pre-malignant Bridges – arise from ductal dysplastic lesions PANcreatic Intraductal Neoplasia = PanIN
Microscopically adenocarcinomas therefore secrete mucin
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours
Contain neuroendocrine markers (e.g. chromogranin, neurosecretory granules – can be measured in blood or used as generic stain for NETs)
Commonest in the tail –> less common in the head
Associated with MEN 1 (pituitary, pancreas, parathyroid)
Most non-secretory (i.e. most common type)
Commonest type of secretory tumour: Insulinoma (beta cells)
Gallstones
Incredibly common (20% of all people)
Types:
- Cholesterol (>50%; single, radiolucent) – cholesterol solitaires
- Pigment (Ca salts of unconjugated bilirubin, multiple, radiopaque)
Complications:
Bile duct obstruction
Acute cholecystitis - neutrophil polymorphs (may be acute on chronic)
Gall bladder cancer - 90% adenocarcinomas Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis - Complications
Malabsoprtion Diabetes Mellitus Pseudocysts Pancreatic calcifications Carcinoma of pancreas
Pancreatic Acinar Adenocarcinoma
Acinar-ductal metaplasia - most originate from acinar –> ductal carcinoma
Associated with an increase in serum lipase
Chronic Cholecystitis
- Chronic inflammation
- Fibrosis
- Diverticula – Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses
Liver Injury
- Kupfer Cells (macrophages) activate
- Gaps in the ECs collapse
- Collagen is deposited
- Leads to inflammation/fibrosis
Haemochromatosis
- Genetic condition – increased iron absorption
- FHE Gene mutation on Chr6
- No special stain required
Damage to organs secondary to iron deposition
- Pancreas – “bronzed diabetes”
- Joints – arthritis
- Heart– arrythmias, cardiomyopathy
- Liver damage
Rx - venesection
Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Progressive autoimmune destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts
Build up of bile and other toxins - cholestasis
AMA positive (anti-mitochondrial antibody)
Histology – destruction of bile ducts associated with CHRONIC INFLAMMATION (with granulomas)
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Affects intra and extrahepatic bile ducts
Characterised by bile duct fibrosis and sclerosis
Associated with UC and increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma
Concentric fibrosis – onion skinning fibrosis, chokes off and destroys bile duct. WITHOUT inflammation
Wilson’s Disease
- Accumulation of copper due to failure of excretion
- Defect of transporter protein from hepatocytes into bile duct
- Genes on chromosome 13
- Accumulates in the liver and CNS
- Kayser Fleicher Rings – slit lamp
- Rhodanine stain (turns copper golden-brown against blue counter stain)
Benign Liver Tumours
Haemangioma - most common, often incidentally picked up
Liver cell adenoma
Bile duct adenoma
Fibrosis
Collagen deposition
Breast - Normal Histology
Branching ducts ending in terminal-duct lobular units = the functional unit of the breast
Duct-lobular system lined by an inner glandular epithelium and an outer myoepithelium
Duct Ectasia
Presents with nipple discharge
Histology shows dilated ducts with peri-ductal inflammation filled with secretions
Cytology shows macrophages and proteinaceous material
Acute Mastitis
Presents with painful red breast
Seen in lactating women- stasis of milk/cracked skin
Staphylococci – most common organism
Treatment is usually antibiotics/drainage
Histology shows acute inflammation +/- abscess formation
Cytology shows abundant neutrophils
Fat Necrosis (breast)
Presents with firm breast lump
Inflammatory reaction to damaged adipose tissue
Tissue can become fibrosed and calcified
Associated with trauma, surgery and radiotherapy
Cytology shows degenerate fat, foamy macrophages and giant cells
Inflammatory Breast Disease Conditions
Duct ectasia
Mastitis
Fat necrosis
Benign Breast Disease Conditions
Fibroadenoma Fibrocystic change Phyllodes Tumour Intraductal papilloma Radial scar
Fibroadenoma
Presents as a mobile breast lump
Benign fibroepithelial tumour of the breast
Histology shows a multinodular mass of expanded
intralobular stroma and compressed slit-like ducts
Fibrocystic change (breast)
Cyclical breast lumpiness
Very common – associated with exaggerated hormonal responses
Histology shows cysts, adenosis, mild epithelial and stromal hyperplasia
Phyllodes Tumour
Presents as a rapidly enlarging breast mass
- Group of potentially aggressive fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast
- Usually in women > 50
- Majority are benign – small proportion can be more aggressive
Histology shows overlapping cells (not a monolayer), “leaf like” architecture, stromal overgrowth – particularly next to epithelial components
Intraductal Papilloma (breast)
Presents with nipple discharge/mass
- Benign papillary tumour from the ductal system
- Lactiferous ducts = central papilloma
- Terminal ductules = peripheral papillomas
Histology shows a papillary (finger like) mass within a dilated duct lined by epithelium and myoepithelium
Radial Scar (breast)
Usually picked up incidentally
- Benign sclerosing lesion of the breast
- Usually presents as a stellate mass on mammography
Histology shows a central, fibrous stellate area and proliferation of ducts and acini in the periphery
Malignant Breast Disease
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Basal Like Carcinoma
Invasive Breast Carcinoma - ductal, lobular, tubular, mucinous
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (breast)
85% present on screening mammography
- A neoplastic intraductal epithelial proliferation
- Associated with an inherent, but not inevitable, risk of progression to invasive breast carcinoma
Histology shows ducts filled with atypical epithelial calls – lumen is regular
Basal Like Carcinoma (breast)
Recently described type of carcinoma discovered following genetic analysis of breast carcinomas
Immunohistochemically characterised by positivity for “basal” cytokeratins CK5/6 and CK14.
Histologically characterised by sheets of markedly atypical
cells with a prominent lymphocytic infiltrate
This is a dangerous type of breast cancer because it has a propensity for vascular invasion and distant metastatic spread
Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Presents with firm breast mass
-Malignant epithelial neoplasms which infiltrate the breast and have the capacity to metastasise
Histological subtypes
1) Ductal carcinoma – cells are big and pleimorphic, invasive cells move to the stroma
2) Lobular carcinoma – linear arrangement with cells of the same size. “Indian file”.
3) Tubular carcinoma – elongated, round tubules of cancerous cells
4) Mucinous carcinoma – empty looking spaces, containing mucin
Endometrial Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia results from an increase in both glands and stroma of endometrium
Driven by oestrogen – Persistent oestrogen states:
Perimenopausal
Persistent Anovulation
Polycystic ovaries
Oestrogen only therapy
Granulosa cell ovarian tumours – produce oestrogen
Endometrial Cancer - Type 1
80-85% endometrial cancer
- Low grade tumours which are superficially invasive
- Often associated with atypical endometrial hyperplasia
- Subtypes – endometrioid, mucinous and secretory adenocarcinoma
- Seen in younger patients
- Associated with PTEN/KRAS mutations
Endometrial Cancer - Type 2
15-20%
- Serous and clear cell carcinomas
- Seen in older, post menopausal women
- Not oestrogen dependent
- More aggressive – higher grade and deeper invasion
Ovarian Epithelial Cysts
From the epithelial surface covering the ovary
Can be benign, bordeline or malignant
Type 1 - Less Exciting More Cancers: Low- grade serous Endometriod Mucinous Clear Cell
Type 2:
Mostly serous
Serous Ovarian Cyst
MOST COMMON
Usually cystic and unilocular
Psammoma bodies seen
Mucinous Ovarian Cyst
Mucin secreting tumours
Kruckenburg Tumour – malignancy which
has metastasised from (GI) primary
Mucin producing signet ring cells
Endometrioid Ovarian Cyst
Co-existence with endometrioid carcinoma in uterus common
Forms tubular glands
Better prognosis than mucinous/serous
Clear Cell Ovarian Cyst
Strong asssociation with endometriosis
Abundant clear cytoplasm
Ovarian Germ Cell Tumours
Choriocarcinoma
Teratoma - Mature, Immature
Dysgerminoma
Yolk-Sac Tumours
Choriocarcinoma
Malignant
Secretes hCG
Teratoma - Mature
Benign, solid/cystic
Mature adult tissue types - teeth/hair common
Teratoma - Immature
Malignant, usually solid
Contains immature, embryonal tissue
Secretes AFP
Dysgerminoma
No differentiation
Secretes hCG
Yolk-Sac Tumours
Most common in children and young women
Ovarian Sex Cord Stromal Tumours
Granulosa/Thecal Cell Tumours
Fibromas
Sertoli-Leydig Tumour
Granulosa/Thecal Cell Tumours
Produce Oestrogen
Thecomas - benign
Granulosa cell tumours – can recur/progress
Ovarian Fibromas
From ovarian stroma
No hormone production
Meig’s Syndrome – ascites, pleural effusion
Sertoli-Leydig Tumour
Secretes Androgens
Brain Tumours - Symptoms, Investigations, Management
Symptoms: Headache Seizures Visual disturbances Focal neurology – weakness and sensory changes
Investigations:
CT/MRI head
Stereotactic or intraoperative biopsy
Genetic sequencing
Management: Tumour debulking Chemotherapy Radiotherapy Palliative care
Tumours that metastasise to the brain
Mets are the most common cause of brain tumour
Melanoma, breast, lung (also large bowel and prostate)
Pilocytic Astrocytoma
- Benign (WHO grade I)
- Most common brain tumour in children (20% of CNS tumours <14)
- Common in neurofibromatosis 1
- Usually cerebellar
- MRI: well circumscribed, cystic, enhancing lesion
- Cystic and piloid ‘hairy’ cell, often Rosenthal fibres & granular bodies
- Slow growing - low mitotic activity
- BRAF mutation (KIAA1549-BRAF fusion) in 70% of PA (better prognosis)
Meningioma
- 25-30% primary tumours - 2nd after gliomas
- Common in elderly (rare in pts <40)
- Attached to meninges
- Calcified with psammoma bodies
- MRI: extraxial, isodense, contrast-enhancing
80% Grade I: benign, recurrence <25%
20% Grade II: atypical, recurrence 25-50%
1% Grade III: malignant, recurrence 50-90%
May get psuedoinvasion along the Virchows-Robin Space
Glioblastoma
- Malignant
- Lethal tumour with dismal prognosis (WHO grade 4)
- Most pts >50
- Spontaneous (90%) or transforms from more indolent astrocytomas (10%)
- MRI - heterogeneous, enhancing post-contrast
- Multiple mitotic figures, microvascular proliferation and necrosis
Medulloblastoma
- WHO grade 4
- Most common malignant brain tumour in children (but still rare)
- Usually cerebellar
- Homer-Wright Rosettes
- EMBRYONAL TUMOUR: originates from neuroepithelial precursors of the cerebellum/dorsal brainstem
- Outcome considerably improved with chemo/radiotherapy
Small round blue cell
tumour: high grade, poorly differentiated
Molecular classification: WNT-activated, SHH-activated, group 3, group 4
Anterior Ischaemic Stroke
Supplies:
- Superior motor and sensory cortices
- Frontal lobe
Stroke deficits:
- Contralateral paralysis and sensory loss of leg and foot
- Frontal lobe symptoms e.g. personality change and urinary incontinence
Middle Ischaemic Stroke
Supplies:
- Bulk of cerebral hemispheres
- Broca’s area (speech production)
- Wernicke’s area (speech comprehension)
Stroke deficits:
- Contralateral paralysis and sensory loss of face and arm
- Aphasia
- Facial droop
Posterior Ischaemic Stroke
Supplies:
- Occipital lobe, visual cortices and cerebellum
Stroke deficits:
- Contralateral visual loss
- Faceblindness
- Ataxia if cerebellar
Extradural Haemorrhage
Rupture of arteries between dura and skull
Common after pterion trauma –> middle meningeal artery rupture
Convex white region on CT
Subdural Haemorrhage
Rupture of veins between dura and arachnoid mater
Common after falls in the elderly
White, crescent shaped region on CT
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Spontaneous rupture of berry aneurysms in the subarachnoid space (present in 1% of population)
80 % - internal carotid artery bifurcation, 20% occur within the vertebro-basilar circulation
30% of patients have multiple aneurysms
Greatest risk of rupture when 6-10mm diameter
Present with sudden onset of severe headache - thunderclap, vomiting, loss of consciousness
Endovascular treatments - coils
Alzheimer’s
Loss of neurons, synapses and glia result from deposition of amyloid-β and tau in Alzheimer’s
Pathology starts in the temporal lobe (hippocampus) and progressively spreads to the occipital lobe and throughout the cortices
Key histopathology: amyloid-β plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles (also Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA, thickening of the vessels) and neuronal loss (cerebral atrophy))
Staging of tau pathology- Braak stages
Parkinson’s
Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra impairs basal ganglia function in Parkinson’s
Pathology starts in the brainstem and spreads upwards into the cortices
Key histopathology: Lewy bodies (neuronal inclusions of α-Synuclein)
Staging - Braak staging
Key differentials to rule out on autopsy:
Multiple system atrophy
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Corticobasal degeneration
Frontotemporal Dementia
Selective atrophy of the frontal lobes –> personality changes, and the temporal lobes –> impaired memory
2 main subtypes – Pick’s disease and TDP-43 positive FTD (linked with ALS), also TDP-17 syndromes
Can differentiate the different tauopathies based on their molecular characteristics - 3R/4R (microtubule binding sites)
Key histopathology: Pick bodies (tau) or TDP-43 inclusions
Pick's disease: Fronto-temporal atrophy Marked gliosis and neuronal loss Balloon neurons Tau positive Pick bodies
COPD
Obstructive lung disorders characterised by decreased exercise tolerance, infective exacerbations and mucus plugging
- 2 components – bronchitis and emphysema
- Neutrophilic infiltration into airways
- Loss of alveoli, elastic fibres and lung parenchyma
- COPD in a non-smoker + cirrhosis = alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Asthma
Obstructive lung disorders characterised by decreased exercise tolerance, infective exacerbations and mucus plugging
Airway remodelling with smooth muscle hypertrophy, goblet cell hyperplasia and an eosinophilia in severe cases.
Cystic Fibrosis
- Autosomal recessive mutation in CFTR gene on chromosome 7
- Viscous mucus secretion leads to recurrent lung infections, pancreatic insufficiency and malabsorption
- Mucus clogged airways and inflammatory cell infiltration
Bronchiectasis
- Pathological airway dilation secondary to recurrent infections
- Cystic fibrosis is a major risk factor
- Dilated, fibrotic airways with mucus plugging
Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Most common lung cancer in non-smokers
- Tend to be located peripherally compared to other lung tumours –> originate from type II pneumocytes in alveolar walls
- Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia eventually becomes invasive
- Mutations in KRAS and EGFR
- Extrathoracic metastases common and early
Histology:
- Histology shows evidence of glandular differentiation
- Papillae
- Mucin
- Variety patterns relate underlying molecular abnormalities and prognosis
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Lung cancer with the strongest correlation with smoking
- Originate from the bronchi (also increasing number of peripheral)
- Mutations in p53 are the most common
- Local spread, metastasise late
Lung Cancer - Paraneoplastic Syndromes
SIADH - Small cell lung cancer secretes ectopic ADH –> euvolemic hyponatraemia
CUSHINGS - Small cell lung cancer secretes ectopic ACTH –> Cushing’s syndrome (does not suppress with high dose dexamethasone)
LAMBERT-EATON - Small cell lung cancer secretes anti-VGCC abs –> acts on presynaptic membrane –> muscle fatiguability that improves with activity
(unlike myasthenia gravis)
HYPERCALCAEMIA OF MALIGNANCY - Squamous cell lung cancer secretes PTHrp –> hypercalcaemia and hypophosphatemia (& suppression of endogenous PTH)
Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Thought to arise from bronchial neuroendocrine cells
- Mutations in p53 and retinoblastoma protein (RB1)
- Very strong smoking association
- Highly malignant and has a high rate of metastasis - 80% present with advanced disease
- Commonly spreads to brain, ribs and spinal column
- Very chen-sensitive but abysmal prognosis
- ‘Oat cells’ on microscopy
- Small, poorly differentiated cells on histology
- High incidence of paraneoplastic syndromes
Atheroma Formation
- Endothelial injury
- Cholesterol deposition and oxidation
- Macrophage recruitment
- Phagocytosis of lipids –> foam cell formation
- Foam cell deposition and fibrous cap formation
- Fibrous cap thinning and rupture
- Thrombous formation and artery occlusion
Myocardial Ischaemia - Histopathology
- First 24 hours - loss of cell nuclei and necrosis
- 1-4 days: neutrophilic infiltration
- 5-10 days: macrophages recruit debris
- Weeks-months: granulation tissue and fibrosis
Cardiac Post-Ischaemic Complications
VENTRICULAR RUPTURE
- Damaged ventricle splits open following myocardial infarction and a cardiac tamponade forms
- Chest pain, signs of shock and haemodynamic instability quickly develop
DRESSLER’S SYNDROME
- Myocardial infarction followed by pericarditis
- Release of myocardial proteins during cell necrosis triggers an autoimmune reaction
- Pan-ST elevation on ECG
Infective Endocarditis
Acute or subacute bacterial infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium)
RFs:
IVDU - Staph aureus or epidermidis
Dental surgery- Strep viridans
Immunocompromise e.g. alcohol or HIV
Strep viridans infections present subacutely (>2 weeks) with splenomegaly and clubbing
Vegetations eats into heart valves leading to regurgitation
Any new murmur + fever must be investigated with a transthoracic echocardiogram
Stenosis and Regurgitation
All 4 heart valves can become stenosed or can regurgitate following rheumatic fever
STENOSIS:
- Most common valve affected is the aortic valve
- Advancing age is the single biggest risk factor –> calcification of the valve
- Other risk factors include rheumatic fever and a bicuspid valve
- Aortic stenosis presents with chest pain, syncope and an ejection systolic murmur
REGURGITATION:
- Most common valves affected are mitral and aortic
- Infective endocarditis is a massive risk factor –> vegetations eat into valve
- Connective tissue disease e.g. Marfan’s and Ehlers-Danlos can also predispose
- Mitral regurgitation presents with shortness of breath, syncope and a pansystolic murmur
Cardiomyopathies
Hypertrophic - thick walls
Dilated - thin walls
Restrictive - stiff walls (most common cause is amyloidosis)
Causes: Genetic Chemo Acromegaly Haemochromatosis Amyloidosis
Neutrophil
Appearance: Multilobed nuclei with granules
Significance: Acute inflammation
Lymphocyte/plasma cell
Appearance: Little cytoplasm with big nucleus
Significance: Chronic inflammation, lymphoma
Eosinophil
Appearance: Bi-lobed nucleus with red granules
Significance: Allergic, parasites, Hodgkin lymphoma
Mast Cell
Appearance: Large and heavily granular
Significance: Allergy (e.g. urticaria)
Macrophage
Appearance: Large with lots of cytoplasm
Significance: Late acute inflammation, chronic inflammation (inc granuloma)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma- General
Histological features:
Keratin production
Intercellular bridges
Sites of origin: Lung, skin, oesophagus, head&neck, anus, cervix, vagina
Adenocarcinoma - General
Histological features:
Mucin production - stain turns mucin blue
Glands
Sites: Lung, breast, colon, pancreas, cervix, stomach
Transitional Cell Carcinoma - General
Sites: bladder, ureter, urethra
Sarcoma - General
Histological features:
Arises from mesenchymal cell
Sites: Bone, cartilage, fat, vascular
Stains - Histochemical vs Immunohistochemical
Histochemical:
- Chemical reaction between stain and a specific component of the tissue
- e.g. H&E - everyday stain, Prussian Blue - Iron (haemochromatosis), Congo Red - Amyloid
Immunohistochemical:
- Antibodies bind to specific antigen in the tissue –> immunofluorescence/immunoperoxidase
- e.g. cytokeratin ab - epithelial cells, CD45 - lymphoid marker
Stellate cells in Liver
Store vitamin A
Become activated to my-fibroblasts (lay down collagen)
Cirrhosis - Micronodular vs Macronodular
Micronodular tends to be associated with alcoholism.
Macronodular tends to be associated with viral infections
Haemosiderosis
Caused by iron overload
Accumulation of iron in macrophages
Usually occurs after blood transfusions
Autoimmune hepatitis
- Very active form of hepatitis with lots of plasma cells
- Anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA)
- Responds to steroids
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Failure to secrete alpha-1 antitrypsin
Misfolded protein cannot exit hepatocytes leading to accumulation
Leads to emphysema and cirrhosis
Causes of hepatic granulomas
PBC
Drugs
TB
Sarcoidosis
How does alcohol cause pancreatitis?
Alcohol affects the protein content of the pancreatic duct fluid which predisposes to obstruction as the thickened fluid condenses out
Calcium in pancreatitis
HypERcalcaemia can cause acute pancreatitis but acute pancreatitis can cause hypOcalcaemia
Type of gland in the oesophagus
Submucosal
Pseudomembranous Colitis
Px: explosive watery diarrhoea, usually after a course of abx
Ix: C. diff stool toxin assay
Rx: metronidazole or vancomycin
Ischaemic Colitis
Definition: inflammation and injury of the large intestine caused by an inadequate blood supply
Watershed: area between the supply of the SMA and IMA –> splenic flexure
Causes: Arterial (e.g. thrombus) Venous (e.g. hypercoagulable) Small vessel disease (e.g. DM) Low flow (e.g. shock) Obstruction (e.g. hernia)
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
AD
Mutation of APC tumour suppressor gene
Large numbers of polyps, pretty much everyone gets cancer
Gardner Syndrome
Same features as FAP
Extra-intestinal manifestations: Osteomas Desmoid tumours - connective tissue tumour Dental caries Supernumerary teeth
Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer
AD
Mutation in DNA mismatch repair genes
High risk of cancer, no polyps