O&G: Gynae cancers Flashcards
Cervical cancer
who does it tend to affect
younger women, peaking in the reproductive years
Cervical cancer
what is the most common type
- squamous cell carcinoma
- then adenocarcinoma
Cervical cancer
what is is strongly associated with
human papillomavirus
Cervical cancer
at what age are people vaccinated against certain strains of HPV to reduce risk of cervical cancer
children aged 12-13y
Cervical cancer
how is HPV transmitted
primarily a STI
Cervical cancer
what types of HPV are responsible for around 70% of cervical cancers
type 16 and 18
Cervical cancer
what is the trx for infection with HPV
none, most cases resolve spontaneously within 2y
Cervical cancer
how does HPV promote the development of cancer
HPV produces proteins E6 and E7
which inhibit P53 and pRb tumour suppressor genes respectively
Cervical cancer
risk factors
increased risk of catching HPV:
- early sexual activity
- increased number of sexual partners
- sexual partners who have more partners
- not using condoms
non-engagement with cervical screening
- smoking
- HIV
- COCP use>5y
- increased number of full term pregnancies
- FH
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol during fetal development (was previously used to prevent miscarriages before 1971)
Cervical cancer
presentation
- asymptomatic
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain
- dyspareunia
Cervical cancer
appearances on speculum exam that may suggest cervical cancer
- ulceration
- inflammation
- bleeding
- visible tumour
Cervical cancer
speculum exam may suggest cervical cancer. What next?
urgent cancer referral for colposcopy
Cervical cancer
what is Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
a grading system for the level of dysplasia (premalignant change) in the cells of the cervix
CIN is diagnosed at colposcopy (not with cervical screening)
Cervical cancer
CIN I grade
- mild dysplasia
- affecting 1/3 the thickness of the epithelial layer
- likely to return to normal without treatment
Cervical cancer
CIN II grade
- moderate dysplasia
- affecting 2/3 the thickness of the epithelial layer
- likely to progress to cancer if untreated
Cervical cancer
CIN III grade
- severe dysplasia
- very likely to progress to cancer if untreated
- aka cervical carcinoma in situ
Cervical cancer
screening: what does microscope examination look for
precancerous changes (dyskaryosis)
Cervical cancer
screening: what are samples initially tested for before cells are examined
high-risk HPV
if HPV test is -ve, the cells are not examined, the smear is considered negative, and the woman is returned to the routine screening program.
Cervical cancer
how often are women screened
- every 3y aged 25-49
- every 5y aged 50-64
Cervical cancer
how often are women with HIV screened
annually
Cervical cancer
can women over 65 request a smear if they have not had one since aged 50
yes
Cervical cancer
if pregnant and due a routine smear, what should they do
wait until 12 weeks post-partum
Cervical cancer
what organisms are often discovered in women with an intrauterine device (coil).
Actinomyces-like organisms
Cervical cancer
smear result: inadequate sample
what next
repeat the smear after at least three months
Cervical cancer
smear result: HPV negative
what next
continue routine screening
Cervical cancer
smear result: HPV positive with normal cytology
what next
repeat the HPV test after 12 months
Cervical cancer
smear result: HPV positive with abnormal cytology
what next
refer for colposcopy
Cervical cancer
what does colposcopy involve
inserting speculum and using colposcope to magnify cervix
Cervical cancer
colposcopy: what does the stain, acetic acid do
causes abnormal cells to appear white: acetowhite
because CIN and cervical cancer cells have more nuclear material
Cervical cancer
colposcopy: what does the stain, Schiller’s iodine test do
Iodine will stain healthy cells a brown colour. Abnormal areas will not stain.
Cervical cancer
colposcopy: how to get a tissue sample
punch biopsy or large loop excision of the transformational zone
Cervical cancer
what is the large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) procedure aka
a loop biopsy
Cervical cancer
what does a LLETZ involve
single diathermy to remove abnormal epithelial tissue on the cervix
The electrical current cauterises the tissue and stops bleeding.
Cervical cancer
what may LLETZ increase the risk of
preterm labour
Cervical cancer
what is a cone biopsy for
trx for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
and very early-stage cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer
what is involved in a cone biopsy
Surgeon removes a cone-shaped piece of the cervix using a scalpel.
This sample is sent for histology to assess for malignancy.
Cervical cancer
main risks of cone biopsy
- pain
- bleeding
- infection
- scar formation with stenosis of the cervix
- increased risk of miscarriage and premature labour
Cervical cancer
stage 1
Confined to the cervix
Cervical cancer
stage 2
Invades the uterus or upper 2/3 of the vagina
Cervical cancer
stage 3
Invades the pelvic wall or lower 1/3 of the vagina
Cervical cancer
stage 4
Invades the bladder, rectum or beyond the pelvis
Cervical cancer
mnx for CIN and early-stage 1A
LLETZ or cone biopsy
Cervical cancer
mnx for stage 1B-2A
- radical hysterectomy
- removal of local lymph nodes with chemo and radio
Cervical cancer
mnx for stage 2B - 4A
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Cervical cancer
mnx for stage 4B
combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and palliative care
Cervical cancer
what is pelvic exenteration
used in advanced cervical cancer
removing most or all of the pelvic organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder and rectum