O&G Pathology Flashcards
What are the three possible types of endometrial hyperplasia?
Simple
Complex
Atypical (precursor of carcinoma)
Describe the difference in appearance between simple, complex and atypical hyperplasia
SIMPLE:
- Glands and stroma
- Dilated not crowded
- Cytology = Normal
COMPLEX:
- glands
- crowded
- Cytology = Normal
ATYPICAL:
- glands
- crowded
- Cytology = Atypical
- high N:C ratio
What are the precursor lesions to the main two types of endometrial carcinoma?
Endometrioid carcinoma = atypical hyperplasia
Serous carcinoma = serous intraepithelial carcinoma
What underlying conditions should you consider when a patient presents with endometrial carcinoma?
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- Lynch syndrome (HNPCC)
What is thought to cause endomeTROID carcinomas?
- unopposed oestrogen
- atypical hyperplasia
What is thought to cause SEROUS/CLEAR CELL endometrial carcinomas?
- Not associated with unopposed oestrogen
- TP53 often mutated
Why does obesity cause an increased endometrial cancer risk?
Adipocytes = express aromatase (converts androgens to oestrogens)
Sex hormone-binding globulin levels = lower
=> level of free active hormone is higher
Level of insulin-binding globulins = reduced
=> free insulin levels = elevated
=> Insulins exert proliferative effect on endometrium like oestrogen
How do SEROUS/CLEAR CELL endometrial carcinomas usually spread?
- along Fallopian tube mucosa and peritoneal surfaces
=> patients may present with extrauterine disease
Which type of endometrial carcinoma is more aggressive?
Serous/Clear cell
What characterises Serous endometrial carcinoma on histology?
complex papillary and/or glandular structure
+ diffuse, marked nuclear pleomorphism
How do clear cell endometrial carcinomas appear on histology?
Lots of “clear” cell spaces in comparison to other forms of cancer
Endometroid/Mucinous cancers are graded but Serous/Clear cell are not. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
- serous/ clear cell not formally graded
How are endometrial cancers graded?
Based on amouont of solid growth in tumour
Grade 1 5% or less solid growth
Grade 2 6-50% solid growth
Grade 3 >50% solid growth
How are endometrial cancers staged?
Stage I confined to endometrium
Stage II cervical stroma
Stage III (A = local spread, C = regional lymph nodes)
Stage IV bladder/bowel mucosa or distant mets
Endometrial tumours can also occur in the stroma. What are these called?
Endometrial Sarcomas
- usually high grade
can also get carcinosarcomas which are a mix of both
Give examples of tumours which can arise from the myometrium?
Leiomyomas (benign fibroids)
Leiomyosarcomas (rare, malignant)
How would patients usually present with a leiomyosarcoma?
- age >50
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- palpable pelvic mass
- pelvic pain
Leiomyosarcomas have a poor prognosis even if confined to uterus at time of presentation. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
What phase is the endometrium in during each stage of the ovarian menstrual cycle?
Ovarian Follicular Phase = Endometrial Menstruation
Ovulation = Endometrial Proliferation
Ovarian Luteal Phase = Endometrial Secretory
The endometrial secretory phase ALWAYS lasts how many days?
14
Describe the histological appearance of the endometrium during the secretory phase
- Increasing tortuosity
- Lumenal secretions
What may cause dysfunctional uterine bleeding in adolescence and early reproductive life?
Anovulatory cycles (PCOS)
Pregnancy/miscarriage
Endometritis
Bleeding disorders
What may cause DUB during reproductive age?
Anovulatory cycles Pregnancy/miscarriage Endometritis Bleeding disorders Polyp Fibroid Adenomyosis Hormone effects Hyperplasia/Neoplasia: cervical, endometrial
What may cause Post-Menopausal DUB?
- Atrophy
- Polyp
- Exogenous hormones: HRT, tamoxifen
- Endometritis
- Bleeding disorders
Hyperplasia
Endometrial carcinoma
Sarcoma