Pathology Flashcards
Which hormone drives endometrial growth during the first 14 days of the menstrual cycle?
Oestrogen
Secretory changes, resulting from ovulation is under the influence of which hormone?
Progesterone
What is the dominant follicle also known as?
The graafian follicle.
This contains the secondary oocyte and granulosa cells.
What do granulosa cells produce?
Hormones
What is menorrhagia?
Prolonged and increased menstrual flow.
What thickness of endometrium in post-menopausal women indicates that an endometrial biopsy should be carried out?
> 4mm
What is disordered uterine bleeding?
Irregular uterine bleeding owing to disruption of the normal cyclic hormonal pattern.
What is the most common cause of DUB?
Anovulatory cycles.
Seen at the start and end of reproductive life.
What causes luteal phase deficiencies?
Poor response/Insufficient progesterone.
May be due to abnormal follicular development or a poor corpus luteum.
What is endometritis?
Inflammation of the endometrium.
Can be caused by infection, an IUD or occur following pregnancy.
What is molar pregnancy?
Abnormal pregnancy in which a non-viable egg implants. No chance of progression.
Sperm combines with egg that has lost its DNA.
What cancer is increased risk in molar pregnancy?
Choriocarcinoma
What is adenomyosis?
The presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium.
Can cause long, heavy, painful periods.
What is leiomyoma?
A very common benign tumour of smooth muscle found within the uterus.
This is the pathological name for a fibroid.
What is leiomyoma growth dependent on?
Oestrogen
What is the triple assessment carried out in breast disease?
Clinical (history and examination)
Imaging (can be mammography, USS or MRI)
Histopathology/Cytopathology
What does cytopathology involve?
FNA
Fluid and nipple testing
Why is histopathology preferred to cytopathology?
Cytopathology disrupts context of sample, therefore cannot determine if any invasion has occurred.
As histopathology involves biopsy, the context is preserved, allowing a clear diagnosis.
What is wide local excision?
A method used to remove a lesion of interest, with a margin.
What is gynaecomastia?
Breast development in males.
Results from ductal growth, without lobular development.
What can cause gynaecomastia?
Exogenous/Endogenous hormones
Cannabis
Prescription drugs
Liver disease
What is fibrocystic change?
Development of fluid-filled cysts in the breasts. Accompanied by intervening fibrosis.
Most cases are perimenopausal/in their 40s.
How do fibrocystic changes present?
Can be asymptomatic and often an incidental finding.
Some may have sudden/cyclical pain with ill-defined breast lumpiness.
What is metaplasia?
A change of one fully differentiated cell type to another.
Should fibrocystic change be investigated?
Yes, in order to rule out malignancy.