Pathology of the Cervix Flashcards
What is the cervix?
- the “neck” of the uterus
- divided into the EXOcervix (visible on vaginal exam) and ENDOcervix.
What lines the endo- and exocervix, respectively?
- EXOcervix= nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium.
- ENDOcervix= single layer of columnar cells.
What is the junction between the exo- and endocervix called?
transformation zone
What will HPV do to the cervix (since we know it can affect the vulva, vagina, or cervix)?
- condyloma acuminatum or dysplasia in the transformation zone.
** What does persistent HPV infection lead to in the cervix? (HIGH YIELD)
- risk for CIN cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
- dependent on high risk 16, 18, 31, and 33) due to E6 increasing destruction of p53 (checkpoint from G1 to S in cell cycle), and E7 increasing destruction of Rb.
** What is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)?
- KOILOCYTIC change (KNOW THIS PICTURE), disordered cellular maturation, nuclear atypia, and increased mitotic activity. These cells begin to pile up in the cervix and can be divided into grades based on the extent of epithelial involvement.
** What are the grades of CIN?
- CIN I= involves lower 1/3 thickness of epithelium; most common.
- CIN II= lower 2/3 thickness of epithelium.
- CIN III= slightly less than entire thickness of epithelium.
- Carcinoma in situ (CIS)= entire thickness of epithelium and will lead to invasive SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA!
- new system uses LSIL (low grade; I) or HSIL (high grade; II or III).
** What is the key feature that distinguishes dysplasia from carcinoma?
- reversibility!
Is progression from CIN I to CIS inevitable?
NO! There is a chance to reverse up to CIN III (but chances decrease as you progress from I to III).
What is cervical carcinoma?
- INVASIVE carcinoma that arises from the cervical epithelium.
- most commonly seen in middle-aged women (40-50).
- presents as VAGINAL BLEEDING (especially after sex).
What is the key risk factor for cervical carcinoma?
HPV
*also smoking and immunodeficiency
Is cervical carcinoma an AIDS defining illness in pts who are HIV +?
YES
What are the 2 types of cervical carcinoma?
- squamous cell carcinoma
- adenocarcinoma (less common)
- BOTH associated with HPV
** What is a finding of ADVANCED cervical carcinoma?
- HYDRONEPHROSIS with postrenal failure bc the tumor invades through the anterior wall of the uterus into the bladder forming a fistula, blocking the ureters.
*** What is the gold standard for cervical cancer screening?
PAP SMEAR and is very helpful bc it takes 10-20 years for dysplasia (CIN) to progress to carcinoma. So if we find CIN early, we can treat!