Pathology of the female reproductive tract

Question 1

What is the pathological basis for vaginal discharge?

Answer 1

Inflammation/infection

Question 2

What are reasons for vaginal bleeding in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Placenta (PP), placenta bed (AP/miscarriage), decidua (ectopic pregnancy)

Question 3

What are reasons for post-coital and post-menopausal bleeding?

Answer 3

Cervical lesions (carcinoma, erosions, trauma)
Uterine lesions (polyps, carcinoma)

Question 4

What are some reasons for pain as a clinical presentation?

Answer 4

1) Pathological distension/rupture
2) Ischaemia/infarction (ovarian torsion)
3) Menstrual pain due to endometriosis, adenomyosis, functional uterine muscle spasm

Question 5

What causes abdominal distension?

Answer 5

1) Ascites (ovarian tumours involving peritoneum)
2) Uterine enlargement (pregnancy, tumours)
3) Ovarian cyst

Question 6

What causes abnormal menstruation?

Answer 6

Hormonal dysfunction, uterine lesions (fibrinoids, polyps, carcinomas), psycho-physical stressors