Revision 1 Flashcards
What are the 4 types of fibroids?
1) Intramural
2) Subserosal
3) Submucosal
4) Pedunculated
Where are submucosal fibroids located?
Just below the lining of the uterus (endometrium)
These can bulge into the uterine cavity
Where are subserosal fibroids located?
Just below the outer layer of the uterus
These can project to the outside of the uterus
Which type of fibroids can grow outwards and become large, sometimes filling the abdominal cavity?
Subserosal
What is the 1st line investigation for fibroids?
TV US
1st line mx for fibroids <3cm?
Mirena coil (same as for menorrhagia)
Other mx options for fibroids <3cm?
1) Symptomatic e.g. NSAIDs & TXA
2) COCP
3) Cyclical oral progestogens
Mx of fibroids >3cm?
Referral to gynae for investigation and management.
What may be given to reduce the size of fibroids prior to surgery?
GnRH agonists (induce a menopause like state)
What are the surgical options in fibroids?
1) Hysterectomy
2) Myomectomy –> only known fibroid treatment to improve fertility
3) Uterine artery embolisation
Clinical features of red degeneration of fibroids?
- severe abdo pain
- fever
- tachycardia
- vomiting
Mx of red degeneration of fibroids?
Rest & analgesia
Who deos red degeneration of fibroids usually occur in?
Pregnant women in 2nd/3rd trimester
Give some signs on examination during endometriosis
1) Endometrial tissue visible in vagina on speculum exam, especially in posterior fornix
2) Fixed cervix on bimanual
3) Tender nodularity in the posterior vaginal fornix
What is the gold standard for diagnosing abdominal and pelvic endometriosis?
Laparoscopic surgery –> biopsy of lesions
What is adenomyosis?
Endometrial tissue inside the myometrium (muscle layer)
Who is adenomyosis more common in? (2)
1) Older women in later reproductive years
2) Multiparous women
What can an examination in adenomyosis demonstrate?
An enlarged and TENDER uterus (note - fibroids is non-tender)
1st line investigation in adenomyosis?
TV US
Gold standard diagnosis of adenomyosis?
Histological examination of the uterus after a hysterectomy
Management of adenomyosis?
Depends on symptoms, age and plans for pregnancy.
NICE recommend the same treatment for adenomyosis as for heavy menstrual bleeding e.g. Mirena coil
When the woman does NOT want contraception, what treatment can be used during menstruation for symptomatic relief in adenomyosis when there is associated pain?
Mefenamic acid (NSAID - reduces bleeding and pain)
When the woman does NOT want contraception, what treatment can be used during menstruation for symptomatic relief in adenomyosis when there is NO associated pain?
TXA
What class of drug is TXA?
Antifibrinolytic
1st line management of endometriosis?
NSAIDs and/or paracetamol for symptomatic relief
2nd line management of endometriosis?
If analgesia doesn’t help then hormonal treatments such as the COCP or progestogens e.g. medroxyprogesterone acetate should be tried
How can uterine fibroids lead to polycythaemia?
This is rare.
Polycythaemia can occur 2ary to production of EPO by fibroids.
What marks the tranition from the ectocervix to the endocervical canal?
External os
What is the most common type of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the epithelial lining of the cervix (80%) –> these are found in the ectocervix
What is the 2nd most common type of cervical cancer?
Adenocarcinoma –> endocervical canal
HPV produces 2 proteins that inhibit tumour suppressor genes.
What are these proteins?
What tumour suppressor genes do they inhibit?
E6 –> inhibits p53
E7 –> inhibits pRb
The greatest risk factor for developing cervical cancer is HPV infection.
What are some other factors?
- smoking
- inadequate screening
- high parity
- oral contraceptive use