The cervix and its disorders Flashcards
What is cervical ectopy?
Columnar epithelium of the endocervix protrudes out through the external os due to eversion and undergoes squamous metaplasia, transforming into stratified squamous epithelium. It appears as a red area around the os on the surface of the cervix.
When is cervical ectopy, due to eversion commonly seen?
In younger women and those taking the COCP
Why does the cervical ectropion appear red?
Glandular cells are red
What symptoms do a cervical ectropion usually cause?
Vaginal discharge or post-coital bleeding
How can cervical ectropion be treated?
Freezing (cryotherapy) without anaesthetic but only after a smear and ideally colposcopy has excluded carcinoma.
What are cervical polyps?
They are benign tumours of the endocervical epithelium.
Who are cervical polyps most common in?
Women of 40 years of age
What are nabothian follicles?
They are squamous epithelium formed by metaplasia over endocervical cells and the columnar cell secretions are trapped forming retention cysts. NO SYMPTOMS normally
How is CIN 1 histologically described?
Mild dysplasia- with atypical cells found in the lower third of the epithelium
How is CIN 2 histologically described?
Moderate dysplasia- with atypical cells found in the lower two-thirds of the epithelium
How is CIN 3 histologically described?
Atypical cells which occupy the full thickness of the epithelium. They are similar in appearance to malignant lesions but there is no invasion.
How are malignant cells described?
Atypical cells which occupy full thickness of the epithelium and invade the basement membrane.
What percentage of women with CIN II/III will go on to develop cervical cancer?
About a third of women will develop cancer over the next 10 years.
Which age group and class is cervical cancer most prevanent in?
35-45 and in the lower socio-economic class
When does the peak incidence of cervical cancer occur?
25-29