Tumours of the reproductive tracts Flashcards
1
Q
Define tumour
A
- Any clinically detectable lump or swelling
2
Q
Define neoplasm
A
- An abnormal growth of cells that persists after the initial stimulus is removed
3
Q
Define malignant neoplasm
A
- An abnormal growth that persists after the initial stimulus is removed
- AND invades surrounding tissue with potential to spread to distant sites
4
Q
Define metastasis
A
- Malignant neoplasm that has spread to a distant site
5
Q
Define dysplasia
A
- A potentially pre neoplastic alteration where cells show disordered organisation and abnormal appearances
- May be reversible
6
Q
How common are vulval cancers?
A
- Uncommon
- 3% of all female cancers
7
Q
Who tends to be affected by vulval cancers?
A
- Older patients aged 80-84
8
Q
What are the different types of vulval cancer?
A
- Squamous cell carcinoma (most common)
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Soft tissue tumours (least common)
9
Q
What are the clinical features of vulval cancers?
A
- Lumps
- Ulceration
- Skin changes (pigmentation, sensation, pain)
- May be a delay to presentation
10
Q
Outline some of the microscopic features of a squamous cell carcinoma
A
- Increased keratin swirls forming
- Atypical squamous cells seen
- Architecture of skin lost
11
Q
What is a vulval intraepithelial neoplasia?
A
- In situ
- Precursor of vulval squamous cell carcinoma
- Atypical cells
- No invasion through basement membrane
- May or may not develop into SCC
12
Q
Are vulval intraepithelial neoplasia and SCC related to HPV?
A
- 30% of cases are related to HPV infection (usually HPV 16)
- Peak age of onset is 60s
- Other 70% is associated with longstanding inflammatory conditions
- Peak age of onset is 80s
13
Q
Where does vulval cancer spread to via direct extension?
A
- Anus
- Vagina
- Bladder
14
Q
Which lymph nodes can vulval cancer spread to?
A
- Inguinal
- Iliac
- Para-aortic
15
Q
Where can vulval cancer cause distant metastases?
A
- Lungs
- Liver
