Vulval Conditions Flashcards
Discuss Batholin’s cyst and abscess
-Role of Batholins gland
-Pathophysiology of cyst and abscess formation
-Common infective microbes (8)
-Management (4)
- Role of Batholin’s gland
-Mucous producing to keep vulva moist
-Small amount of mucous for lubrication during intercourse 2. Pathophysiology
-Cyst forms from blockage of Batholins duct. Usually by friction caused by sexual intercourse
-Abcess forms if Cyst infected. Abcess 3 x more common than cyst - Common bacteria in Batholin’s abcess
-Neisseria gonorrhoea, Stap Aureus, Sterep Faecalis, E. Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chlamydia trichamonas.
-Bacteroides fragilis. Clostridium perfringes - Management
- Conservative with antibiotics - not definitie management
- Word Catheter
3.I&D and Marsupialization - Excision of gland
NB: No difference in recurrence rates with Word vs Marsupilization
Discuss Benign Mullerian cysts
-Aeitology
-Sx
-Anatomical location
-Ix
-Management (2)
- Complications
- Persistance of glandular tissue
- Asx, dypareunia, vaginal discomfort
- Anywhere along the Mullerian tract.
- TVUSS or MRI
- Management
-Conservative - yearly surveillance
-Surgical excision - Complications
- malignant transformation, recurrence, infection
Discuss Gartners duct cyst
-Aeitology
-Sx
-Anatomical location
-Ix
-Management (2)
- Complications
- Persistance of mesonephric ducts
- Asx, dysparunia, vaginal discomfort
- Anterior lateral wall of upper third of vagina
- TVUSS/CT/MRI
- Management
-Yearly surveillance
-I&D or marsupilisation if large - Complications
-Infection, malignant transformation, recurrence
Discuss Skene’s gland
-Aeitology
-Sx
-Anatomical location
-Ix
-Management (2)
- Complications
- Obstruction of Skenes duct
- Urethral pain, recurrent UTI, Voiding Sx, dypareunia
- Lateral to urethral meatus
- TVUSS/MRI
- Management
-Conservative - antibiotics and analgesia
-Surgical - aspiration, marsupilisation, gland excision - Complicaiton
-Urethral diverticulum
-Recurrence
Discuss epidermal inclusion cysts
-Aeitology
-Sx
-Anatomical location
-Ix
-Management (2)
- Complications
- Entrapemnt of fragments of the epidermis
- Asx, labial discomfort
- Labia majora
- Clinical diagnosis
-non tender, mobile 5mm mass with cheese like discharge - Management
-Surveillance
-I&D - Complications
-Infection, recurrence
Discuss hidradenoma papillferum cysts
-Aeitology
-Sx
-Anatomical location
-Ix
-Management (2)
- Complications
- Blockage of sebaceous gland
- Asx, labial discomfort
- Between labia majora and minors
- Clinical dx
- Excision under LA
- Complicatins: Infection, recurrence
Discuss mucinous cysts of the labia
-Aeitology
-Sx
-Anatomical location
-Ix
-Management (2)
- Complications
- Obstruction of the vestibular glands lined by mucinous cells
- Asx, labial discomfort
- Labia minora, and vestibule. Often lateral
- Clinical dx
- Management
-Surveillance as may occasionally show squamous metaplasia
-Excision if large or expanding - Complications: Infection, recurrence
Discuss cysts of the canal of Nuck
-Aeitology
-Sx
-Anatomical location
-Ix
-Management (2)
- Complications
- Patent processus vaginalis
- Asx, discomfot
- Labia majora, mons pubis
- Clinical Dx
- Surgical resection and ligation of the neck of the processus vaginalis
- Complications: Inguinal hernia, recurrence
Discuss female genital mutilation (cutting)
-Definition
-Types (4)
-Epidemiology
- Defintion
-All procedures that involve partial or total removal of external genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons - Types
Type 1 - excision of all or part of the clitorus
Type 2 - Excision of all or part of the clittorus and labia minor/majora
Type 3 - Removal of the external genitalia and narrowing of the vaginal opening (Infibulation)
Type 4 - pricking, piercing of the clitoris or labia, scraping of the vaginal tissu or introduction of substances to cause vaginal bleeding or narrowing - Epidemiology
-200 million women affected
-3 million girls at risk every year
-80% are type 1 and 2
-15% are type 3
Discuss FGM in NZ in terms of the law (4)
- No evidence that it is practiced in NZ
- Ilegal to perform under 1996 Crimes Act
- Ilegal to arrange/encourage/assist/convince another person to have FGM overseas
- Imprisonment up to 7yrs
- Mandatory reporting for children at risk
Discuss the complications of FGM
-Short term (8)
-Long term (8)
- Short term complications
-Haemorrage - most common complication (clittoral artery)
-Infection - sepsis, HIV
-Pain
-Shock - septic, haemorragic, neurological
-Chronic infection from poor healing
-Urinary retention
-Injury to proximal organs, bladder, urethra, bowel
-Injury to girl while imobilising - soft tissue, fracture - Longterm complications
-Urinary issues: UTI, obstruction, incontinence, hydronephrosis, fistulation
-Menstural issues: amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, haematocolpos, endometriosis, retrograde menstruation
-Infection - abcesses, HIV, PID
-Dermatological - neurinoma, keloid scarring, ulcers
-Mental health: PTSD, depression, anxiety
-Sexual issues: Dysparenunia, reduced sexual pleasure, vaginismis
-Infertility - PID or inability to have intercourse
-Childbirth issues: Retained fetus in miscarriage, difficult D&C, Difficult to manage labour: VE, IDC, Intrapartum procedures, Prolonged / obstructed labour, PPH, perineal tears, fistula formation, HIE, Increased CS
Discuss management in pregnancy for women with FGM
-Antenatal (4)
-Intrapartum (5)
-Postpartum (1)
- Antenatal care
-Identify and counsel
-Assess type and ability to VE
-Ref for deinfibulation - second trimester if required
-Cousel on increased risks and management of FGM in labour
-Offer defibulation in second trimester if required - Intrapartum care
-FGM not a reason for CS
-Deinfibulation in first or second stage if required
-Low threshold for epis given scar tissue
-Suture skin edges together
-Reinfibulation - illegal - Post partum
-Deinfibulation cares
Discuss defibulation
1. Prepocedure counselling (4)
2. Procedure (7)
3. Post porocedure (7)
- Pre-procedure cares
-Counselling re what to expect post procedure
-Change to urination flow and menstural flow
-Avoid intercourse til healed
-Will not cause prolapse
-Reinfibulation is illegal - Procedure
-Anaesthetic LA or GA
-Infiltrate midline with LA
-Elevate anterior skin away from underlying structures
-Incise scar tissue posterior to anterior
-Extend excision until external urethral meatus is visible
-Avoid involvement of clitoral stump (pain and bleeding)
-Over sew skin edges with fine dissolvable subcut suture - Post procedure care
-Analgesia
-Offer smear
-Counsel hygiene cares, suture cares, infection risk
-Avoid sexual intercourse until healed
-Discuss legal status of FGM in NZ
-Refer for social support if required
-FU 6 weeks
How should you respond to a parent who wants to take their daugther back to home country for FGM (6)
- Explain illegal to perform on person in NZ or to take a child overseas for that purpose
- FGM is considered violation of human rights
- In new country FGM doesn’t have same positive value and may cause prejudice or disadvantage marriage
- Resaerch shoes countries where FGM is prevalent many communities want it to end
- Research shows that where FGM is prevalent men prefer to marry uncut women
- Explain health implications for women
Discuss VAIN
-Defintion
-Classification
-Risk factors
-Incidence
- Vaginal intra-epithelial lesion. Doesn’t involve tne basement membrane. Premalignant condition
- Classification
LSIL - Previously VAIN I
HSIL - Previously VAIN 2 & 3. 2-12% chance of invasive cancer - Risk factors
-Persistent infection with oncogenic HPV
-Often seen in conjunction with CIN
-Immunosupression and smoking - Rare
Discuss management of VAIN
- If LSIL - observation with FU colposcopy
- Excision
- local if single lesion
-Vaginectomy if widespread disease - Laser vaporisation
-Better if multifocal, if LSIL in young women
-Must rule out cancer - 5 Fluorouracil - greater recurrence
- Imiquimod - consider in you women, OK to try in HSIL
-Better HPV clearence cf laser. Same recurrence rates as laser - Close long term FU
Discuss VIN (Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia)
-Definition
-Classification
-Incidence
-Risk factors (4)
- Defintion
-Chronic vulval skin disorder characterised by dysplastic squamous epithelia - Classification
Vulvar LSIL - HPV associated, not thought to be precancerous
Vulvar HSIL - usual. HPV associated
-Graded like CIN
-Most common 90% of VIN
-Potential for malignancy 4-6%
-Causes 20% of SCC of vulva
-Affects younger women
Vulvar HSIL - differentiated - not HPV assoicated
-Makes up 10% of VIN
-Associated with Lichen sclerosis and planus
-Potential for malignancy - 85% within 2-4yrs
-Affects older women
-Develops into cancer faster than uVIN - Incidence 2.8:100,000
- Risk factors
-Oncogenic HPV 16, 18, 31
-Lichen sclerosis
-Smoking
-Immune suppression
Discuss clinical evaluation of VIN
-Sx (3)
-Examination
-Investigations (2)
- Symtpoms
-Pruritis, pain, asx (40%) - Examination
-variable appearence of lesions, hyperkeratosis, white, red, brown, erythematous - Investigations
-Vulvoscopy and colposcopy with 5% acetic acid
-Punch bx
Describe the histological findings of VIN
-uVIN
-dVIN
- uVIN
-Dysplastic, vacuolated cells with mitoses throughout epithelium
-p16 positive on immunohistochemistry - dVIN
-Dysplastic cells adn mitoses confined to basal layer
-p53 positive on immunochemistry staining
Discuss excision as management for VIN
-Indication
-Method
-Advantages
-Disadvantages
Excisional (WLE) - gold standard
1. Indication:
-If single unifocal lesion in location that won’t distort function
-If multifocal lesions recalcitrant to other treatment
2. Method
-0.5-1cm margins and 4mm depth
-Aim primary closure or flap
3. Advantages:
-Lowest recurrence rate - 25%
-Complete excision
-Can review histology and check margins
4. Disadvantages:
-Surgical risks - infx, haemorrhage, GA
-Dysparenunia
-Slow recovery
Discuss ablative management of VIN
-Indication
-Method
-Advantages
-Disadvantages
- Indication
-Widespread multifocal disease
-High risk GA
-Young women with no suspicion of invasion - Method
-CO2 or cryotherapy
-1mm depth on hair free surfaces, 3mm in hairy areas - Advantages
-Better cosemsis
-Reduced dyspareunia
-voids anaesthetic
-Can be performed in pregnancy - Disadvantages
-HIgh recurrence rate 40%
-No histo or assessment of invasion
-Can cause hypertrophic scarring
Discuss topical management of VIN
-Indication
-Method
-Advantages
-Disadvantages
- Indication
-Widespread or multifocal disease
-For lesions where high risk of anatomical distortion and impaired function
-When invasion is not suspected
-High risk anaesthetic patients - Imiquimod 5% 3 x weekly for 16 weeks
- Advantages
-Avoids atomical distortion
-Non invasive
-Avoids surgical risks
-Able to be applied by patient - Disadvantages
-No histo or invasion info
-Recurrence risk 50%
-Can cause local pain and irritation
-Avoid in pregnancy
Discuss the follow - up for VIN (4 points)
-6 monthly surveillance for 5 yr then annually
-Long term recurrence risk = 30% regardless of classification
-Recurrence more common if smoker (quit), larger multi focal lesions, immunosuppressed, positive margins
-Progression to cancer usually within 10yrs of Dx
Discuss lichen sclerosis
-Aietiology (5)
-Epidemiology (3)
-Examination findings
-Histology
-Treatment
- Aeitiology
-Multifactorial, autoimmune, genetic, hormonal, infection - Epidemiology
-Mean age 55
-2/3 cases > 50 but can occur in children
-Associated with autoimmune conditions
-Associated with dVIN - 2% progression - Examination findings
-Thin crinkly skin, figure of 8, white atrophic epidermis, purpura, sclerotic thickened dermis, loss of architecture (fusion of clitoral hood, resorption of labia)
-Only impacts vulva. Never vagina.
-Less extra genital involvement cf lichen planus - Histology
-T cell mediated
-Lichenified inflammatory pattern, epidermal atrophy, hyperkeratosis, hydropic degeneration of basal epidermal
layer - Treatment
-Confirm dx with Bx
-Consider autoimmune screen
-Potent topical steroids. Clobetasol 0.05% or Betamethasone 0.05% BD for 1/12, OD 1/12 then maintenance. (steroids reduce risk of progression to dVIN)
-Long term FU for dVIN 6-12 monthly
-Encourage self monitoring for change/ non healing
Discuss lichen planus
-Aietiology
-Epidemiology
-Examination findings
-Histology
-Treatment
- Autoimmune condition. T cell targeting basal keratinocytes. Genetic component.
-Lymphocytic attack with a cycle of cell damage and repair
-3 types: erosive (Most common), hypertrophic, classic (rare) - Epidemiology
-Peri and menopausal women affected (40-60)
-Rarely associated with SCC
-Affects 2% of women
-Occurs in 25-55% of women with oral LP
-10% overlap with lichen sclerosis - Examination
-Classic purple plaques overlying lacy white lines
-Erosions and fissures erythema
-Involves vagina and cervix
-Wickhams striae (Also seen in mucosa)
-Extra genital involvement common - oral cavity
-Loss of architecture and reabsorption of labia, agglutination - Histology
-Lichenified inflammatory pattern
-Epidermal hyperplasia, irregular saw tooth acanthosis
-Hydropic degeneration of basal epidermal layer - Treatment
-Potent steriods, topical tacrolimus, methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine
-Highly treatment resistant (cf Lichen sclerosis which response well)
-Annual FU
Discuss atopic dermatitis (Eczema)
-Aeitiology
-Epidemiology
-Examination findings
-Histology
-Treatment
- Genetic, environmental, related to dysfunctional epidermal layer, irritants
- Associated with other atopic illnesses
- Examination
-Excoriations
-Ill defined erythema
-Flexural lichenification
-Occurs in labia majora - Histology
-Scale crusts in stratum corneum
-Epidermal spongiosum
-Microvesicular formation in epidermis - Treatment
-Hygiene, reduce triggers and test for allergins
-Emollents
-Topical steriods - ointments
-Oral antihistamines
-Treat superimposed infection
-Avoid irritants (waxing, tight underwear, soaps,
Discuss contact dermatitis
-Aietiology
-Examination
-Histology
-Treatment
- Aeitiology
-20% allergic - Type IV T cell mediated
-80% irritant - due to skin irritation from prolonged exposure - Examination
Allergic - difuse margins, tends to be asymetrical. Extreme pruitis
Delayed onset worsening with multiple exposures
Irritant - well dermarcated margins in area of contact. Waxy, shiny scale like appearence. Burning stinging pain
Immediate onset - Histology simillar to atopic dermatitis
-Scale crusts in stratum coreum
-Epidermal spongiosum
-Microvesicular formation in epidermis - Treatment
-Avoid irritants, triggers,
-Vulval hygiene
-Oral antihystimines
-Topical steriods - always use ointments not cream
-Treat superimposed infection
Discuss lichen simplex chronus
-Aietiology (4)
-Examination
-Histology
-Treatment
- Aietiology
-Caused by itch scratch cycle. Caused by anything that causes itch
-Vuvlval dermatoses, chronic illness causing pruritis, psych disorders, enviromental exposures causing itch - Examination
-Vagina not affected
-Erythematous lichenified plaques
-Leathery skin, erosions, ulcers, fissures, pigmented skin - Histology
-Lichenoid inflammatory pattern
-Spongiosis from oedema in the epidermal layer
-Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, superficial dermal lympocyte infiltrate - Treatment
-Eliminant irritants
-Hygiene
-Treat superimposed infection
-Emollents, cool packs
-Low potency steriods as first line. Consider PO steriods
-Antihistamines
Discuss psoriasis
-Aietiology
-Epidemiology
-Examination findings
-Treatment
- Chronic inflammatory skin disease
- Affects 2% of population. Fhx common
- Examination findings
-Well demarkated bright erythematous plaques. Scalling uncommon. Often symetrical. Fissuring.
-Frequently affects natal cleft
-Look for psoriasis elsewhere on body - Treatment
-Aim for control not cure
-Avoid irritants, use emollients
-Topical low potency steroids
-Coal tar preparations for maintenance
Discuss Paget’s disease of the Vulvar
1. Aetiology
2. Epidemiology
3. Examination findings
4. Histology
5. Treatment
6. Prognosis
- Aetiology
-Intraepithelial adenocarcinoma of the anogenital or axillary skin
-Primary -cutaneous in origin probably apocrine cells
-Secondary - metastatic disease - Epidemiology
-Usually >50yrs. Peak age 65
-More common in Caucasians - Examination findings
-Asymetrical unilateral pink/red scaly plaques
-Slow growing nodules in late stage
-Irregular poorly defined margins
-Itchy (70%), red and beefy appearance
-Well demarcated and multifocal - Histology
-Presence of Paget cells in epidermis
-Epidermal hyperplasia - Treatment
-WLE with 2cm margins
-Radical vulvectomy
-High recurrence rates
-Consider imiquimod, laser therapy, radiotherapy
-Long term FU - 5 yr survival 75-95%
Discuss desquamative inflammatory vaginitis
-Aitieology
-Clinical presentation
-Examination findings
-Treatment
-Recurrence risk
- Aietiology
-Unknown - Clinical presentation
-More common in perimenopausal women
-Pain, copiois vaginal discharge, no erosions
-Diagnosis of exclusion - Examination findings
-Normal architecture.
-Vulva not involved
-Thinned sensitive erythemaotous oedematous vestibule
-Vaginal ecchymtic rash
-Cervix - erosive lesions
-Vaginal pH >4.5
-Saline wet mount - increased number of parabasal inflammatory cells - Treatment
-Intravaginal clindamycin or glucocorticosteriods 4/52 - Recurrence rate 50%
Discuss the classification of vulval pain and vulvodynia (2 groups)
- Vulvar pain secondary to a specific disorder
-Infection, inflammation, neoplasia, neurological, trauma, iatrogenic, hormonal deficiencies - Vulvodynia - vulvar pain of at least 3 months with no clear cause.
-Can be localised or generalised
-Can be provoked or spontaneous or mixed
-Can differ by temporal pattern - Women can have both 1 and 2
Discuss the aeitology of vulvar pain (4)
- Increased number of nerve and pain fibres
- Pro-inflamatory state with increased T and B cells, IL6, TNF
- Can be idiopathic
- Can be triggered
-70% chronic candidiasis
-Abuse
-Surgery
-Postpartum
Discuss the management of vulvar pain (5)
- Patient education and reassurance
-Explore beliefs and fears
-Personal hygiene and vulval cares - Pain modification
-Topical lignocaine
-Topical Gabapentin or amytriptyline cream
-Systemic amytrip or gabapentin, pregabalin - Physical therapy
-PT in high pelvic floor resting tone
-Diaphragmatic breathing
-TENS
-Dilators - Psychological therapy
-If psychological distress
-Pain coping strategies, CBT, relaxation techniques - Botox
-RCT don’t support use - Vestibuloectomy
-If pain recalcitrant to other therapies
-For loacalised and provoked vulvodynia
-85% improvement. Equivalent outcomes with CBT at 30months
Discuss localised provoked vestibulodynia
-Epidemiology
-Aietoiology
-Assoicated factors (4)
-Symptoms
- Epidemiology
-Common vulvular pain disorder - 6-8% prevalence
-25% lifetime risk
-Younger women
-Provoked most common - Related to peripheral nerve bundles in the vestibule
- Associated factors
-Recurrent Candidiasis, OCP, Vaginismis, pelvic floor hypertonus, other pain syndromes, psychosocial factors - Symptoms
-Pain present with provacation - sex, tampons, bike riding.
-Persists after stimulis
-Pain free intervals at other times
-Afterburn - allodynia following SI
Discuss unprovoked vulvodynia
-Epidemiology (1)
-Clinical features (6)
-Management
- More common in perimenopausal and post menopausal women
- Clinical features
-Pain is long lasting and persists after cessation of stimulus
-Involves the whole vulva
-Chronic discomfort, worse during the day
-Pain not exaccerbated by touch
-Can be associated with intersitial cystisis
-On examination vulva appears normal - Best managed as chronic pain with multi-modality treatment
Discuss uncomplicated vulvodynia
-Characteristics cf complicated vulvodynia (5)
-Common causes
-Diagnosis
- Characteristics
-Shorter in duration
-Milder pain
-No or 1 associated factor
-No co-existing chronic pain
-Little central sensitization - Common causes
-Pelvic floor overactivity mainly following peripheral inflammatory mechanisms - Diagnosis
-Clinical
-Cotton swab test
-Swabs for micro and culture
What are the recommendations for FGM/C by RANZCOG (5)
- Women should be offered deinfundibulation during pregnancy to improve obstetric outcomes (Reduced PPH/CS/OASIS injury)
- DeInfundibulation can be offered either as AN or intrapartum
- Managing FGC/M should include MDT and be culturally sensitive with trauma informed care
- Women with infundibulation should be offered deinfundibulation
- Women should be counselled about the risks and benefits of deinfundibulation regarding anatomical changes and risks and unknown benefits of clitoral reconstruction