WOMEN'S HEALTH - GYNAE Flashcards
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
What are congenital structural abnormalities and what are the causes?
What can it lead to?
- Abnormal development of pelvic organs prior to birth, may be result of faulty genes or occur randomly in otherwise healthy people
- Menstrual, sexual + reproductive problems
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
What is the basic embryology of the female genital tract?
- Upper third of vagina, cervix, uterus + fallopian tubes develop from paramesonpehric (Mullerian) ducts
- Errors in their development can lead to congenital structural abnormalities
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
Give 3 examples of congenital structural abnormalities
- Bicornuate uterus
- Transverse vaginal septae
- Vaginal hypoplasia + agenesis
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
What is bicornuate uterus?
Associations?
- 2 horns to uterus giving heart-shape on pelvic USS
- May be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, premature birth, malpresentation)
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
What is a transverse vaginal septum?
- Septum (wall) forms transversely across the vagina, can be perforate (with a hole) or imperforate (completely sealed)
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
How does transverse vaginal septae present?
- Perforate = still menstruate but difficulty with intercourse + tampon use
- Imperforate = cyclical pelvic Sx but no menses as sealed, can lead to endometriosis by retrograde menstruation
- May have infertility + pregnancy related issues
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
What is the management of transverse vaginal septae?
- Dx by examination, USS or MRI with surgical correction
- Main complications of surgery are vaginal stenosis or recurrence
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
What is vaginal hypoplasia and agenesis
What causes it?
- Hypoplasia = abnormally small vagina
- Agenesis = absent
- Failure of Mullerian ducts to develop properly + may be associated with absent uterus + cervix
CONGENITAL STRUCTURES
In vaginal hypoplasia and agenesis what structure is not affected?
What is the management?
- Ovaries – leading to normal female sex hormones
- Prolonged period with vaginal dilatation for adequate size or surgery
MENORRHAGIA
What is menorrhagia?
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that occurs at expected intervals of the menstrual cycle + interferes with QOL (no measurable quantity)
MENORRHAGIA
What are some causes of menorrhagia?
- Unknown = dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Fibroids (most common cause in gynae)
- Bleeding disorder (vWD)
- Hypothyroidism
- Polyps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PID, contraceptives (IUD)
- Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
MENORRHAGIA
What are some investigations for menorrhagia?
- Bimanual exam (?fibroids if bulky non-tender, ?adenomyosis if bulky tender ‘boggy’)
- FBC for ALL women, ferritin (anaemic), TFTs, clotting screen
- STI screen
- Pelvic (TV>TA) USS
- Hysteroscopy ± endometrial biopsy if ?endometrial pathology
FIBROIDS
What are fibroids?
- Benign tumours of the smooth muscle of the uterus (uterine leiomyomas)
FIBROIDS
What are the different types of fibroids?
- Intramural (most common) = within the myometrium
- Subserosal = >50% fibroid mass extends outside uterine contours
- Submucosal = >50% projection into the endometrial cavity
- Subserosal + submucosal can be pedunculated (on stalk = risk of torsion)
FIBROIDS
What are the issues with intramural fibroids?
As they grow, they change the shape + distort the uterus
FIBROIDS
What are the issues with subserosal fibroids?
Grow outwards + can become very large, filling the abdominal cavity
FIBROIDS
What can cause fibroids?
- Oestrogen dependent so grow in response to it (rare before puberty or after menopause)
- Associated with mutation in gene for fumarate hydratase
FIBROIDS
What are some risk factors for fibroids?
- Afro-Caribbean
- Obesity
- Early menarche
- FHx
- Increasing age (until menopause)
FIBROIDS
What is the clinical presentation of fibroids?
- Menorrhagia (#1)
- Prolonged menstruation, deep dyspareunia
- Lower abdo cramping pain (worse during menstruation)
- Bloating
- Urinary or bowel Sx due to pelvic pressure or fullness
FIBROIDS
What are some investigations for fibroids?
- Abdo + bimanual exam = palpable pelvic mass or bulky non-tender uterus
- FBC for ALL women (?Fe anaemia)
- Pelvic (TV>TA) USS for larger fibroids
FIBROIDS
What are some complications of fibroids?
- Red degeneration
- Benign calcification if centre of larger fibroids not receiving adequate blood supply
- Reduced fertility (submucosal interfere with implantation)
- Obstetric issues (miscarriage, premature labour)
FIBROIDS
What is red degeneration of fibroids?
- Ischaemia, infarction + necrosis of fibroid due to disrupted blood supply
- Fibroids sensitive to oestrogen so can grow rapidly in presence (like pregnancy) + outgrow their blood supply > ischaemia
FIBROIDS
How does red degeneration of fibroids present and what is the management?
- Low-grade fever, pain + vomiting (classically in pregnant woman)
- Supportive management like analgesia, fluids
FIBROIDS
How is the management of fibroids split?
- Fibroids <3cm
- Fibroids >3cm (with referral to gynae for investigation + management)
- Also split into non-hormonal + hormonal depending on if woman wants to get pregnant
FIBROIDS
What is the first line non-hormonal management of fibroids <3cm?
- Tranexamic acid (antifibrinolytic) taken during bleeding to reduce it
- Mefenamic acid (NSAID) to reduce bleeding + pain
FIBROIDS
What is the first line hormonal management of fibroids <3cm?
- Mirena coil is 1st line (fibroids <3cm with no uterus distortion)
- 2nd = COCP triphasing (back-to-back for 3m then break)
- Cyclical oral progestogens
- Norethisterone 5mg TDS can be used short-term to rapidly stop menorrhagia from 3d before period until bleeding acceptable
FIBROIDS
What is the management of fibroids <3cm that fail medical treatment or are severe?
- Surgery
FIBROIDS
What is the management of fibroids >3cm?
- Same medical Mx but surgery offered too
- GnRH agonists (goserelin) can be given to shrink fibroids by inducing menopausal state (reduced oestrogen) in short-term (can demineralise bone) for surgery
- Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMS) like ulipristal acetate can be used instead to avoid SEs
FIBROIDS
What are the 5 main surgical options of managing fibroids?
- Trans-cervical resection of fibroid via hysteroscopy
- 2nd gen endometrial ablation
- Uterine artery embolisation
- Myomectomy
- Hysterectomy
FIBROIDS
What is…
i) trans-cervical resection of fibroid?
ii) endometrial ablation?
iii) uterine artery embolisation?
iv) myomectomy?
v) hysterectomy?
i) Removal of submucosal fibroid, offered to women planning on having more children
ii) Destroys endometrium via radiofrequency ablation, non-hysteroscopic, day case
iii) Blocked arterial supply to fibroid starves of oxygen + shrinks
iv) Removal of fibroid via laparoscopy/laparotomy
v) Removal of uterus + fibroids ± oophorectomy depending on situation (last resort)
FIBROIDS
What management of fibroids is the only one considered to improve subfertility?
What is a risk of this management?
- Myomectomy
- Avoid during pregnancy or c-section as massive haemorrhage risk
ADENOMYOSIS
What is adenomyosis?
- Endometrial tissue inside the myometrium – oestrogen dependent
- Can occur alone or alongside endometriosis or fibroids
ADENOMYOSIS
What is the epidemiology of adenomyosis?
- More common in later reproductive years + those who are multiparous (contrast to fibroids)
ADENOMYOSIS
How does adenomyosis present?
- Dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia + dyspareunia are classic Sx
- Cyclical pain worse as period starts but can last 2w after it stops (much longer than endometriosis)
- May cause infertility or pregnancy-related issues
ADENOMYOSIS
What are the investigations for adenomyosis?
- Bimanual exam = bulky + tender uterus, ‘BOGGY’
- TVS is 1st line investigation
- Gold standard - histological examination of uterus after hysterectomy (not always suitable though)
ADENOMYOSIS
What are some complications of adenomyosis?
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Preterm birth
- SGA
- PPROM
- Malpresentation
- PPH
ADENOMYOSIS
What is the initial management of adenomyosis?
- Same as fibroids or menorrhagia in general
- TXA or mefenamic acid
- Mirena coil 1st line if no uterus distortion
- COCP triphasing
- Cyclical progesterone
- Norethisterone 5mg TDS short-term
ADENOMYOSIS
What is the other management of adenomyosis?
- GnRH analogues like goserelin to induce menopause-like state
- Endometrial ablation, UAE or hysterectomy (if family completed)
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is endometriosis?
- Presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterus
ENDOMETRIOSIS
Where might endometriosis occur?
- Pouch of Douglas > PR bleeding
- Uterosacral ligaments
- Bladder + distal ureter > haematuria
- Pelvic cavity incl. ovaries > endometrioma in ovaries
- Less common - lungs, nose, umbilicus, previous scars (lump gets big + painful)
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is the pathophysiology of endometriosis?
- Cells of endometrial tissue outside uterus respond to hormones in same way > oestrogen dependent condition
- During menstruation, endometrial tissue sheds lining + bleeds leading to irritation + inflammation of nearby tissues
- Chronic + constant inflammation > cyclical pain
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is the epidemiology of endometriosis?
- Higher prevalence in infertile women
- Exclusive to women of reproductive age
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What are 3 theories about the cause of endometriosis?
- Sampson’s = retrograde menstruation (endometrial lining flows backwards through fallopian tubes + into pelvis/peritoneum where endometrial tissue seeds itself
- Meyer’s = metaplasia of mesothelial cells
- Halban’s = via blood or lymphatics
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What are some risk factors for endometriosis?
- Early menarche,
- late menopause,
- obstruction to vaginal outflow (imperforate hymen)
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What are some protective factors?
Multiparity + COCP
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is the clinical presentation of endometriosis?
- Dysmenorrhoea, deep dyspareunia + cyclical chronic pelvic pain
- Pain worse 2–3d before periods + better after
- Cyclical bowel + bladder Sx = pain on defecation (dyschezia), dysuria, urgency
- Sub-fertility + cyclical bleeding from various sites
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What are the investigation of endometriosis?
- Bimanual = ?adnexal masses or tenderness, nodules in uterosacral ligaments or fixed + retroverted uterus due to adhesions
- TVS for ovarian endometrioma (chocolate cyst) = brown fluid as old blood + tissue
- Gold standard = laparoscopy with biopsy
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What might laparoscopy and biopsy show?
What is the benefit of this investigation?
- White scars or brown spots = ‘powder burn’
- Added benefit of being able to remove deposits during procedure
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What are some complications of endometriosis?
- Subfertility
- Adhesions
ENDOMETRIOSIS
How does endometriosis cause subfertility?
- Areas of endometriosis release cytokines + harmful chemicals which can damage reproductive tract
- Can cause reduced fallopian tube motility, scarring, bleeding, toxicity to oocyte
ENDOMETRIOSIS
How does endometriosis cause adhesions?
- Localised bleeding + inflammation causes damage + development of scar tissue that binds the organs together (adhesions)
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is the initial management of endometriosis?
- NSAIDs ± paracetamol first line for Sx relief
- COCP triphasing (can’t take for longer as if not irregular bleeding
- POP like medroxyprogesterone acetate
- GnRH analogues to “induce” menopause, reversible, quicker than triphasing but need HRT + only short-term as risk of osteoporosis
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What fertility-sparing treatments are there for endometriosis?
- Laparoscopic removal of adhesions either by ablation (burning) or excision (cutting) away endometriotic tissue
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is the last resort treatment of endometriosis?
- Hysterectomy ± bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy as no ovaries = no cycle
PCOS
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
- Syndrome of excess androgen production by theca cells of ovaries due to hyperinsulinaemia + increased LH levels (due to pituitary production increase, genetics like Turner’s or Klinefelter’s)
PCOS
How does insulin resistance contribute to PCOS?
- Insulin resistance = pancreas produces more insulin
- Insulin mimics action of insulin-like growth factor 1 which augments androgen production by theca cells in response to LH
- Higher insulin = higher androgens (testosterone)
PCOS
How does high insulin levels contribute to PCOS?
- Insulin suppresses sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) produced by liver which normally binds to androgens + suppresses their function further promoting hyperandrogenism
- Also contribute to halting development of follicles in ovaries > anovulation + multiple partially developed follicles (polycystic ovaries)
PCOS
What are the 3 main presenting features of PCOS?
- Hyperandrogenism
- Insulin resistance
- Oligo or amenorrhoea + sub/infertility
PCOS
How does hyperandrogenism present in PCOS?
- Acne, hirsutism, deep voice, male-pattern hair loss
- Hirsutism is growth of thick, dark hair often in male pattern (facial hair)
PCOS
What are some differentials of hirustism?
- Ovarian or adrenal tumours that secrete androgens
- Cushing’s syndrome
- CAH
- Iatrogenic (steroids, phenytoin)
PCOS
How does insulin resistance present?
- Obesity, acanthosis nigricans (thickened, rough skin often axilla + elbows with velvety texture), psychological Sx
PCOS
What diagnostic criteria is used in PCOS?
Rotterdam criteria (≥2) –
- Oligo- or anovulation (may present as oligo- or amenorrhoea)
- Hyperandrogenism (biochemical or clinical)
- Polycystic ovaries (≥12) or ovarian volume >10cm^3 on USS
PCOS
What hormone tests may be used in PCOS?
- Testosterone (raised)
- SHBG (low)
- LH (raised) + raised LH:FSH ratio (LH>FSH)
- Prolactin (normal), TFTs (exclude causes)
PCOS
What other investigation may be useful at indicating PCOS?
2h 75g OTT for DM –
- IFG = 6.1–6.9mmol/L
- IGT (at 2h) = 7.8–11.1
- Diabetes (at 2h) = >11.1
PCOS
What is the gold standard for visualising the ovaries?
What might it show?
- TVS
- “String of pearls” appearance where follicles arranged around periphery of ovary (≥12 cysts or >10cm^3 ovarian volume)
- Can also visualise endometrial thickness
PCOS
What are some associations and complications of PCOS?
- DM, CVD + hypercholesterolaemia
- Obstructive sleep apnoea, MH issues, sexual problems
- Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
PCOS
Why does PCOS increase risk of endometrial hyperplasia + cancer?
- Oligo/anovulation means endometrial lining continues proliferating with unopposed oestrogen as no corpus luteum releasing progesterone
PCOS
What is the most crucial part of PCOS management?
- Weight loss as can improve overall condition
PCOS
How is the risks of obesity, T2DM, CVD etc. managed in PCOS?
- Lifestyle > diet + exercise, weight loss to reduce insulin resistance, smoking cessation
- Orlistat (lipase inhibitor that stops fat absorption in intestines) may be given to assist weight loss if BMI >30kg/^m2
PCOS
What are the PCOS risk factors for endometrial cancer?
How is the risk of endometrial cancer managed in PCOS?
- Obesity, DM, insulin resistance, amenorrhoea
- Mirena coil for continuous endometrial protection
- Induce withdrawal bleed AT LEAST every 3m with COCP or cyclical progesterones medroxyprogesterone 10mg 14d)
PCOS
How is infertility managed in PCOS?
- Weight loss initial step to restore regular ovulation
- Clomiphene to induce ovulation
- Metformin may help (+ helps insulin resistance)
- Laparoscopic ovarian drilling or IVF last resort
PCOS
How is hirsutism + acne managed?
- Hair removal cream, topical eflornithine to treat facial hirsutism
- Co-cyprindiol is COCP licensed for hirsutism + acne as anti-androgen effect but only used for 3m as increased VTE risk
- Spironolactone by specialist (mineralocorticoid antagonist with anti-androgen effects)
CERVICAL CANCER
What is cervical cancer?
- Most common cancer in women <35
CERVICAL CANCER
What is cervical cancer?
What is the histological type of cervical cancer?
- Most common cancer in women <35
- Squamous cell carcinoma 80%, then adenocarcinoma (small cell rare)
CERVICAL CANCER
What has a strong association with development of cervical cancer?
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 + 18 primarily a STI
- Also associated with anal, vulval, vaginal, penis, mouth + throat cancers
CERVICAL CANCER
What genes may be implicated in cervical cancer?
- P53 + pRb are tumour suppressor genes
- HPV produces two oncoproteins (E6 + E7)
- E6 inhibits P53, E7 inhibits pRB
CERVICAL CANCER
What are some risk factors for cervical cancer?
- Increased risk of catching HPV = early (unsafe) sex, lots of sexual partners
- Smoking (limits availability to clear HPV)
- HIV
- COCP
- High parity
- Previous CIN/abnormal smear or FHx
CERVICAL CANCER
How does cervical cancer present?
- Asymptomatic + smear detected
- Abnormal PV bleeding (POSTCOITAL, intermenstrual or postmenopausal)
- PV discharge, pelvic pain, dyspareunia
CERVICAL CANCER
How would advanced cervical cancer present?
- Menorrhagia
- Ureteric obstruction
- Weight loss
- Bowel disturbance
- Vesico-vaginal fistula
CERVICAL CANCER
What are some initial investigations for cervical cancer?
- Speculum + swabs to exclude infection
- Abnormal cervix (ulcerated, inflamed, bleeding, visible tumour) = urgent referral for colposcopy
- Bimanual = rough + hard cervix
CERVICAL CANCER
How would you confirm a diagnosis of cervical cancer?
Colposcopy –
- Acetic acid causes abnormal cells to appear white “acetowhite”
- Schiller’s iodine test = healthy cells stain brown, abnormal do not stain
- Punch biopsy or large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) for histology
CERVICAL CANCER
How is cervical cancer staged?
FIGO staging –
- 1 = confined to cervix
- 2 = invades uterus or upper 2/3 vagina
- 3 = invades pelvic wall (e.g. ureter) or lower 1/3 vagina
- 4 = invades beyond pelvis
CERVICAL CANCER
What is the cervical cancer screening?
- Sexually active women 25–64 (triennially 25–50, 5y 50–64) smear test
- Exceptions = HIV pts screened annually, women with previous CIN may require additional tests
CERVICAL CANCER
What is the process of cervical smears?
- Smear test where cells collected from cervix + placed in preservation fluid for microscopy
- Aims to identify precancerous changes (dyskaryosis) in epithelial cells of cervix for early treatment
- Samples initially tested for high-risk HPV before examined
CERVICAL CANCER
What is dyskaryosis?
What results would warrant investigating?
- Abnormal nucleus in cell
- Borderline/mild = test sample for HPV (-ve = routine recall, +ve = normal 6w colposcopy referral)
- Moderate = consistent with CIN II (urgent 2w colposcopy)
- Severe = consistent with CIN III (urgent 2w colposcopy)
CERVICAL CANCER
How do you manage smear results?
- Repeat inadequate smears within 3m or after 2 consecutive refer for colposcopy
- HPV +ve but normal cytology = 12m, if +ve, 12m, if +ve at 24m > colposcopy (if HPV -ve then normal recall)
CERVICAL CANCER
What is used to grade the level of dysplasia, or premalignant change, in the cells of the cervix after colposcopy?
- Cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN)
- CIN I = mild, affects 1/3 thickness of epithelial layer, likely to return to normal without Tx
- CIN II = mod, affects 2/3 thickness of epithelial layer, likely to progress to cancer without Tx
- CIN III or cervical carcinoma in situ = severe, v likely to progress to cancer without Tx
CERVICAL CANCER
After treatment for CIN, when do patients have screening?
- Screening at 6m for test of cure
CERVICAL CANCER
What is the prophylaxis for cervical cancer?
- Children 12–13 HPV vaccine (6+11 genital warts, 16+18 cervical cancer)
- Cervical screening
CERVICAL CANCER
What is the management of…
i) CIN or early stage 1A cervical cancer?
ii) Stage 1B-2A
iii) Stage 2B-4A
iv) Stage 4B
i) LLETZ or cone biopsy with -ve margins (maintain fertility)
ii) Radical hysterectomy + removal of pelvic LN with chemo (cisplatin) + radiotherapy
iii) Chemo + radiotherapy
iv) Combination of surgery, chemo/radio + palliative care
CERVICAL CANCER
What is the difference between LLETZ and cone biopsy?
- LLETZ = LA during colposcopy, loop of wire with electrical current to cauterise tissue
- Cone = GA where cone-shaped piece of cervix removed with scalpel
CERVICAL CANCER
What are the side effects of LLETZ and cone biopsy?
- Bleeding + abnormal discharge weeks after, intercourse + tampon avoided as infection risk, may increase preterm labour
- Pain, bleeding, infection, increased risk of premature labour + miscarriage
OVARIAN CANCER
What is ovarian cancer?
When do patients present?
- Cancer of ovaries, usually presents late as non-specific Sx > worse prognosis
- ≥70% present after spread beyond pelvis (most commonly para-aortic LN + liver)
OVARIAN CANCER
What are the 4 types of ovarian cancer?
- Epithelial cell tumours (85–90%)
- Germ cell tumours (common in women <35)
- Sex cord-stromal tumours (rare)
- Metastatic tumours
OVARIAN CANCER
What are some types of epithelial cell tumours?
- Serous carcinoma (#1)
- Endometrioid, clear cell, mucinous + undifferentiated tumours too
OVARIAN CANCER
What are germ cell tumours?
- Often benign teratomas containing various tissue types like skin, teeth, hair
- Rokitansky’s protuberance
OVARIAN CANCER
What are sex-cord stromal tumours?
- Arise from stroma (connective tissue) or sex cords (embryonic structures associated with the follicles)
- Sertoli-Leydig + granulosa cell tumours
OVARIAN CANCER
What are metastatic tumours?
- Secondary tumours
- Krukenberg = metastasis in ovary, usually from GI (stomach) > CLASSIC “SIGNET-RING” CELLS ON HISTOLOGY
OVARIAN CANCER
What are some risk factors of ovarian cancer?
Unopposed oestrogen + increased # of ovulations –
- Early menarche
- Late menopause
- Increased age
- Endometriosis
- Obesity + smoking
Genetics (BRCA1/2, HNPCC/lynch syndrome)
OVARIAN CANCER
Hence, what are some protective factors of ovarian cancer?
- COCP
- Early menopause
- Breast feeding
- Childbearing
OVARIAN CANCER
How does ovarian cancer present?
- Abdo pain, discomfort + bloating (IBS like)
- Early satiety or loss of appetite
- Urinary Sx as pressure on bladder (freq, urgency)
- Change in bowel habit (obstruction later)
- Abdo or pelvic mass, ascites
- Germ cell = rapidly enlarging abdo mass (often causes rupture or torsion)
OVARIAN CANCER
What warrants a 2ww gynae oncology referral?
- Ascites
- Abdo or pelvic mass (unless clearly fibroids)
- ≥250 risk of malignancy index score
OVARIAN CANCER
How is the risk of malignancy index calculated?
- Menopausal status = 1 (pre) or 3 (post)
- Pelvic USS findings = 1 (1 feature) or 3 (>1 feature)
- CA-125 levels IU/mL as marker for epithelial cell ovarian cancer
OVARIAN CANCER
What are concerning pelvic USS findings?
- Ascites
- Metastases
- Bilateral lesions
- Solid areas
- Multi-locular cysts
OVARIAN CANCER
What can cause falsely elevated CA-125 levels?
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids + adenomyosis
- Pelvic infection
- Pregnancy
- Benign cysts
OVARIAN CANCER
What other investigations should be performed in ovarian cancer?
- CT CAP for Dx + staging
- Biopsy for histology
- Paracentesis if ascites to test ascitic fluid for cancer cells
OVARIAN CANCER
What staging is used in ovarian cancer?
FIGO staging –
- 1 = confined to ovary
- 2 = past ovary but contained to pelvis
- 3 = past pelvis but inside abdomen (can be microscopically in lining of abdomen)
- 4 = spread to other organs
OVARIAN CANCER
What is the management of ovarian cancer?
- Abdominal hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy
- May need bowel resections + chemo
OVARIAN CYST
What is a cyst?
- Fluid-filled sac
OVARIAN CYST
What are the 4 types of ovarian cysts?
- Functional (physiological)
- Benign epithelial neoplasms
- Benign germ cell neoplasms
- Benign sex-cord stromal neoplasms
OVARIAN CYST
What are functional cysts?
Who are they seen in?
How do they present
- Cysts relating to fluctuating hormones in the menstrual cycle
- Pre-menopause, COCP is protective (inhibits ovulation)
- Simple cysts = 2-3cm (can be up to 10cm), clear serous liquid, smooth internal lining, thin walls
OVARIAN CYST
What are the three types of functional cysts?
- Follicular (most common)
- Corpus luteum
- Theca lutein
OVARIAN CYST
What are follicular cysts?
How is it managed?
- Non-rupture of dominant follicle or failure of atresia > growth
- Commonly regress after several cycles
OVARIAN CYST
What are corpus luteum cysts?
When are they seen?
- Corpus luteum fails to breakdown, may fill with fluid or blood
- May burst causing intraperitoneal bleeding
- Early pregnancy
OVARIAN CYST
What are theca lutein cysts?
Association?
- Stimulates growth of follicular theca cells so usually bilateral as resting follicles on both sides
- Overstimulation of hCG (multiple + molar pregnancy as hCG v high)
OVARIAN CYST
What are some features of neoplastic cysts?
- Often complex
- > 10cm
- Irregular borders
- Internal septations appearing multi-locular
- Heterogenous fluid
OVARIAN CYST
What are the 2 benign epithelial neoplasms?
- Serous cystadenoma (most common epithelial tumour)
- Mucinous cystadenoma
OVARIAN CYST
How does serous cystadenoma present?
- May be bilateral, filled with watery fluid, 30–50y
OVARIAN CYST
How does mucinous cystadenoma present?
- Often very large + contain mucus-like fluid
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei where abdo cavity fills with gelatinous mucin secretions if rupture
- 30–40y
OVARIAN CYST
What are benign germ cell neoplasms?
- Dermoid cysts or teratomas
- Common in women <35
- May contain various tissue types (skin, teeth, hair + bone)
- Can be bilateral, associated with ovarian torsion as heavy
OVARIAN CYST
What is an example of sex cord-stromal neoplasms?
- Fibromas (small, solid benign fibrous tissue tumour)
- Associated with Meig’s syndrome
OVARIAN CYST
What are some risk factors of ovarian cysts?
- Obesity, tamoxifen, early menarche, infertility
- Dermoid cysts = most common in young women, can run in families
- Epithelial cysts = most common in post-menopausal (?malignant)
OVARIAN CYST
What is the clinical presentation of ovarian cyst?
- Unilateral dull pelvic ache + may have dyspareunia
- Pressure effects (frequent urination or bowel movements)
- Abdo swelling or mass (ascites suggests malignancy, ruptured mucinous cystadenoma or Meig’s syndrome)
OVARIAN CYST
What is Meig’s syndrome?
Who is it commonly seen in?
What is the management?
- Triad of fibroma, pleural effusion + ascites
- Older women
- Removal of fibroma = complete solution
OVARIAN CYST
What clinical presentation would suggest ovarian cyst rupture?
- Acute, sharp abdo/pelvic pain
- PV bleed, N+V (esp. torsion)
- Shoulder tip pain if referred diaphragmatic pain
- If peritonitis + shock occurs (fever, syncope, low BP, high HR)
OVARIAN CYST
What investigations should be done for ovarian cysts?
- Beta-hCG to exclude uterine or ectopic
- FBC for infection or haemorrhage
- CA-125 if >40
- Germ cell tumour markers if <40 with complex ovarian mass
- Imaging (TVS or MRI abdo if larger mass)
- Diagnostic laparoscopy (gold standard in ruptured cyst)
- May need USS guided aspiration + cytology to confirm benign
OVARIAN CYST
What are the germ cell tumour markers?
- Lactate dehydrogenase
- Alpha-fetoprotein
- Human chorionic gonadotropin