Reproductive system pathophysiology

What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries

Multiple small cysts

Irregular ovulation

What is endometriosis?

Condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus causing pain and inflammation

What is endometrial carcinoma?

Malignant tumour arise from lining of the uterus

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Implantation of a fertilised egg outside of the uterus

What is cryptorchidism?

Failure of one or both testes to descend into scrotum before birth

What is dysmenorrhea?

Painful menstruation caused by uterine contractions or underlying pathology

What is amenorrhoea?

Abscence of menstrual periods

What is epididymitis?

Inflammation of epididymis

What is orchitis?

Acute inflammation of testes due to infection or viral illness

What is mastitis?

Inflammation of breast tissue due to infection

What are the three possible locations for endometriosis?

Ovaries

Uterine tubes

Other pelvic

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Menstrual type bleeding

Pain

Formation of chocolate cysts in ovaries

Inflammation, fibrosis and adhesions

Where does functional endometrial tissue appear on organs?

The surface or on ligaments in ectopic patches

How does displaced endometrial tissue respond to oestrogen?

Proliferates when oestrogen is high

Degenerates when oestrogen falls

What happens when displaced tissue bleeds?

Causes local inflammation and release of inflammatory cytokines

What is the most common type of benign breast tumour?

Fibroadenomas

What is the most important risk factor for breast cancer?

Oestrogen exposure

What are three examples of increased oestrogen exposure due to increased amounts of menstrual cycles experienced?

Early menarche

Late menopause

No pregnancy

What is the most common placement of breast tumours?

Upper outer quadrant of the breast, near the axillary region

What are three symptoms of breast cancer?

Nipples retraction

Nipples necrosis

Ulceration of overlying skin

Why is it dangerous for breast tumours to be found in the axillary region?

Metastasise via the lymphatic system relating to axillary lymph nodes and internal mammary nodes

What is leiomyoma?

Multiple benign myometrial tumours

What are the four symptoms of large tumours?

Pelvic discomfort

Urinary frequency

Irregular or painful periods

Reduced fertility

What is the stucture of leiomyoma tumours?

Proliferating smooth muscles with significant connective tissue

Firm and well defined

What is the nature of leiomyoma?

Benign but may display indications of malignancy

What is the most common nature of testicular cancer?

Malignancy

What is the biggest risk factor for testicular tumour?

Undescended testes

How do testicular tumours metastasise?

Through lymphatic system via the pelvic and abdominal lymph nodes

Through the circulatory system

What is the most common origin of testicular cancer?

Germ cell lining of seminiferous tubules

What is germ cell neoplasia in situ?

Early stage of testicular cancer

What is the next stage of growth for GCIS?

Developing into tumours e.g. seminal as and teratomas

What are the two other cell origins of testicular tumours?

Leydig cells

Sertoli cells

What is a symptom of leydig cell tumours?

Early sexual development due to testosterone secretion

What are the two important serum markers for non seminoma tumours?

Alpha fetoprotein

Human chorionic gonadotropin