BIOM3002: Cellular Pathology - Reproductive Pathology


Learning Outcomes

  • Physiological Processes

    • Describe male and female reproductive systems

    • Explain how disruptions cause reproductive pathologies

  • Reproductive Anatomy

    • Relate anatomy to clinical disorders and their manifestations

  • Infertility

    • Discuss how common disorders lead to infertility

  • Diagnostic Techniques

    • Critically evaluate diagnostics for reproductive pathologies

Importance of Reproductive System

  • Purpose: Transmitting genetic information across generations

  • Uniqueness: Not vital for individual survival but essential for species continuation

Summary of Female Reproductive Tract (Recap from BIOM2003)

  • Hormonal Cycle Regulation

    • GnRH from hypothalamus triggers pituitary

    • Anterior pituitary releases FSH and LH

    • Phases of ovarian cycle: Follicular, Luteal

  • Ovarian Changes

    • Development of follicles (Primordial to tertiary)

    • Formation of corpus luteum and albicans

  • Uterine Cycle

    • Menstrual cycle phases: Menstruation, Proliferative, Secretory phases

Common Disorders of the Female Reproductive Tract

  1. Menstrual Disorders

    • Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation

    • Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation

    • Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged bleeding

  2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  3. Endometriosis

  4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

  5. Ovarian Cancer

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • A common hormonal disorder characterized by:

    • Irregular menstrual cycles

    • Ovulatory dysfunction

    • Hyperandrogenism: Excess androgens leading to symptoms like acne, hirsutism

    • Polycystic ovaries visualized on ultrasound

    • Insulin resistance: Can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes

  • Diagnosis Criteria

    • At least 2 of the following must be present:

    • Irregular menstrual cycles

    • Irregular ovulation

    • Hyperandrogenism

    • Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Endometriosis

  • Definition: A chronic condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus

  • Hormonal Influence: Growth influenced by hormonal cycles

  • Clinical Manifestations:

    • Pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and gastrointestinal (GI) and urinary symptoms

    • Symptoms include:

    • Sharp pain during ovulation or intercourse

    • Heavy, painful menstrual bleeding

  • Impact on Fertility

    • Dysfunction in ovaries causing cysts

    • Adhesions obstructing fallopian tubes

    • Altered environment and impaired embryo development

Theories of Pathophysiology in Endometriosis

  • Retrograde Menstruation: Menstrual flow going backward through the fallopian tubes

  • Metaplasia: Transformation of cells contributing to abnormal tissue growth

  • Lymphatic or Hematogenous Spread: Dissemination through lymph or blood

  • Immune Dysfunction: Impaired immune response, allowing endometrial cells to survive outside the uterus

Diagnosis of Endometriosis

  • Methods include:

    • Medical history and symptom review

    • Physical examination

    • Ultrasound and laparoscopy for visualization

    • Histopathology and blood tests to exclude other conditions (e.g., CA125)

Summary of Reproductive Pathology

  • Review of normal female reproductive function

  • Overview of common disorders: PCOS and Endometriosis, including:

    • Pathophysiology

    • Clinical manifestations

    • Infertility implications

    • Diagnostic techniques