Introduction Description: Cervical eversion is a turning outward of the endocervical canal so that it is visible and appears as a red, inflamed mass at the cervical opening. Prevalence: Common, especially in adolescents, pregnant patients, and those using combination oral…
Introduction Description: Cervical erosion is the loss of the epithelial surface on the vaginal portion of the cervix, resulting in the exposure of the underlying cervical stroma. Cervical eversion (exposing the dark-red columnar epithelium of the endocervix, ectropion) is often…
Introduction Description: Almost all cancers of the cervix are carcinomas—85%–90% are squamous carcinoma and 10%–15% are adenocarcinoma. Prevalence: 13,800 cases and 4290 deaths annually (2020 data). Lifetime risk: 1 Predominant Age: 40s–60s; median age is 52 years. Genetics: No genetic…
Introduction Description: Carcinoma in situ of the cervix is characterized by morphologic alteration of the cervical epithelium in which the full thickness of the epithelium is replaced with dysplastic cells (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] 3). This change is generally associated…
Introduction Description: Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) encompass changes associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), mild dysplasia, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) include CIN 2 and 3 and carcinoma in situ (CIS). Patients with low-grade…
Introduction Description: One of the most perplexing aspects of management under the Bethesda reporting system is how to interpret smears reported as showing atypical squamous or glandular cells (ASCUS, ASCH, or AGC). The atypical squamous cell (ASC) diagnosis has been…
Introduction Description: Trichomonas vaginitis is a vaginal infection caused by an anaerobic flagellate protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis. Prevalence: Approximately 3.7 million cases per year in the United States (2.1% of women); accounts for 25% of “vaginal infections.” The most common nonviral…
Introduction Description: Monilial vaginitis is a vaginal infection caused by ubiquitous fungi found in the air or as common inhabitants of the vagina, rectum, and mouth. Prevalence: 25%–40% of “vaginal infections”; 30%–50% of women experience one or more lifetime occurrences;…
Introduction Description: Bacterial vaginitis is a vaginal infection that is caused by an overgrowth of normal or pathogenic bacteria, resulting in a rise in pH (>4.5), irritation, inflammation, and clinical symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis is a change in the vaginal ecology…
Introduction Description: Atrophic vaginitis is characterized by the degeneration (atrophy) of vaginal tissues caused by the loss of ovarian steroids. It is part of the broader issue of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Prevalence: Occurs to some extent in 100% of…