Introduction Description: The most common ovarian tumor in young, reproductive-aged women is the cystic teratoma or dermoid, which originates from a germ cell and contains elements from all three germ cell layers. These tumors may be benign or malignant (1%–2%…
Introduction Description: A clear cell carcinoma is an ovarian epithelial tumor comprising cells containing large amounts of glycogen, giving them a clear or “hobnailed” appearance. These tumors may also arise in the endocervix, endometrium, and vagina. Cervical and vaginal tumors…
Introduction Description: An adenofibroma is an epithelial tumor that consists of glandular elements and large amounts of stromal (fibrous) elements. Adenofibromas are most commonly found as ovarian masses. They may also occur in the cervix or uterine body. Adenofibromas are…
Introduction Description: Uterine prolapse is the loss of the normal support mechanism, resulting in descent of the uterus down the vaginal canal. In the extreme, this may result in the uterus descending beyond the vulva to a position outside the…
Introduction Description: A uterine leiomyoma is a benign monoclonal connective tissue tumor found in or around the uterus, which may be disseminated in rare cases. Prevalence: 50%–70% of women older than 50 years (one study has demonstrated a rate of…
Introduction Description: Uterine abnormalities are characterized by the incomplete formation of the uterus, resulting in one or two separate halves or horns or a single uterus with a central septum. The central septum may divide the uterine cavity either partially…
Introduction Description: Uterine sarcoma is characterized by a sarcomatous change in the tissues of the Müllerian system, including the endometrial stroma and myometrium. Mixed Müllerian sarcomas may include elements not native to the genital tract such as cartilage or bone…
Introduction Description: As a symptom only, postmenopausal bleeding—vaginal bleeding that occurs in women who have passed menopause—requires evaluation to rule out processes that may threaten the long-term health of the patient. Prevalence: Common, up to 10% of postmenopausal women. Predominant…
Introduction Description: Menorrhagia—heavy menstrual flow—is generally divided into primary and secondary. Secondary is caused by (secondary to) some clinically identifiable cause; primary is caused by a disturbance in prostaglandin production. Menorrhagia is generally distinguished from acute vaginal bleeding (most often…
Introduction Description: Menstrual cycles that do not follow a rhythmic pattern or have a pattern significantly differing from that expected as “normal” are considered irregular. This represents a special form of dysfunctional (abnormal) uterine bleeding. Prevalence: 10%–15% of all gynecologic…