Breaking barriers: the evolution of portable colposcopes in cervical health

Global calls for cervical cancer elimination prompt urgent focus on low-income countries where screening challenges persist. While high-income nations utilize advanced methods like human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and colposcopy, many low-resource settings rely on cost-effective approaches like visual assessment with acetic acid (VIA) performed on the same day as screening and treatment. This review explores the feasibility of implementing improved visual assessment methods in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), considering challenges posed by systemic factors. Emphasizing the vital role of visual inspection, particularly in high-income countries where colposcopy guides biopsies and treatment decisions, the article advocates for tailored screening pathways. Unlike extensive multi-step processes in high-income countries, LMICs face limitations in clinic visits, making simple VIA crucial. The article evaluates the potential of cervical imaging devices for low-resource settings, aiming to enhance cervical cancer screening in line with global elimination goals

A comprehensive review of mucinous ovarian cancer: insights into epidemiology, risk factors, histological characteristics, and clinical outcomes

Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) represents a rare subtype within the spectrum of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). In contrast to a uniform approach applied to all EOC subtypes, MOC stands out as a distinctive entity. A nuanced understanding of the pathological features and genomic profile of MOC holds the potential for enhancing management strategies and, consequently, prognostic outcomes. The differentiation between primary MOC and metastatic mucinous carcinoma poses a challenge but is imperative for accurate clinical decision-making. Notably, early-stage MOC exhibits a favourable prognosis, while advanced disease is characterized by a less favourable outcome. Surgical intervention assumes a pivotal role both in the early stages and metastatic scenarios. Chemotherapy is typically initiated from stage II MOC onwards, with the conventional gynaecological protocol commonly employed; however, there is also precedent for the application of gastrointestinal (GI) regimens. Given the association of MOC with diverse molecular alterations, the consideration of targeted therapy emerges as a potential therapeutic avenue for this unique disease entity. The main tool used for this literature review was PubMed. MOC stands as a distinct entity within EOC subtypes, distinguished from GI mucinous carcinoma by its unique clinical behavior, pathological features, molecular profile, prognosis, and response to standard treatment. The challenges lie in both the diagnosis and treatment of MOC, emphasizing the complexity and specialized considerations required for managing this particular subtype of OC

Collision tumour of ovary: a rare combination of fibrothecoma with serous cystadenoma

A collision tumour is defined by presence of two separate tumors in one organ on gross, microscopic and immune-histochemical studies without any admixture. These tumors are reported from oesophagus, stomach, liver, lung and thyroid glands. Such tumors are extremely rare in ovary. In case of ovaries most common histological collision reported between mucinous tumors and teratomas. We are reporting a rare combination of fibrothecoma with serous cystadenoma in right ovary of a premenopausal woman. Both gynaecologist and pathologist should be aware of such combination. It is important to differentiate such tumors from malignant ovarian tumors. Frozen section and scrape cytology are important tools which help in appropriate management of such cases intraoperatively

Ascites and Adnexal Mass with Raised CA125: How Arduous can be the Path of Diagnosis

Ascites, adnexal mass and elevated CA125 levels almost always suggest advanced ovarian carcinoma. We present a case of a 37 years old multiparous lady who presented with such a classical picture. Radiological picture was suggestive of ovarian carcinoma with peritoneal metastasis. However ascitic fluid cytology was negative for malignant cells. A differential diagnosis of tubercular mass was made. Ascitic fluid was sent for adenosine deaminase test that was negative. Fine needle aspiration cytology failed to reveal any sufficient sample for evaluation. Open laparotomy and biopsy was done that showed granulomas suggestive of tuberculosis. Category one anti tubercular treatment was started and symptoms resolved within one month.  Keywords: Adenosine Deaminase; Ovarian carcinoma; Pelvic tuberculosis. | PubMe

Ascites and Adnexal Mass with Raised CA125: How Arduous can be the Path of Diagnosis

Ascites, adnexal mass and elevated CA125 levels almost always suggest advanced ovarian carcinoma. We present a case of a 37 years old multiparous lady who presented with such a classical picture. Radiological picture was suggestive of ovarian carcinoma with peritoneal metastasis. However ascitic fluid cytology was negative for malignant cells. A differential diagnosis of tubercular mass was made. Ascitic fluid was sent for adenosine deaminase test that was negative. Fine needle aspiration cytology failed to reveal any sufficient sample for evaluation. Open laparotomy and biopsy was done that showed granulomas suggestive of tuberculosis. Category one anti tubercular treatment was started and symptoms resolved within one month. Keywords: Adenosine Deaminase; Ovarian carcinoma; Pelvic tuberculosis. | PubMe

Vulval premalignant lesions: a review article

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a noninvasive squamous lesion that is a precursor of vulvar squamous cell cancer. Currently, no screening tests are available for detecting VIN, and a biopsy is performed to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Despite sharing many risk factors with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the diagnosis of VIN is poses challenges, contributing to its increasing prevalence. This study aimed to analyze the underlying risk factors that contribute to the development of VIN, identify specific populations at risk, and define appropriate treatment approaches. Differentiated VIN (dVIN) and usual VIN (uVIN) are the classifications of VIN. While dVIN is associated with other vulvar inflammatory disorders, such as lichen sclerosis, the more prevalent uVIN is associated with an underlying human papillomavirus infection. Patients with differentiated VIN have an increased risk of developing invasive malignancies. Few effective surveillance or management techniques exist for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, a preinvasive neoplasm of the vulva. For suspicious lesions, a thorough examination and focused biopsy are necessary. Depending on the specific needs of each patient, a combination of surgical and medical approaches can be used