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Introduction Cervical cancer ranks among the top gynaecological cancers worldwide. It is linked to lower socioeconomic status and high human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence. This is a series of six cervical carcinoma cases analysed from 2021 to 2023 at our tertiary care centre to identify rare subtypes of cervical carcinoma. We document rare subtypes, which include glassy cell carcinoma, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, papillary squamous-transitional variant, basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and serous carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was helpful in confirmation of the subtypes and in diagnosing HPV-associated cases. Materials and methods This case series comprises six cases, including rare subtypes and variants of cervical carcinoma histopathologically diagnosed by the Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India, between 2021 and 2023. The demographic profile and patient details were obtained from the hospital information system and archival case files after obtaining informed consent from the patients. The H&E and relevant IHC slides along with histopathology reports of the included cases were analysed and studied. Results This series includes six cases of rare subtypes of cervical carcinoma, comprising glassy cell carcinoma, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, papillary squamous-transitional variant, basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and serous carcinoma. Each subtype displays distinct clinicopathological features, emphasizing the need for specific diagnostic and treatment approaches, which are crucial in improving patient survival. Conclusion Six rare subtypes and variants of cervical carcinoma have been discussed in this case series, after correlating with histopathology reports and clinical and radiological findings. Understanding the histopathological characteristics of these rarer subtypes is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. This series highlights the importance of comprehensive screening strategies, early diagnosis and awareness of rarer subtypes and variants of cervical carcinoma among healthcare professionals. These factors can tailor therapeutic options and improve patient outcomes.
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Pyocolpos refers to the buildup of pus within the vaginal cavity. Pyocolpos in the background of lichen sclerosis and postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) has not been previously described. A 69-year-old para 3 patient presented with a history of PMB with a long-standing history of lichen sclerosis. The vaginal examination was impossible due to vaginal adhesions. Vulval appearances revealed the loss of the clitoral architecture. Further imaging revealed an endometrial thickness of 4-5 mm, a focal abnormality within the posterior ectocervix compatible with a hemorrhagic cystic lesion distending the posterior fornix, and some free fluid within the pelvis. A hysteroscopy was abandoned as the vagina was completely obliterated. After a multidisciplinary assessment, the patient had a total abdominal hysterectomy, and the presence of a pyocolpos was noticed at the opening into the vault. We could not find any previous case reports of pyocolpos that are associated with lichen sclerosus. The long-standing history of lichen sclerosus may have caused an obstruction of the outflow tract, which was secondarily infected and slowly progressed into the formation of pyocolpos. Other management options could have been explored if the diagnosis of pyocolpos had been made preoperatively. Pyocolpos should be considered in patients with a history of a long-standing lichen sclerosus who present with abdominal pain and a pelvic mass on imaging.
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Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is the initial investigation of choice for postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), followed by diagnostic hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling if abnormalities are detected. Saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) - injection of saline through the cervix into the uterine cavity prior to TVUS - allowed increased diagnostic accuracy in women with PMB in several small, heterogeneous studies. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SCSH in women with PMB, comparing findings with surgical and pathological reports, highlight the necessity of SCSH in guiding clinical decision-making, and establish if there is an increase/decrease in the number of hysteroscopies performed for PMB and, hence, the adherence of clinicians to imaging referral guidelines. The search strategy included formulating search terms identifying all synonyms of SCSH and postmenopause. The databases searched were MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Only studies comparing SCSH to an alternative method were selected. The studies were screened and data analysis performed using content analysis. Data reduction was performed through systematic coding and the generation of themes We identified 18 studies, comprising 974 women, using SCSH to evaluate the endometrial cavity in women with PMB; most support SCSH improving diagnostic accuracy through delineating intracavitary structures. In effect, SCSH could be a first-line investigative modality to assess the uterine cavity once a larger, well-designed study has been conducted to clarify its specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive value (PPV). Owing to its relatively non-invasive nature and potentially high diagnostic accuracy, SCSH could allow for more accurate decisions regarding the need for further investigation and subsequent management. Tweetable abstract "Saline contrast sonohysterography improves the diagnostic accuracy of the endometrium in postmenopausal bleeding."
