A 39-year-old woman presents to her gynecologist for a routine visit. She has no complaints during this visit. She had an abnormal pap test 6 years ago that showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. The sample was negative for human papillomavirus. On her follow-up Pap test 3 years later, there was no abnormality. The latest pap test results show atypical glandular cells with reactive changes in the cervical epithelium. The gynecologist decides to perform a colposcopy, and some changes are noted in this study of the cervical epithelium. The biopsy shows dysplastic changes in the epithelial cells. Which of the following is the next best step in the management of this patient?
Q132
A 16-year-old girl comes to her primary care physician for an annual check-up. She has no specific complaints. Her medical history is significant for asthma. She uses an albuterol inhaler as needed. She has no notable surgical history. Her mom had breast cancer and her grandfather died of colon cancer. She received all her childhood scheduled vaccinations up to age 8. She reports that she is doing well in school but hates math. She is sexually active with her boyfriend. They use condoms consistently, and they both tested negative recently for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus. She asks about birth control. In addition to educating the patient on her options for contraception, which of the following is the best next step in management?
Q133
A 36-year old pregnant woman (gravida 4, para 1) presents at week 11 of pregnancy. Currently, she has no complaints. She had an uncomplicated 1st pregnancy that ended in an uncomplicated vaginal delivery at the age of 28 years. Her male child was born healthy, with normal physical and psychological development over the years. Two of her previous pregnancies were spontaneously terminated in the 1st trimester. Her elder sister has a child born with Down syndrome. The patient denies smoking and alcohol consumption. Her blood analysis reveals the following findings:
Measured values
Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) High
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) Low
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
Q134
A 32-year-old woman presents with three-days of vaginal burning, itching, and pain with intercourse. She is in a monogamous relationship with her husband and has an intrauterine device for contraception. Her past medical history is unremarkable, except for recently being treated with antibiotics for sinusitis. Pelvic exam is remarkable for vulvar excoriations, vaginal wall edema, and thick, white discharge in the vault. Wet mount with KOH staining reveals budding filaments with pseudohyphae and hyphae. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
Q135
A 36-year-old woman comes to the physician for a routine gynecological examination. She feels well. Menses occur with normal flow at regular 28-day intervals and last for 3 to 5 days. Her last menstrual period was 20 days ago. She is sexually active with one male partner and they use condoms inconsistently. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 years. She drinks a glass of wine occasionally with dinner and has smoked 10 cigarettes daily for the past 15 years. The patient's vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination including a complete pelvic exam shows no abnormalities. Urine pregnancy test is negative. A Pap smear shows atypical glandular cells. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q136
A 56-year-old woman is referred to your office with mammography results showing a dense, spiculated mass with clustered microcalcifications. The family history is negative for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. She was formerly a flight attendant and since retirement, she has started a strict Mediterranean diet because she was "trying to compensate for her lack of physical activity". She is the mother of two. She breastfed each infant for 18 months, as recommended by her previous physician. Her only two surgical procedures have been a breast augmentation with implants and tubal ligation. The physical examination is unremarkable. There are no palpable masses and no nipple or breast skin abnormalities. The patient lacks a family history of breast cancer. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer in this patient?
Q137
A 27-year-old female presents to her OB/GYN for a check-up. During her visit, a pelvic exam and Pap smear are performed. The patient does not have any past medical issues and has had routine gynecologic care with normal pap smears every 3 years since age 21. The results of the Pap smear demonstrate atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Which of the following is the next best step in the management of this patient?
Q138
A 58-year-old woman presents to the physician’s office with vaginal bleeding. The bleeding started as a spotting and has increased and has become persistent over the last month. The patient is G3P1 with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She completed menopause 4 years ago. She took cyclic estrogen-progesterone replacement therapy for 1 year at the beginning of menopause. Her weight is 89 kg (196 lb), height 157 cm (5 ft 2 in). Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 135/70 mm Hg, heart rate 78/min, respiratory rate 12/min, and temperature 36.7℃ (98.1℉). Physical examination is unremarkable. Transvaginal ultrasound reveals an endometrium of 6 mm thickness. Speculum examination shows a cervix without focal lesions with bloody discharge from the non-dilated external os. On pelvic examination, the uterus is slightly enlarged, movable, and non-tender. Adnexa is non-palpable. What is the next appropriate step in the management of this patient?
Q139
A 21-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with complaints of intermittent bouts of lower abdominal and pelvic pain over the last week. The pain is primarily localized to the right side and is non-radiating. The patient is not sexually active at this time and is not currently under any medication. At the hospital, her vitals are normal. A pelvic examination reveals a tender palpable mass on the right adnexal structure. A pelvic CT scan reveals a 7-cm solid adnexal mass that was surgically removed with the ovary. Histological evaluation indicates sheets of uniform cells resembling a 'fried egg', consistent with dysgerminoma. Which of the following tumor markers is most likely elevated with this type of tumor?
Q140
A 22-year-old female presents to her physician for evaluation of a vaginal discharge, itching, and irritation. She recently started a new relationship with her boyfriend, who is her only sexual partner. He does not report any genitourinary symptoms. She takes oral contraceptives and does not use barrier contraception. The medical history is unremarkable. The vital signs are within normal limits. A gynecologic examination reveals a thin, yellow, frothy vaginal discharge with a musty, unpleasant odor and numerous punctate red maculae on the ectocervix. The remainder of the exam is normal. Which of the following organisms will most likely be revealed on wet mount microscopy?
Screening tests US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 131: A 39-year-old woman presents to her gynecologist for a routine visit. She has no complaints during this visit. She had an abnormal pap test 6 years ago that showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. The sample was negative for human papillomavirus. On her follow-up Pap test 3 years later, there was no abnormality. The latest pap test results show atypical glandular cells with reactive changes in the cervical epithelium. The gynecologist decides to perform a colposcopy, and some changes are noted in this study of the cervical epithelium. The biopsy shows dysplastic changes in the epithelial cells. Which of the following is the next best step in the management of this patient?
A. Follow-up pap smear in one year
B. Follow-up pap smear in 3 years
C. Cold knife conization (Correct Answer)
D. Repeat colposcopy in 6 months
E. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure
Explanation: ***Cold knife conization***
- This patient presents with **atypical glandular cells** and **dysplastic changes** on biopsy, which can indicate **adenocarcinoma in situ** or **invasive adenocarcinoma**. **Cold knife conization** allows for a complete excision of the transformation zone, including the endocervical canal, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of glandular lesions.
- This procedure provides a high-quality, intact specimen for thorough histopathological examination, enabling the pathologist to determine the extent and depth of the lesion, which guides further management.
*Follow-up pap smear in one year*
- This option is inappropriate given the presence of **dysplastic changes** on biopsy following atypical glandular cells; these findings indicate a high risk that requires immediate definitive action, not merely observation.
- Delaying further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions for a year could allow a potentially significant lesion, especially a glandular one, to progress.
*Follow-up pap smear in 3 years*
- This is not an appropriate next step due to the finding of **atypical glandular cells** and **dysplastic changes** on biopsy, which necessitate prompt and comprehensive evaluation and management.
- Longer follow-up intervals are reserved for women with normal screens and no high-risk findings, not for those with confirmed dysplasia.
*Repeat colposcopy in 6 months*
- A repeat colposcopy without excisional biopsy would be insufficient because the **dysplastic changes** on biopsy already confirm the presence of a lesion that requires definitive management.
- **Atypical glandular cells** and dysplasia frequently originate higher in the endocervical canal, beyond the view of colposcopy, necessitating an excisional procedure like conization for complete evaluation.
*Loop electrosurgical excision procedure*
- A **LEEP** might be considered for squamous lesions, but for **atypical glandular cells** and suspected glandular dysplasia, **cold knife conization** is generally preferred.
- While LEEP can be used, it may not provide as clear or deep margins as cold knife conization, potentially leading to incomplete excision or difficulty in histological assessment, especially if the lesion extends high into the endocervical canal.
Question 132: A 16-year-old girl comes to her primary care physician for an annual check-up. She has no specific complaints. Her medical history is significant for asthma. She uses an albuterol inhaler as needed. She has no notable surgical history. Her mom had breast cancer and her grandfather died of colon cancer. She received all her childhood scheduled vaccinations up to age 8. She reports that she is doing well in school but hates math. She is sexually active with her boyfriend. They use condoms consistently, and they both tested negative recently for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus. She asks about birth control. In addition to educating the patient on her options for contraception, which of the following is the best next step in management?
A. Cytology and human papilloma virus (HPV) testing now and then every 3 years
B. No HPV-related screening as the patient is low risk
C. No HPV-related screening and administer HPV vaccine (Correct Answer)
D. Cytology and HPV testing now and then every 5 years
E. Cytology now and then every 3 years
Explanation: ***No HPV-related screening and administer HPV vaccine***
- Current guidelines from organizations like the **American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)** recommend **HPV vaccination** for individuals aged 9 to 26 years, regardless of sexual activity.
- **Cervical cancer screening (Pap smears and HPV testing)** is not recommended for individuals under 21 years old, as HPV infections in this age group are highly likely to clear spontaneously.
*Cytology and human papilloma virus (HPV) testing now and then every 3 years*
- **Cervical cancer screening** with cytology and HPV testing is not recommended for individuals under **21 years old**, even if sexually active.
- Initiating screening now at age 16 would be **over-screening** and could lead to unnecessary procedures and anxiety given the high rate of spontaneous HPV clearance in adolescents.
*No HPV-related screening as the patient is low risk*
- While the patient is not yet indicated for cervical cancer screening, stating "no HPV-related screening as the patient is low risk" is incomplete. The patient is sexually active, putting her at risk for future HPV infection.
- The most appropriate action is to **offer the HPV vaccine** to prevent future infections, regardless of current screening guidelines.
*Cytology and HPV testing now and then every 5 years*
- This screening frequency (every 5 years) for co-testing is typically recommended for women **over 30 years old** with negative results, not for a 16-year-old.
- As with other screening options, initiating any cervical cancer screening at this age is **not recommended** by current guidelines.
*Cytology now and then every 3 years*
- This option refers to **cytology-only screening**, which is recommended every 3 years for individuals aged 21-29.
- Again, initiating any form of cervical cancer screening at **age 16 is not appropriate** according to current guidelines.
Question 133: A 36-year old pregnant woman (gravida 4, para 1) presents at week 11 of pregnancy. Currently, she has no complaints. She had an uncomplicated 1st pregnancy that ended in an uncomplicated vaginal delivery at the age of 28 years. Her male child was born healthy, with normal physical and psychological development over the years. Two of her previous pregnancies were spontaneously terminated in the 1st trimester. Her elder sister has a child born with Down syndrome. The patient denies smoking and alcohol consumption. Her blood analysis reveals the following findings:
Measured values
Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) High
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) Low
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A. Perform an ultrasound examination with nuchal translucency and crown-rump length measurement
B. Recommend chorionic villus sampling with subsequent cell culturing and karyotyping (Correct Answer)
C. Offer a blood test for rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasma IgG
D. Recommend amniocentesis with subsequent cell culturing and karyotyping
E. Schedule a quadruple test at the 15th week of pregnancy
Explanation: ***Recommend chorionic villus sampling with subsequent cell culturing and karyotyping***
- The patient's **advanced maternal age** (36 years), history of **recurrent first-trimester miscarriages**, and a **family history of Down syndrome** in her sister's child are significant risk factors for **chromosomal abnormalities**.
- The abnormal first-trimester screening results (**high beta-hCG, low PAPP-A**) are highly suggestive of **aneuploidies**, particularly **Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)**. **Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)** is the most appropriate next step for definitive diagnosis as it can be performed earlier (10-13 weeks) than amniocentesis for definitive diagnosis via karyotyping.
*Perform an ultrasound examination with nuchal translucency and crown-rump length measurement*
- While a **nuchal translucency (NT) measurement** is part of the first-trimester screening and would confirm an increased risk, it is a screening, not a diagnostic, test.
- Given the patient's strong risk factors and abnormal biochemical markers, a definitive diagnostic test is warranted rather than another screening measure.
*Offer a blood test for rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasma IgG*
- This patient has a history of recurrent miscarriages and a family history suggestive of chromosomal abnormalities, along with abnormal first-trimester biochemical markers.
- While infections can cause miscarriage, the clinical picture strongly points towards a **chromosomal etiology**, making infection screening less urgent as a primary next step.
*Recommend amniocentesis with subsequent cell culturing and karyotyping*
- **Amniocentesis** is a diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities but is typically performed later in pregnancy, usually between **15 and 20 weeks**.
- Given the patient is at 11 weeks, **CVS** is the more appropriate and earlier diagnostic option for definitive diagnosis of potential aneuploidies.
*Schedule a quadruple test at the 15th week of pregnancy*
- The **quadruple test** is a second-trimester screening test and would provide more risk assessment rather than a definitive diagnosis.
- The patient already has strong indications for a chromosomal abnormality based on age, history, and first-trimester screening, necessitating an **earlier definitive diagnostic test**.
Question 134: A 32-year-old woman presents with three-days of vaginal burning, itching, and pain with intercourse. She is in a monogamous relationship with her husband and has an intrauterine device for contraception. Her past medical history is unremarkable, except for recently being treated with antibiotics for sinusitis. Pelvic exam is remarkable for vulvar excoriations, vaginal wall edema, and thick, white discharge in the vault. Wet mount with KOH staining reveals budding filaments with pseudohyphae and hyphae. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
A. Voriconazole
B. Posaconazole
C. Metronidazole
D. Itraconazole
E. Fluconazole (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Fluconazole***
- The patient's symptoms (vaginal burning, itching, pain with intercourse, thick, white discharge) and **wet mount findings (budding filaments with pseudohyphae and hyphae)** are classic for **vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)**, often precipitated by recent antibiotic use.
- **Fluconazole** is a highly effective and commonly prescribed oral antifungal for uncomplicated VVC due to its convenience and excellent therapeutic profile.
*Voriconazole*
- **Voriconazole** is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal primarily used for invasive fungal infections, such as **invasive aspergillosis** and candidemia, and is not a first-line treatment for uncomplicated VVC.
- Its use is typically reserved for more severe or refractory systemic fungal infections, and it has a more significant side effect profile than fluconazole.
*Posaconazole*
- **Posaconazole** is another extended-spectrum triazole antifungal primarily used for the prophylaxis and treatment of **invasive fungal infections** in immunocompromised patients, particularly those unresponsive to other antifungals.
- It is not indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis.
*Metronidazole*
- **Metronidazole** is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal agent used to treat bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, both of which are common causes of vaginitis.
- It is **ineffective against fungal infections**, and the patient's symptoms and wet mount findings rule out bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis.
*Itraconazole*
- **Itraconazole** is an antifungal drug effective against superficial and systemic fungal infections, but it is typically used for more severe or recurrent VVC, or in cases of non-albicans Candida species.
- While effective, **fluconazole** is generally preferred as the first-line oral treatment for uncomplicated VVC due to its single-dose efficacy and established safety profile for this indication.
Question 135: A 36-year-old woman comes to the physician for a routine gynecological examination. She feels well. Menses occur with normal flow at regular 28-day intervals and last for 3 to 5 days. Her last menstrual period was 20 days ago. She is sexually active with one male partner and they use condoms inconsistently. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 years. She drinks a glass of wine occasionally with dinner and has smoked 10 cigarettes daily for the past 15 years. The patient's vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination including a complete pelvic exam shows no abnormalities. Urine pregnancy test is negative. A Pap smear shows atypical glandular cells. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Perform a diagnostic loop electrosurgical excision
B. Perform colposcopy with endocervical and endometrial sampling (Correct Answer)
C. Perform colposcopy and cytology every 6 months for 2 years
D. Repeat cervical cytology at 12 months
E. Perform colposcopy with endocervical sampling
Explanation: ***Perform colposcopy with endocervical and endometrial sampling***
- **Atypical glandular cells (AGC)** on Pap smear in a woman over 35 years old or with risk factors warrant further investigation to rule out cervical or endometrial adenocarcinoma.
- **Colposcopy** evaluates the cervix, while **endocervical sampling** assesses the endocervical canal, and **endometrial sampling** is crucial given the patient's age and the possibility of endometrial pathology.
*Perform a diagnostic loop electrosurgical excision*
- **LEEP** is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure typically reserved for confirmed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) after colposcopic evaluation, not as an initial step for AGC.
- Performing LEEP immediately without further diagnostic evaluation could be an overtreatment or miss underlying endometrial pathology.
*Perform colposcopy and cytology every 6 months for 2 years*
- This approach, often called "watchful waiting," is appropriate for some low-grade squamous abnormalities, but **atypical glandular cells (AGC)** carry a higher risk of significant underlying pathology, including adenocarcinoma.
- A more immediate and definitive diagnostic evaluation is necessary for AGC rather than serial monitoring.
*Repeat cervical cytology at 12 months*
- Repeating cytology in 12 months is insufficient for the evaluation of **atypical glandular cells (AGC)**, which requires prompt and thorough investigation due to the potential for high-grade cervical or endometrial lesions.
- Such a delay could lead to progression of an undetected cancer.
*Perform colposcopy with endocervical sampling*
- While colposcopy with endocervical sampling is critical for evaluating cervical lesions, it does not fully address the risk of **endometrial pathology** associated with atypical glandular cells, especially in women over 35.
- The possibility of endometrial adenocarcinoma must be excluded, making combined sampling essential.
Question 136: A 56-year-old woman is referred to your office with mammography results showing a dense, spiculated mass with clustered microcalcifications. The family history is negative for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. She was formerly a flight attendant and since retirement, she has started a strict Mediterranean diet because she was "trying to compensate for her lack of physical activity". She is the mother of two. She breastfed each infant for 18 months, as recommended by her previous physician. Her only two surgical procedures have been a breast augmentation with implants and tubal ligation. The physical examination is unremarkable. There are no palpable masses and no nipple or breast skin abnormalities. The patient lacks a family history of breast cancer. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer in this patient?
A. Breast implants
B. Sedentarism
C. Age >50 years
D. Nulliparity
E. Occupation (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Occupation***
- Historically, **flight attendants** have a higher risk of breast cancer due to increased exposure to **ionizing radiation** at high altitudes and circadian rhythm disruption.
- This chronic exposure to known carcinogens makes it a more significant risk factor compared to general lifestyle or age for this specific patient.
*Breast implants*
- **Breast implants** are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, although they can sometimes make mammographic interpretation more challenging.
- While there's a rare association with **anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)**, it's not breast cancer.
*Sedentarism*
- While a **sedentary lifestyle** is a general risk factor for various cancers, including breast cancer, it is a less specific and potent risk compared to direct occupational exposure to radiation.
- Her recent adoption of a Mediterranean diet to compensate suggests it might not be a lifelong, primary risk factor in this context.
*Age >50 years*
- **Increasing age** is a well-established, non-modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, with incidence rising significantly after age 50.
- However, for this patient, the **occupational exposure** is a more specific and potent risk given her profession, placing it above general age-related risk.
*Nulliparity*
- **Nulliparity** (never having given birth) is a risk factor for breast cancer, as pregnancy and breastfeeding offer some protective effects.
- This patient is a mother of two and breastfed both infants, indicating she is **not nulliparous** and has likely mitigated this risk factor.
Question 137: A 27-year-old female presents to her OB/GYN for a check-up. During her visit, a pelvic exam and Pap smear are performed. The patient does not have any past medical issues and has had routine gynecologic care with normal pap smears every 3 years since age 21. The results of the Pap smear demonstrate atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Which of the following is the next best step in the management of this patient?
A. Repeat Pap smear in 1 year
B. Perform colposcopy
C. Perform an HPV DNA test (Correct Answer)
D. Perform a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
E. Repeat Pap smear in 3 years
Explanation: ***Perform an HPV DNA test***
- For women aged 25-29 with an **ASCUS Pap smear result**, the recommended next step is to perform an **HPV DNA test** to triage the finding.
- If the HPV test is positive, a colposcopy is indicated. If negative, routine screening can resume.
*Repeat Pap smear in 1 year*
- This approach is typically recommended for adolescents (age < 21) with an ASCUS result or for women aged 21-24 if HPV testing is not available.
- For women aged 25-29, **HPV testing** is preferred to determine the need for colposcopy.
*Perform colposcopy*
- **Colposcopy** is indicated if the HPV DNA test is positive following an ASCUS result in women 25-29, or for persistent ASCUS or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) results in younger women.
- It is not the immediate next step for ASCUS in this age group without prior HPV status.
*Perform a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)*
- **LEEP** is a treatment for high-grade cervical dysplasia (HSIL) or recurrent/persistent LSIL, not a diagnostic step for initial ASCUS.
- Performing a LEEP based solely on an **ASCUS result** would be overly aggressive and may lead to unnecessary complications.
*Repeat Pap smear in 3 years*
- **Repeating a Pap smear in 3 years** is the recommendation for women with a normal Pap smear and negative HPV test, or for those who had an ASCUS/LSIL result with negative HPV testing and subsequent normal screening.
- It is not appropriate for an initial ASCUS finding in a 27-year-old.
Question 138: A 58-year-old woman presents to the physician’s office with vaginal bleeding. The bleeding started as a spotting and has increased and has become persistent over the last month. The patient is G3P1 with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She completed menopause 4 years ago. She took cyclic estrogen-progesterone replacement therapy for 1 year at the beginning of menopause. Her weight is 89 kg (196 lb), height 157 cm (5 ft 2 in). Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 135/70 mm Hg, heart rate 78/min, respiratory rate 12/min, and temperature 36.7℃ (98.1℉). Physical examination is unremarkable. Transvaginal ultrasound reveals an endometrium of 6 mm thickness. Speculum examination shows a cervix without focal lesions with bloody discharge from the non-dilated external os. On pelvic examination, the uterus is slightly enlarged, movable, and non-tender. Adnexa is non-palpable. What is the next appropriate step in the management of this patient?
A. Endometrial biopsy (Correct Answer)
B. Hysteroscopy with targeted biopsy
C. Hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage
D. Saline infusion sonography
E. Medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy
Explanation: ***Endometrial biopsy***
- **Postmenopausal bleeding** warrants an endometrial biopsy to rule out endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma, especially with risk factors like obesity, PCOS, and a history of unopposed estrogen exposure.
- An endometrial thickness of 6mm in a postmenopausal woman, along with persistent bleeding, is concerning enough to necessitate **histological evaluation**.
*Hysteroscopy with targeted biopsy*
- While hysteroscopy allows for direct visualization and targeted biopsy, it is generally considered after an initial **blind endometrial biopsy** proves inconclusive or insufficient, or if focal lesions are suspected.
- In this case, there is no indication of focal lesions, and a initial endometrial biopsy is the more appropriate first step to broadly sample the endometrium.
*Hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage*
- **Dilation and curettage** (D&C) is a more invasive procedure, usually reserved for cases where an endometrial biopsy is insufficient, technically difficult to perform, or when significant bleeding requires therapeutic intervention.
- It is not the initial diagnostic step for postmenopausal bleeding given the availability of less invasive options.
*Saline infusion sonography*
- **Saline infusion sonography** (SIS) helps visualize the endometrial cavity more clearly than transvaginal ultrasound, particularly for identifying polyps or fibroids.
- However, SIS is primarily a diagnostic imaging tool; it does not provide tissue for histological diagnosis, which is crucial for evaluating postmenopausal bleeding.
*Medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy*
- **Medroxyprogesterone acetate** is used to treat endometrial hyperplasia without atypia or as a component of hormone replacement therapy.
- It should not be initiated without a **definitive histological diagnosis** to rule out malignancy, especially in the context of postmenopausal bleeding.
Question 139: A 21-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with complaints of intermittent bouts of lower abdominal and pelvic pain over the last week. The pain is primarily localized to the right side and is non-radiating. The patient is not sexually active at this time and is not currently under any medication. At the hospital, her vitals are normal. A pelvic examination reveals a tender palpable mass on the right adnexal structure. A pelvic CT scan reveals a 7-cm solid adnexal mass that was surgically removed with the ovary. Histological evaluation indicates sheets of uniform cells resembling a 'fried egg', consistent with dysgerminoma. Which of the following tumor markers is most likely elevated with this type of tumor?
A. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)
B. Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125)
C. Inhibin A
D. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
E. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)***
- **Dysgerminomas**, the most common malignant germ cell tumor of the ovary, characteristically have elevated **lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)**, which serves as the **primary tumor marker** for this malignancy.
- LDH elevation reflects the high cellular turnover and metabolic activity of these rapidly proliferating tumors, and it is used for diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and surveillance for recurrence.
- The classic histologic "fried egg" appearance results from glycogen-rich cytoplasm with central nuclei.
*Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)*
- While **beta-hCG** can be elevated in some germ cell tumors, it is more commonly associated with **choriocarcinoma** and mixed germ cell tumors.
- In pure dysgerminoma, beta-hCG is typically normal, though it may be mildly elevated (usually <100 mIU/mL) if syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells are present.
*Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125)*
- **CA-125** is primarily a marker for **epithelial ovarian cancers**, particularly serous adenocarcinoma.
- It is not characteristically elevated in dysgerminomas, as these are germ cell tumors with a different cellular origin and biology.
*Inhibin A*
- **Inhibin A** is a tumor marker associated with **granulosa cell tumors**, which are sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary.
- It is not a characteristic marker for dysgerminomas, which arise from germ cells rather than sex cord-stromal cells.
*Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)*
- **Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)** is the key tumor marker for **yolk sac tumors (endodermal sinus tumors)** and can also be elevated in embryonal carcinomas and immature teratomas.
- Pure dysgerminomas do not produce AFP; its elevation would suggest a mixed germ cell tumor component.
Question 140: A 22-year-old female presents to her physician for evaluation of a vaginal discharge, itching, and irritation. She recently started a new relationship with her boyfriend, who is her only sexual partner. He does not report any genitourinary symptoms. She takes oral contraceptives and does not use barrier contraception. The medical history is unremarkable. The vital signs are within normal limits. A gynecologic examination reveals a thin, yellow, frothy vaginal discharge with a musty, unpleasant odor and numerous punctate red maculae on the ectocervix. The remainder of the exam is normal. Which of the following organisms will most likely be revealed on wet mount microscopy?
A. Epithelial cells covered by numerous bacterial cells
B. Chains of cocci
C. Motile round or oval-shaped microorganisms (Correct Answer)
D. Numerous rod-shaped bacteria
E. Budding yeast cells and/or pseudohyphae
Explanation: ***Motile round or oval-shaped microorganisms***
- The symptoms of **frothy vaginal discharge**, **strawberry cervix** (punctate red maculae), and the patient's sexual history are classic for **Trichomonas vaginalis** infection.
- On **wet mount microscopy**, *Trichomonas vaginalis* appears as **motile, flagellated, pear-shaped protozoa** that are round or oval-shaped.
*Epithelial cells covered by numerous bacterial cells*
- This describes **clue cells**, which are characteristic of **bacterial vaginosis**.
- Bacterial vaginosis typically presents with a **fishy odor** and a thin, gray-white discharge, not frothy or associated with a strawberry cervix.
*Chains of cocci*
- While various cocci can be part of the vaginal flora or indicate infection, **chains of cocci** (e.g., *Streptococcus*) are not a primary diagnostic finding for the presented symptoms.
- This morphology is not characteristic of common causes of **vaginitis** like trichomoniasis, candidiasis, or bacterial vaginosis.
*Budding yeast cells and/or pseudohyphae*
- These findings are indicative of a **candidal vulvovaginitis (yeast infection)**.
- Candidiasis typically presents with a thick, **curd-like vaginal discharge**, severe itching, and redness, which differs from the frothy discharge and strawberry cervix described.
*Numerous rod-shaped bacteria*
- While rod-shaped bacteria (e.g., lactobacilli) are a normal part of the vaginal flora, a significant increase in specific types of rod-shaped bacteria, like **Gardnerella vaginalis**, in the absence of lactobacilli can indicate **bacterial vaginosis**.
- However, this finding alone does not uniquely describe the key clinical features of **frothy discharge** and **strawberry cervix** seen in this patient.