Virtual Microscopy
 
  Virtual Microscopy > Reproductive > Reproductive Histology (Uterine Cervix, Vagina, Vulva, and Breast)

 

Case 1

A 34 year old women presented to her gynecologist for a routine Pap test. She had a normal Pap test 5 years prior when she was pregnant and hasn't returned to the doctor since. Her Pap test showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. Reflex testing for high risk subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) was performed and she was high risk HPV positive. Colposcopy with cervical biopsy and endocervical curretage was performed. Her cervical biopsy showed moderate squamous dysplasia.

Slides: [patient's cervix] [normal cervix]

  1. Identify the following normal structures: Squamous epithelium of the ectocervix, endocervical glands, cervical stroma, blood vessels.
  2. What are the microscopic differences between the normal cervical-endocervical transition zone and the biopsy sample showing moderate squamous dysplasia with regard to cellular organization, maturation, nuclear morphology and mitotic activity?
  3. What are the histologic differences between the normal cervical/vaginal squamous mucosa and the normal vulva?

 

Case 2

A 68 year old woman presented to her gynecologist for a routine exam. During the review of systems portion of the physical exam, she reported that she does monthly breast self exams and that she recently noticed a small painless lump in her right breast. Her doctor palpated a firm, fixed 1cm mass in the upper outer quadrant of her right breast. A diagnostic mammogram was ordered which confirmed a suspicious solid mass. A core needle biopsy was performed which showed a moderately differentiated infiltrating ductal carcinoma.

Slides: [patient's breast mass] [normal breast] [lactating breast]

  1. What is the overall organizational structure of the non-lactating breast (lactiferous ducts and lobules)? What are the normal cellular constituents of the lactiferous ducts?
  2. How does infiltrating ductal carcinoma differ from normal breast with regard to architecture? What is different about the cells lining the ducts?
  3. How does the lactating breast differ from the nonlactating breast morphologically? What is different about the breast acini in lactationg breast?