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Questions and Answers
What is the most common type of cancer found in the Bartholin gland?
What is the most common type of cancer found in the Bartholin gland?
A solid mass in the Bartholin gland is not an indication for biopsy.
A solid mass in the Bartholin gland is not an indication for biopsy.
False
What is the most common symptom of Bartholin cancer?
What is the most common symptom of Bartholin cancer?
Vulval mass
A recurrent Bartholin cyst in a female aged _____ years or older is an indication for biopsy.
A recurrent Bartholin cyst in a female aged _____ years or older is an indication for biopsy.
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Match the following indications for biopsy with their criteria:
Match the following indications for biopsy with their criteria:
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What is the primary function of the Bartholin gland?
What is the primary function of the Bartholin gland?
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A Bartholin cyst is typically painful.
A Bartholin cyst is typically painful.
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What is the recommended management for a symptomatic Bartholin cyst larger than 3cm?
What is the recommended management for a symptomatic Bartholin cyst larger than 3cm?
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A Bartholin abscess typically presents with __________ and tenderness.
A Bartholin abscess typically presents with __________ and tenderness.
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Match the features to the corresponding condition-related management:
Match the features to the corresponding condition-related management:
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What is the first choice of surgery for Stage 1 vulval cancer with lymph node involvement?
What is the first choice of surgery for Stage 1 vulval cancer with lymph node involvement?
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For palpable lymph nodes that are positive for vulval cancer, ipsilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection is required.
For palpable lymph nodes that are positive for vulval cancer, ipsilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection is required.
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What procedure is used for a visible area of vulva that is hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, or atrophied?
What procedure is used for a visible area of vulva that is hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, or atrophied?
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For stage 4 vulval cancer, the recommended management is __________.
For stage 4 vulval cancer, the recommended management is __________.
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Match the management steps with their corresponding requirements:
Match the management steps with their corresponding requirements:
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Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for vulval cancer?
Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for vulval cancer?
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The keratinising type of squamous cell cancer of the vulva has a higher incidence than the warty type.
The keratinising type of squamous cell cancer of the vulva has a higher incidence than the warty type.
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What is the main diagnostic procedure used to assess the depth of cancer in vulval cancer?
What is the main diagnostic procedure used to assess the depth of cancer in vulval cancer?
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Vulval cancer stage 2 involves the tumor spreading to the lower __________ of the urethra, vagina, or anus.
Vulval cancer stage 2 involves the tumor spreading to the lower __________ of the urethra, vagina, or anus.
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Match the following types of VIN with their characteristics:
Match the following types of VIN with their characteristics:
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What structure is located at the anterior boundary of the vestibule?
What structure is located at the anterior boundary of the vestibule?
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The introitus is responsible for the outflow of menstrual blood.
The introitus is responsible for the outflow of menstrual blood.
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Name one type of cyst found in the vulva.
Name one type of cyst found in the vulva.
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The opening covered by a thin membrane in the vestibule is called the ______.
The opening covered by a thin membrane in the vestibule is called the ______.
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Match the following types of hymen with their descriptions:
Match the following types of hymen with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is true regarding Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN)?
Which of the following is true regarding Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN)?
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HPV is a related risk factor for VIN in older females.
HPV is a related risk factor for VIN in older females.
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What is the primary risk factor for vulvar cancer in older females?
What is the primary risk factor for vulvar cancer in older females?
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The _____ lymph node biopsy is increasingly used for all gynecological cancers.
The _____ lymph node biopsy is increasingly used for all gynecological cancers.
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Match the VIN category to its description:
Match the VIN category to its description:
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Which ultrasound technique requires a full bladder?
Which ultrasound technique requires a full bladder?
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Hysteroscopy is a non-invasive procedure.
Hysteroscopy is a non-invasive procedure.
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What is the primary use of hysterosalpingography (HSG)?
What is the primary use of hysterosalpingography (HSG)?
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The ________ technique uses higher frequency ultrasound waves to achieve better resolution.
The ________ technique uses higher frequency ultrasound waves to achieve better resolution.
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Match the following imaging techniques with their features:
Match the following imaging techniques with their features:
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Which of the following structures is NOT part of the female external genitalia?
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the female external genitalia?
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The labia minora contains hair and sweat glands.
The labia minora contains hair and sweat glands.
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What is the length range of the clitoris?
What is the length range of the clitoris?
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The area between the labia minora is called the __________.
The area between the labia minora is called the __________.
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Match the following conditions with their associated descriptions:
Match the following conditions with their associated descriptions:
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Which type of hysterectomy involves the removal of only the uterus while retaining the cervix?
Which type of hysterectomy involves the removal of only the uterus while retaining the cervix?
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Robotic hysterectomy provides 2-D views for surgeons.
Robotic hysterectomy provides 2-D views for surgeons.
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Name one disadvantage of laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Name one disadvantage of laparoscopic hysterectomy.
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The return to normal activity after a vaginal hysterectomy is __________ than after an abdominal hysterectomy.
The return to normal activity after a vaginal hysterectomy is __________ than after an abdominal hysterectomy.
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Match the following types of hysterectomy with their characteristics:
Match the following types of hysterectomy with their characteristics:
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Which of the following features is not a disadvantage of robotic hysterectomy?
Which of the following features is not a disadvantage of robotic hysterectomy?
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The size of the uterus can limit the approach taken for a vaginal hysterectomy.
The size of the uterus can limit the approach taken for a vaginal hysterectomy.
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What is one indication for performing a supracervical hysterectomy?
What is one indication for performing a supracervical hysterectomy?
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What is the primary purpose of a sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in vulval cancer procedures?
What is the primary purpose of a sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in vulval cancer procedures?
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Inguinofemoral lymph nodes do not usually require dissection in vulval cancer cases.
Inguinofemoral lymph nodes do not usually require dissection in vulval cancer cases.
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What symptom is considered the most common in vulval cancer?
What symptom is considered the most common in vulval cancer?
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Structures that are less than 2 cm from the midline will require __________ dissection.
Structures that are less than 2 cm from the midline will require __________ dissection.
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Match the following types of vulval cancer with their histological types:
Match the following types of vulval cancer with their histological types:
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What percentage of not enlarged lymph nodes carry a risk of micrometastasis during dissection?
What percentage of not enlarged lymph nodes carry a risk of micrometastasis during dissection?
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The most common age range for vulval cancer patients is between 40-60 years.
The most common age range for vulval cancer patients is between 40-60 years.
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Name one example of a structure that requires bilateral inguinofemoral dissection if it is under 2 cm from the midline.
Name one example of a structure that requires bilateral inguinofemoral dissection if it is under 2 cm from the midline.
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Study Notes
Bartholin Gland Biopsy Indications
- Biopsy is indicated for Bartholin cysts in females aged 40 years or older.
- Biopsy is also indicated for enlarged Bartholin glands in post-menopausal women.
- Biopsy is recommended for solid masses and cysts that are fixed to surrounding structures.
Bartholin Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of Bartholin cancer.
- Post-menopausal women are most commonly affected.
- Honan criteria are used for diagnosis.
- Vulval mass is the most common symptom.
General Gynecological Biopsy
- Key's forceps or wedge biopsy are used for biopsies.
- Vulvoscopy is recommended if the vulva appears hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, or atrophied.
Vulval Cancer Management
-
Stage 1:
- Treatment of choice is surgery if lymph nodes are involved.
- Management involves radical partial vulvectomy, removing the tumor and lymph nodes.
- Wide local excision with a 2 cm tumor-free margin is recommended for stage 1a.
-
Stage 2, 3, 4:
- Surgery is indicated.
- Chemoradiation is used for stage 4.
-
Palpable Lymph Nodes:
- Enlarged lymph nodes should be removed and examined on frozen sections.
- If positive for vulval cancer, manage like non-palpable lymph nodes.
- If negative for vulval cancer, manage like non-palpable lymph nodes.
- Ipsilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended for all stages except stage IA with no lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI).
- If lymph nodes are not palpable, stage the cancer.
- Ipsilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended for all stages except stage IA.
-
Nodes (Positive or Negative):
- If negative, inguinal dissection is only required if:
- Tumor size is less than 2 cm.
- Tumor is more than 2 cm from the midline.
- There is no local extension.
- If positive, contralateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection (B/1 dissection) is required.
- If negative, inguinal dissection is only required if:
-
LVSI (Lymphovascular Space Invasion):
- These management guidelines are meant for general guidance.
- Individual treatment plans may vary based on the patient's condition.
Bartholin Gland Anatomy
- The Bartholin gland is located between the labia minora and majora in the superficial perineal pouch.
- It is typically not palpable.
- The ducts open in the vestibule, outside the introitus, at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions.
- The glands produce alkaline secretions during intercourse.
Bartholin Cyst
- Bartholin cysts are typically located between the labia minora and majora, outside the introitus.
- Common features include intermittent, painless mass, unilateral, and an increase in size during intercourse.
- Difficulty or pain during intercourse may occur.
-
Management:
- Symptomatic cysts: Incision and drainage with insertion of Word catheter (to prevent recurrence).
- Asymptomatic cysts:
- Cysts less than 3 cm: Observation.
- Cysts greater than or equal to 3 cm: Incision and drainage with insertion of Word catheter.
-
Recurrent Bartholin's Cyst:
- < 40 years old: Marsupialisation.
-
40 years old/ post-menopausal: Excision of cyst with biopsy.
Bartholin Abscess
- Pain, induration, flatulence, and warm tender swelling are common features.
-
Management:
- Incision and drainage with insertion of Word catheter.
Vulval Cancer Risk Factors
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV 16 is more common than HPV 18.
- Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).
- Smoking.
- Conditions affecting the vulva:
- Lichen sclerosis
- Condyloma acuminata
- Squamous cell hyperplasia
- Paget's disease of the vulva.
- Low socioeconomic status.
- Poor hygiene.
-
Not risk factors:
- Herpes simplex
- Condyloma lata
- Parity or gravidity
- Extra mammary Paget's disease.
Vulval Squamous Cell Cancer Types
- Keratinizing type: 60% incidence.
- Warty type: 40% incidence
- Keratinizing type is typically diagnosed at an older age (65-70 years) compared to the warty type (55-60 years).
Vulval Cancer Diagnosis and Management
Staging:
-
Stage 1:
- Tumor restricted to the vulva.
- 1A: ≤2 cm and depth of invasion ≤1 mm.
- 1B: >2 cm or depth of invasion >1 mm.
- Biopsy is required to assess the depth of cancer.
-
Stage 2:
- Tumor spreads to the lower third of the urethra, vagina, or anus.
-
Stage 3:
- Tumor involves inguinofemoral lymph nodes.
-
Stage 4:
- Tumor involves the upper two-thirds of the vagina or urethra, or the rectum.
- Pelvic lymph nodes are involved.
- Fixed or ulcerative nodes.
- Distant metastasis.
Risk Factors Table
-
Risk Factor: Number of Foci
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Lichen sclerosis:
-
Not HPV:
-
Differentiated VIN: Unifocal
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HPV:
-
Undifferentiated VIN: Multifocal
-
Lymph node involvement is a key prognostic marker. Having involved nodes indicates a poorer prognosis.
Vulva - Vestibule
-
Boundaries:
- Anterior: Clitoris
- Posterior: Fourchette
- Lateral: Labia minora
- Openings: 6
Vulva - Introitus
- The opening of the vagina, located in the vestibule.
- Covered by the hymen.
- Permits menstrual blood outflow.
- Imperforate hymen is a condition where the hymen is closed and does not allow menstrual blood outflow.
Types of Hymen
- Annular (Normal): Ring-like shape.
- Imperforate Septate: A hymen that does not allow menstrual blood outflow.
Vulva Openings
- Urethra. 2, 3. Paraurethral/Skene glands.
- Introitus.
- Bartholin duct.
Vulval Cysts
- Type: Location:
- Paraurethral/Skene gland cyst: Adjacent to urethra.
- Gartner's cyst: Lateral wall of vagina.
- Bartholin's cyst: Between labia minora and outside the introitus.
Vulva - Other Important Points
- The Bartholin's gland and duct may become blocked and cause a cyst that may be located between the labia majora, in the vestibule.
Vulval Cancer - Anatomy of Vulva and Lymph Node Involvement
-
Lymphatics:
- Sentinel lymph node (SLN): The first lymph node involved in cancer.
- In rare cases (0.5%), lymphatics can drain directly into pelvic nodes.
- SLN biopsy is used in gynecological vulval cancer procedures.
- Dye used: Isosulfan blue or technetium 99 (Tc99).
-
Deep Inguinal Lymph Node (DILN):
- Pelvic (External iliac) lymph node.
-
Clitoral Lymphatics:
- May bypass the sentinel and deep inguinal lymph nodes and directly enter pelvic nodes, which is relatively rare.
- In rare cases, lymphatic bypasses sentinel and deep inguinal lymph nodes.
-
Inguinofemoral Lymph Nodes:
- The nodes to be dissected in vulval cancer.
Lymph Node Involvement and Metastasis
-
Enlarged lymph nodes (with clinical suspicion of metastasis):
- Positive for metastasis during dissection in 75% of cases.
-
Not enlarged lymph nodes (No clinical suspicion of metastasis):
- Positive for micrometastasis in 25% of cases during dissection.
- No need for dissection in 75% of cases.
-
Lymphatics from Midline Structures:
- Structures less than 2 cm from the midline cross to the opposite side.
- Requires bilateral inguinofemoral dissection.
- Examples:
- Cancer of the clitoris (CA clitoris)
- Cancer of the fourchette (CA fourchette)
- Cancer of the perineum (CA perineum)
- Cancer of the anterior part of the labia minora (CA anterior part of labia minora).
-
Lymphatics from Lateral Areas:
- Structures more than 2 cm from the midline do not cross.
- Lymph node dissection may not be necessary in all cases.
- Examples:
- Cancer of the labia majora (Ca labia majora).
Vulval Cancer Epidemiology
- 3-4% of gynecological cancers.
- Mean age: 65 years.
- Most common age range: 50-70 years.
- Most frequent histological type:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma
- Adenocarcinoma.
- Most common site:
- Labia majora
- Labia minora.
Vulval Cancer Symptoms
- Pruritus (vulval itching): Most common symptom.
- Lump, mass, or ulcer in the vulva.
- Pain and urinary symptoms (due to urethral involvement).
- Spread of Cancer: Primarily through the lymphatic system; sometimes via vascular system.
Vulval Cancer Surgery
- Post-operative Status: Large raw area, lymphedema, and vein thrombosis are possible complications.
- Prolonged immobility increases the risk of distal vein thrombosis.
VIN vs. Invasive Cancer
-
VIN:
- Intact overlaying membrane.
- Dysplastic cell spread.
-
Invasive Cancer:
- Broken overlaying membrane.
- Dysplastic cells invade surrounding tissue.
VIN Categories
- VIN 1: Dysplasia in the lower third of the epithelium.
- VIN 2: Dysplasia in two-thirds of the epithelium.
- VIN 3: Dysplasia in the entire epithelium, however, there is no lymphatic or vascular invasion.
Vulval Cancer - Other Points
-
Young Female:
- VIN is often HPV-related.
- Approximately 90% of cases regress.
-
Older Female:
- VIN is not HPV-related. Lichen sclerosis is a risk factor.
- Vulval cancer progression to invasive cancer is more likely.
Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) Biopsy
- Gynecology: SLN biopsy is used more often for vulval cancer than cervical cancer.
- SLN biopsy is being used for all gynecological cancers now.
- Used for breast cancer, penile cancer, and malignant melanoma.
Hysterectomy Types and Comparison
-
Types:
-
Supracervical Hysterectomy (Sub-total Hysterectomy):
- Only the uterus is removed. The cervix is retained.
- Indication: Postpartum hemorrhage.
-
Vaginal Hysterectomy:
-
Abdominal Hysterectomy:
-
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy:
-
Robotic Hysterectomy:
-
Simple TAH:
-
Hysterectomy Comparison
Vaginal vs. Abdominal Hysterectomy
- Feature: Vaginal Hysterectomy: Abdominal Hysterectomy:
- Return to Normal Activity: Shorter. Longer.
- Size of Uterus: Up to 16-18 weeks sized: Any size.
Laparoscopic vs. Abdominal Hysterectomy
- Feature: Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Abdominal Hysterectomy
- Return to Normal Activity: Shorter: Longer.
- Incision: Small: Larger.
- Recovery: Shorter: Longer.
- Other Disadvantages:
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Difficult to determine extent of thermal burns. Lack of haptic feedback.
- Abdominal Hysterectomy: Bulky device limits assistant movement. Lack of haptic feedback. High cost.
Robotic Hysterectomy
-
Advantages:
- 3-D views.
- Instruments offer 7 degrees of movement.
- Scaling of movement.
- More precise movement.
-
Disadvantages:
- Bulky device limits assistant movement.
- Lack of haptic feedback.
- High cost.
Abdominal Hysterectomy Ligament Clamping Order
-
Superior:
-
- Round ligament (if oophorectomy indicated, clamp at infundibulopelvic ligament).
-
- Uterine artery.
-
- Cardinal ligament.
-
- Uterosacral ligament
-
-
Inferior:
Gynecological Investigations: Hysteroscopy and HSG
-
Investigation Modalities:
-
- Ultrasound
- Trans-abdominal sonography (TAS).
- Trans-vaginal sonography (TVS).
-
- Saline infusion sonography (SIS).
-
- MRI
-
- CT scan.
-
- PET scan: used to locate nodal metastasis in ovarian cancer.
-
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG).
-
- Hysteroscopy.
-
- Laparoscopy.
-
Non-Invasive Procedures
Ultrasound
- Non-invasive and safe during pregnancy.
- Visualizes the exterior and interior of the uterus, endometrial thickness, and all pelvic organs.
TAS vs. TVS
- Feature: TAS: TVS:
- Full Bladder: Requirement: Not a requirement.
- Frequency of wave: 3-5 Hz: 5-10 Hz.
- Indication: Uterus palpable per abdomen (P/A): Uterus not palpable.
- Note: Higher frequency ultrasound waves → better resolution, reduced depth of penetration.
Ultrasound Images
- Normal USG of the Uterus: Shows the endometrium, myometrium, and the uterus itself.
- Normal USG of the Ovaries: Shows the ovary.
Vulva and External Genitalia
-
Parts:
- Fossa navicularis: Depression between the introitus and fourchette.
- Fourchette: The point where the labia minora meet posteriorly.
- Posterior commissure: The point where the labia majora meet posteriorly.
- Labia majora: Outer lips of the vulva. Contains hair, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, and subcutaneous fat. The round ligament attaches at the anterior 1/3rd.
- Labia minora: Inner lips of the vulva. Contains only sebaceous glands. No hair, sweat glands, or apocrine glands.
-
Clitoris: Highly vascular, erectile tissue. Length: 1.5 to 2 cm.
- Prepuce (above): The fold of skin covering the clitoris.
- Frenulum (below): The fold of skin connecting the clitoris to the labia minora.
- Mons Pubis: Hair-bearing area above the pubic symphysis.
Applied Anatomy of Vulva & External Genitalia
-
Pubarche: Development of hair on the mons pubis due to androgens. Corresponds to Tanner stage 3.
-
Hidradenoma of the vulva: tumor of the sweat glands. Located on the labia majora.
-
Clitoromegaly: Length of clitoris ≥ 4 cm.
- Causes:
- At birth: Intrauterine androgen exposure.
- At puberty: Excessive androgens.
- Causes:
-
Diagram:
- Shows the female external genitalia, including labels for various parts.
- Hart's line is shown, indicating the junction of keratinized and non-keratinized epithelium of the labia minora.
- The medial side of the line is non-keratinized, and the lateral side is keratinized.
- The labia majora is the most common site for vulval cancer, beyond Hart's line.
Other Vulva Points
- Vestibule: The area between the labia minora.
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Test your knowledge on Bartholin gland conditions, focusing on symptoms, management, and indications for biopsy. This quiz covers essential aspects of Bartholin gland cancer and related procedures. Perfect for medical students and professionals looking to refresh their understanding.