Pathophysiology

Order Description
Pathophysiology Case Study 1:
Case History: Cell Pathology
A 48 year female presented to a GP practice with a 9 month history of moderate lower abdominal pain and irregular vaginal bleeding. She reported regular menstrual bleeding until 9 months prior to the appointment. The patient had no history of fever with chills and rigors during this period. She has noticed a progressive loss of appetite and weight and an increasing feeling of fatigue.

Medical History:
She has had 7 pregnancies and 5 children. Her last Pap smear was 9 years ago when mild dysplastic changes were observed in the cervical epithelium. The request for regular follow up smears was ignored by the patient. Has a previous history of being treated for a sexually transmitted disease although she is not sure of the diagnosis at the time.

Family History:
She reports two grandparents and an aunt had cancer, but is unsure of the type of cancer

Social History:
The patient has been sexually active since the age of 14. Has been in multiple relationships and is currently single. She is a heavy smoker.

On examination:
The patient was found to be severely anaemic and found to have a large cervical mass. Regional lymph nodes were not enlarged.

Guidelines for Group discussion (1 h):

1. What is the likely diagnosis?
2. Discuss the Aetiology and predisposing factors for the disease?
3. What is the relevance of inquiring into a history of fever with chills and rigors?
4. Are there any screening mechanisms for the early diagnosis of this condition?
5. What is a Pap smear?
6. What information can you get from a Pap smear in this case?
7. What is Carcinoma in situ and what is its prognosis?
8. What are the likely routes and site of metastasis?
9. Name some other medical conditions that can be diagnosed using a Pap smear.
10. Outline the treatment options for this patient?
11. What do you understand by the terms dysplasia and metaplasia?

READ CAREFULLY!!!!
All students are required to bring in evidence of preparation�..this would take the form of not more than 2 word processed A4 sheets (double sided) with short answers to the guideline questions given above. Do not include the questions but number the answers appropriately. No hand written scripts will be accepted. Failure to annex the individual prep answers with your group answer sheet will result in the student loosing 20% of the mark automatically. all refrencing must be fro scientific writing/ peer reviewed journals