Journal

Česká gynekologie

Papers (42)

Discrepancies in staging and perioperative classification of pelvic endometriosis according to #Enzian 2021

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the extent of ovarian endometriosis diagnosed at preoperative staging with subsequent perioperative findings. Definition of discrepancies observed according to the #Enzian 2021 classifi cation. Material and methods: The cohort includes 62 patients of reproductive age with preoperative findings of ovarian endometrioma. Patients were divided according to the #Enzian 2021 classification into subgroups (O1, O2 + O3) with unilateral and bilateral findings. The percentage concordance of preoperative and perioperative findings was evaluated. Results: In the evaluation of ovarian involvement, the preoperative ultrasound diagnosis shows almost 100% agreement with the findings on the ovaries during surgery. Periadnexal adhesions were predicted preoperatively in only half of the cases. The difference in laterality was confirmed with T3 involvement in the O2 + O3 subgroup. In the bilateral involvement, the finding of the presence of grade 3 adhesions was doubled. An association of ovarian form of endometriosis (O2–O3) with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the small pelvis was observed in 50% of the cohort. Conclusion: The ovarian form of endometriosis is associated with the occurrence of other endometriosis lesions in the small pelvis. In this study, it was confirmed that preoperative staging underestimates the extent of endometriosis in the small pelvis. In the surgical management of ovarian endometriosis, extensive adhesive process should be expected. Key words: staging classification – #Enzian 2021 – discrepancy – endometrioma – ovarian form of endometriosis

Hematological parameters and colposcopic lesion area in precursor lesions of cervical cancer

Objectives: To evaluate whether there is an association between the colposcopic lesion area and hematological parameters in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3. Material and methods: Women with CIN 2/3 were included in the study (N = 62). Colposcopic lesion area was measured by Image J software. Genotyping for human papillomavirus (HPV) 16, 18, 45 and 52 was performed by PCR. Hematologic parameters were evaluated. Results: The cut-off value of monocytes was ≤ 490.77/mm3, with a sensitivity of 92.3%, and a specificity of 44% (AUC = 0.662; P = 0.048). For red cell distribution width (RDW), the cut-off value was > 12.9%, with a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 55.1% (AUC = 0.661; P = 0.028). In univariate analysis, monocyte count ≤ 490.77/mm3 and RDW > 12.9% were associated with a colposcopic area > 0.88 cm2 (P = 0.035; P = 0.015, resp.). After multivariate analysis, considering the cofactors age, CIN grade, smoking and HPV type, only RDW remained independent factor OR (95% CI) = 12.825 (1.348–121.971), P = 0.026. Conclusion: Monocyte count and RDW are associated with the lesion colposcopic area. The blood count is a simple, minimally invasive and inexpensive test, associated with the growth of precursor lesions of cervical cancer, and may, in the future, have the potential to be used in the public health system.  Key words: high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion – blood cell count – colposcopy – human papillomavirus

Role of tru-cut biopsy in the management of myometrial lesions

The aim of this article was to summarize current knowledge regarding ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy, with a focus on its applicability in preoperative diagnosis of myometrial lesions. Tru-cut biopsy is used in gynecologic oncology for the management of pelvic and abdominal tumors; however, its application in the diagnostic algorithm for uterine tumors has been validated by only a limited number of studies. Nevertheless, this literature review highlights that tru-cut biopsy of uterine smooth muscle lesions demonstrates high sample adequacy for histological examination, diagnostic accuracy, and a low complication rate. Leiomyomas are among the most common benign uterine tumors, whereas uterine sarcomas are rare and aggressive malignancies. Symptoms of these conditions do not differ significantly. Their differentiation relies on imaging methods such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors remains challenging, as criteria for differentiating benign and malignant lesions using these imaging methods have not yet been sufficiently validated. Incorporating tru-cut biopsy into the standard diagnostic algorithm for uterine tumors could provide valuable insights into the oncological nature of atypical tumors on ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging, leading to optimized and personalized treatment strategies for each patient.  Key words: biopsy – leiomyoma – sarcoma – uterine neoplasms – differential diagnosis

Occurrence of acute retrobulbar hemorrhage during birth

Objective: Presentation of acute retrobulbar subperiostal hemorrhage (hematoma) in the course of delivery. The occurrence, possible threats and recommended methods of treatment are described. Introduction: Acute retrobulbar hemorrhage is always a serious condition. Even if not connected with other ocular trauma, it could cause permanent blindness. The reason is based on constriction of the eye, decreasing of the blood supply and thus disruption of the oxygen supply to sensitive retinal tissues. After a short time, these tissues start to deteriorate and lose their natural function. This event is often connected with exophthalmia and diplopia. The primary diagnostic procedure is to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). Even if the ideal diagnostic tools are not accessible, performing a lateral canthotomy (event. with inferior cantholysis) is recommended to relieve IOP in acute situations. Normal intraocular pressure is considered to be 8–21 mmHg. Case report: Our 29-year-old female patient was in the second stage of delivery and suddenly got retrobulbar hemorrhage, resulting in exophthalmia and diplopia. Her baby was delivered shortly after the event. The following delivery course was normal, including her perineum repair and puerperium. Our patient was fortunate because her visual acuity and IOP were normal. Therefore, we chose an observational treatment strategy. After 5 weeks, we noted successful disintegration of the hematoma and decreased exophthalmia and diplopia without other consequences. Conclusion: We described retrobulbar subperiostal bleeding in our patient in the course of delivery. We depicted possible threats that could result in blindness and described recommended methods of treatment. Even if such a situation is extremely rarely, we believe that knowledge of these guidelines could help medical professionals broaden their treatment options. This particularly occurs when a trained eye surgeon is not available. Key words: retrobulbar hemorrhage – diplopia – orbital compartment syndrome – lateral canthotomy – cantholysis – intraocular pressure

Atypical placental site nodule detected via hysteroscopy – first case report from Brazil

Atypical placental site nodule (APSN) is a rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) originating from the proliferation of intermediate trophoblasts, with uncertain clinical behavior. It is considered a potential precursor to rare forms of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), such as placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT). This report describes the first Brazilian case of APSN diagnosed via hysteroscopy in a 43-year-old woman following miscarriage. Histopathological analysis revealed a circumscribed, hyalinized aggregate of intermediate trophoblasts with nuclear atypia, positive immunostaining for PLAP and p63, and a Ki-67 index > 5%. The patient declined hysterectomy, opting for conservative management with close monitoring. After 12 months of follow-up, no progression was observed. This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of APSN, given its subtle presentation and overlap with benign placental site nodules or even PSTT/ETT. Hysteroscopy proved valuable for both diagnosis and fertility-preserving management. Although hysterectomy remains the definitive treatment in many cases, individualized approaches balancing oncologic safety and reproductive goals are increasingly considered. Long-term clinical vigilance is essential, as APSN may precede aggressive GTN forms. Multicenter studies and registries are urgently needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of this rare lesion, improving patient outcomes in these uncommon forms of GTD. Key words: atypical placental site nodule – gestational trophoblastic disease – gestational trophoblastic neoplasia – placental site trophoblastic tumor – epithelioid trophoblastic tumor

The influence of selected immunohistochemical and clinical-pathological markers on the prognosis of patients with malignant uterine tumors

Introduction: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries, and its incidence has been increasing in recent decades. The prognosis of patients depends on a combination of clinical-pathological characteristics, and more recently, molecular indicators. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the selected prognostic markers – immunohistochemical (L1CAM, ER, PR) and classical (FIGO stage, grade, myometrial invasion, lymph node involvement, distant metastases) – on the survival of patients with endometrial carcinoma. Materials and methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed on 143 women with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer treated between 2014 and 2018. All patients underwent primary surgical treatment. Resected specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis of L1CAM, ER, and PR. Data were statistically processed using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted to age. Results: L1CAM expression was detected in 14% of patients and was associated with shortened survival (HR ≈ 3.9). ER and PR positivity (89% and 85%, resp.) correlated with a more favorable prognosis (HR for ER positivity 0.21; PR 0.23). Classical factors such as higher grade, advanced FIGO stage, cervical and lymphovascular invasion, or presence in nodes were statistically associated with worse survival. An interesting finding was a significantly better prognosis in asymptomatic patients – the presence of symptoms increased the risk of death up to fourfold. Conclusion: L1CAM positivity and loss of hormone receptors are significant adverse prognostic factors. Their inclusion in routine immunohistochemical panel testing improves risk stratification and treatment personalization, which at the time of publication of this paper is already included in the updated ESGO-ESTRO-ESP 2025 guidelines. At the same time, it has been shown that the absence of symptoms at diagnosis is a favorable survival indicator. The results support further research into prognostic markers and their integration into clinical decision-making algorithms. Key words: endometrial carcinoma – L1 cell adhesion molecule – estrogen receptors – progesterone receptors – survival – symptoms

Effect of hCG follow-up on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with gestational trophoblastic disease

Objective: To assess the effect of normalization of the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, on anxiety, symptoms of depression, and quality of life in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease, and to identify risk factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: This longitudinal study included 51 women under postmolar follow-up or during treatment for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia between 2017 and 2019 in two Brazilian trophoblastic disease centers. Results: The normalization of human chorionic gonadotropin led to a significant reduction in the depression scores and increased physical health domain scores in both study groups, namely the hydatidiform mole and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia groups. Having children and the desire for children were associated with lower scores for depression and anxiety, and higher scores for the psychological health domain of quality of life. Perceiving health as “very poor” was associated with higher scores for depression and anxiety, and lower scores for quality of life with respect to physical health, psychological health, and social relationship domains. Conclusion: Disease remission was associated with reduced depression symptoms and better quality of life in the physical health domain. While having a negative perception of health was associated with higher anxiety and depression scores and poor quality of life, having children and the desire for children improved anxiety and depression symptoms and quality of life in the psychological health domain.  Key words: gestational trophoblastic disease – anxiety – depression – quality life

Analysis of the epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic, and anatomopathological profile of women with hydatidiform mole at two referral centers in Northeastern Brazil

Objective: To determine the profile of women undergoing uterine evacuation for suspected hydatidiform mole (HM) according to their clinical, laboratory, ultrasound, and anatomopathological characteristics at two referral centers in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Retrospective cohort study was performed in two referral centers between October 2016 and December 2022 with women undergoing uterine evacuation for suspected HM. Socio-demographic characteristics, clinics, biochemistry, ultrasound, anatomopathology, and outcome were evaluated. Results: A total of 507 women were admitted with clinical suspicion of gestational trophoblastic disease, of which 334 were confirmed, with 107 being in Center-1 and 227 being in Center-2. Mean distance between the referral center and the patient‘s home was 88 km. Mean age of the women was 27 ± 9 years, with a predominance of 19 to 39 years (72%), and approximately 60% of the cases were diagnosed ≤ 12 weeks of gestation. Vaginal bleeding was observed in 79% of women. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a typical appearance in 90% of the examinations. The macroscopic aspect was described as a vesicle in 70% of cases. Uterine evacuation was mainly performed by uterine curettage (43%). The majority of women had no complications (69%). The outcome considered to be remission was achieved in 37.1% of cases, but 38.9% abandoned follow-up, and 9% did not start follow-up after hospital discharge. Conclusion: The distance traveled by women to the referral centers was significant, but the majority of women had no complications. Remission was observed in 37.1% of women, but there was a high abandonment rate of 38.9%. Key words: hydatidiform mole – clinics – ultrasound – anatomopathology – outcomes

Occupational therapy in oncogynecology – a pilot study

Objective: Overview of the possibilities of using non-medical occupational therapy in oncogynecology, description of the role of an occupational therapist in prehabilitation, and evaluation of data from a pilot study. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 18 patients enrolled between November 2023 and October 2024. The prospective study was conducted over a period of nine months. Patients were admitted for a 3-week intensive multimodal prehabilitation program scheduled on a 4/7 basis prior to elective surgery for primary or recurrent malignant ovarian, endometrial, or cervical cancer. In addition to the physicians, patients received prehabilitation by a physiotherapist, psychologist, nutritionist, and occupational therapist. Clinical work of the occupational therapist was measured upon examination and subsequent therapy in the areas of cognitive function, fine motor skills of the upper limbs, self-sufficiency, and quality of life. The occupational therapist applied selected functional tests and questionnaires (MKF classification, Hand grip test, MoCA test, 5× Sit-to-Stand test, WHODAS 2.0) to determine the effect of the rehabilitation intervention. Results and conclusions: Important indicators were selected functional abilities that have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. The results of functional tests showed a significant improvement of key parameters due to intensive prehabilitation, confirming the essential role of occupational therapist intervention in oncogynecological prehabilitation. Key words: occupational therapy – oncogynecology – prehabilitation – quality of life

Vascular endothelial growth factor D potential predictor and screening marker in ovarian carcinoma

Introduction: Until now, it is still true that late detection of ovarian cancer is a major cause of its poor prognosis. So far, no sufficiently sensitive and specific marker or combination of markers and imaging methods has been identified that would unambiguously allow the detection of early potentially highly-curable stages and furthermore prebioptically differentiate a group of poorly distinguishable benign lesions from malignant tumours on ultrasound. In a retrospective study design, serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) were investigated. VEGF-D is related to tumour-induced angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and vascular remodelling with the effect of facilitating metastasis and improved oxygen and nutrient distribution into tumour tissue. On the other hand, the lymphatic network serves as a barrier against tumour dissemination and is a transport system for immune-active elements in suppressing tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate that there is a difference in serum VEGF-D levels in a group of patients with malignant tumours, benign ovarian lesions, and healthy controls without pathological findings in the adnexa. Methods: 162 sera collected preoperatively and preserved by a freezing process in a biobank in 2022–2023 were retrospectively evaluated. The test set was stratified on the basis of histopathological results of the adnexal examination into the malignant tumour group (N = 54), benign lesion group (N = 47), and healthy control group (N = 61). Descriptive statistical analysis methods were used for the statistical evaluation of the parameters. Nonparametric tests were used to compare serum VEGF-D levels. All analyses were considered at a significance level of 5%. Serum VEGF-D was analysed by ELISA Quantikine® Human VEGF D R&D Systems and values were read spectrophotometrically on a TECAN reader. Results: The result of the comparison of descriptive statistical parameters was statistically significant (P = 0.00067) for the difference between serum VEGF-D levels in the set of benign lesions and malignant tumours. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between the values of patients with malignant tumours and healthy controls (P = 0.0008). No statistically significant difference was found between the values of patients with benign lesions and healthy controls (P = 0.4308). Compared to the conventional marker CA125, pathologically elevated serum CA125 levels correlated with low serum VEGF-D levels in patients with malignant tumours. The same concordance was observed in comparison with the HE4 marker: high serum HE4 levels were accompanied by low VEGF-D levels in the group of patients with malignant tumours; moreover, the dot plot clearly stratified the group of patients with malignant tumours from the group of benign lesions and healthy controls. Conclusion: In view of the results obtained, the investigation of serum VEGF-D levels has the potential of a diagnostic test with a contribution to the stratification of the difficult of prebioptically differentiating adnexal tumours. Key words: gynaecologic oncology – ovarian carcinoma – lymphangiogenesis – VEGF-D

Malignant transformation of extragenital endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, affecting 5–15% of women, especially those of reproductive age. The disease may manifest itself as dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, sterility and chronic pelvic pain, among other symptoms. Although it is not malignant, it shares some characteristics with cancer and can lead to epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The risk of malignant transformation of endometriosis is estimated at 1% in premenopausal women and 1–2.5% in postmenopausal women. Our case report describes a 46-year-old female patient with long-standing abdominal pain and a history of surgically confirmed endometriosis. Imaging revealed a cystic mass in the left mesogastrium, which was subsequently surgically removed. Histological examination confirmed the presence of a low-grade endometrioid carcinoma arising from an extragenital endometriosis lesion. Following surgical treatment, the patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, after which she was in complete remission. The diagnosis of malignant transformation of endometriosis is complex, requiring a combination of thorough clinical examination, imaging, and histopathological verification. Therapy involves radical surgery and possibly adjuvant chemotherapy, similar to ovarian carcinomas. Despite advances in treatment and research, endometriosis remains a complex disease with unclear aetiology, heterogeneous clinical presentation, and risk of malignant transformation. Key words: endometriosis– malignant transformation – extragenital lesion – diagnosis – treatment

Pap smear and colposcopy findings in female inmates of a prison unit in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the Pap smear and colposcopy findings in female inmates in a prison unit in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out by analyzing the Pap smear and colposcopy examinations of female inmates in a prison unit. The fol lowing socio-demographic data were assessed: age, nationality, level of education, marital status, height, weight, ethnicity, occupation, religion, sexual orientation, and presence of tattoos. Results: The sample consisted of 894 women who had a Pap smear, the majority of whom were Brazilian (93.6%), 41.1% had an incomplete primary education, 58.5% were single, 50.1% were white, 60.7% had tattoos, and the predominant religion was Catholicism at 42.8%. Regarding sexual orientation, 124 (13.9%) women identified as bisexual, 640 (71.6%) as heterosexual, and 127 (14.2%) as homosexual. Most Pap smears showed benign findings (86.5%). Of the female inmates who had a Pap smear, 121 (13.5%) were referred for colposcopy. Altered colposcopy findings occurred in 95 (10.6%), with the most common findings being high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions 36 (4.0%) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions 27 (3.0%). The majority of women (96.0%) had no clinical signs of human papillomavirus – HPV (anogenital verrucous lesions) and only 36 (4.0%) had lesions suggestive of HPV on Pap smears. There were more HIV cases in the group with HPV verrucous lesions (P = 0.013). Conclusion: We observed 13.5% and 78.5% of abnormal findings in Pap smears and colposcopy, resp.), in female inmates in a prison unit in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Key words: prison – female inmates – Pap smear – colposcopy – HPV

Advantages of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the molecular classification of endometrial carcinomas – our experience with 270 cases

Molecular classification of endometrial carcinomas (EC) divides these neoplasms into four distinct subgroups defined by a molecular background. Given its proven clinical significance, genetic examination is becoming an integral component of the diagnostic procedure. Recommended diagnostic algorithms comprise molecular genetic testing of the POLE gene, whereas the remaining parameters are examined solely by immunohistochemistry. The aim of this study is to share our experiences with the molecular classification of EC, which has been conducted using immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing (NGS) at our department. This study includes all cases of EC diagnosed at Šikl's Department of Pathology and Biopticka Laboratory Ltd. from 2020 to the present. All ECs were prospectively examined by immunohistochemistry (MMR, p53), fol lowed by NGS examination using a customized Gyncore panel (including genes POLE, POLD1, MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2, TP53, PTEN, ARID1A, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, CTNNB1, KRAS, NRAS, BRCA1, BRCA2, BCOR, ERBB2), based on which the ECs were classified into four molecularly distinct groups [POLE mutated EC (type 1), hypermutated (MMR deficient, type 2), EC with no specific molecular profile (type 3), and TP53 mutated ("copy number high", type 4)]. The cohort comprised a total of 270 molecularly classified ECs. Eighteen cases (6.6%) were classified as POLE mutated EC, 85 cases (31.5%) as hypermutated EC (MMR deficient), 137 cases (50.7%) as EC of no specific molecular profile, and 30 cases (11.1%) as TP53 mutated EC. Twelve cases (4.4%) were classified as "multiple classifier" endometrial carcinoma. ECs of no specific molecular profile showed multiple genetic alterations, with the most common mutations being PTEN (44% within the group of NSMP), fol lowed by PIK3CA (30%), ARID1A (21%), and KRAS (9%). In comparison with recommended diagnostic algorithms, NGS provides a more reliable classification of EC into particular molecular subgroups. Furthermore, NGS reveals the complex molecular genetic background in individual ECs, which is especially significant within ECs with no specific molecular profile. These data can serve as a springboard for the research of therapeutic programs committed to targeted therapy in this type of tumor.

Preoperative discrimination between uterine myomas and sarcomas

The narrative review article is focused on the strengths and limitations of modern imaging methods in the preoperative differential diagnosis of uterine mesenchymal tumours. In order to tailor the surgical procedures, imaging methods, namely ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), should be taken into account as well as clinical symptoms, age, and fertility plans. On ultrasound scans, uterine sarcomas have the appearance of large, usually solitary tumours of non-homogenous structure with irregular cysts, ill-defined outline borders (interrupted capsule), absence of calcifications with acoustic shadowing, and moderate to rich internal vascularisation. Rapid growth between follow-ups or atypical growth in peri- or post-menopause is also a sign of malignancy. On MRI, uterine sarcomas are characterized by irregular borders, hyperintense areas on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, and central non-enhancing necrotic areas. On diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI/MRI), sarcomas exhibit markedly restricted diffusion but there is a significant overlap with some variants of fibroids. Core-needle or hysteroscopic biopsy can be used preoperatively if suspicious features are detected on ultrasound or MRI scans, particularly before myomectomy if fertility preservation is required or when conservative management is considered in asymptomatic women. Other imaging methods, such as positron emission tomography fused with CT (PET-CT) or computed tomography (CT) have limited role to distinguish uterine sarcomas from myomas and are suitable only for staging purposes. The importance of tumour markers including lactate dehydrogenase in preoperative work-up have not been verified yet. Conclusion: Uterine sarcomas can be distinguished from much more common myomas based on a combination of malignant features on ultrasound or MR imaging. In these suspicious cases the type and extent of surgery should be adjusted, avoiding intraperitoneal morcellation, which could lead to iatrogenic tumour spread and worsening of the patient’s prognosis. Key words: myoma – uterine sarcoma – ultrasound – magnetic resonance imaging – biopsy – biomarkers

Ureteroarterial fistula – a severe manifestation of urological toxicity with possibly fatal consequences

Aim: A retrospective audit from a urological center focused on urological fistulas that directly connect with the treatment of gynecological malignancy. Ureteroarterial fistulas, i.e., pathological communication between the ureter and the artery, are discussed in more detail. Materials and methods: Over a period of ten years, from 2011 to 2020, a group of 47 patients with a diagnosis of urinary fistula was retrospectively evaluated. These patients, with a history of treatment for gynecological malignancy, were sent to our clinic from local and nonregional departments in the Czech Republic. We found three cases of ureteroarterial fistula in the presented analysis that focused on urological toxicity of oncogynecological treatment. Results: Within the mentioned period of ten years, we recorded 64 cases of urinary fistulas, and 47 patients (73.4%) were directly related to oncogynecological treatment. In the group with gynecological tumors, we found three patients (6.4%) with a diagnosis of ureteroarterial fistula, two of whom died directly related to this complication (exsanguination). These patients were treated for cervical cancer. All of them underwent radiotherapy during the treatment. Conclusion: Ureteroarterial fistulas are the most severe complications that can occur in medicine. This work confirms that we have encountered these cases even recently. Management is highly demanding for patients affected in this way and requires multidisciplinary cooperation. Endovascular intervention methods can control bleeding in emergency situations with non-surgical approaches. However, they are usually the first step towards a definitive surgical solution. Key words: fistula – ureter – artery – hematuria – malignancy

New staging of endometrial carcinoma – FIGO 2023

Aim: To review the changes in the new version of the FIGO 2023 staging system for endometrial cancer. Methods and results: The new FIGO 2023 endometrial cancer staging system provides key updates for the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer. An important step in diagnosis is molecular classification, which allows more accurate risk stratification for recurrence and the identification of targeted therapies. The new staging system, based on the recommendations of the international societies ESGO, ESTRO and ESP, incorporates not only the description of the pathological and anatomical extent of the disease, but also the histopathological characteristics of the tumour, including the histological type and the presence of lymphovascular space invasion. In addition, the staging system uses molecular testing to classify endometrial cancers into four prognostic groups: POLEmut, MMRd, NSMP and p53abn. Each group has its own specific characteristics and prognosis. The most significant changes have occurred in stages I and II, in which the sub-staging better reflects the biological behaviour of the tumour. This update increases the accuracy of prognosis and improves individualized treatment options for patients with endometrial cancer. Conclusion: The updated FIGO staging of endometrial cancer for 2023 incorporates different histologic types, tumour features, and molecular classifications to better reflect the current improved understanding of the complex nature of several endometrial cancer types and their underlying bio logic behaviour. The aim of the new endometrial cancer staging system is to better define stages with similar prognosis, allowing for more precise indication of individualised adjuvant radiation or systemic treatment, including the use of immunotherapy. Key words: endometrial cancer – FIGO – staging – molecular classification – update

Peritumoral stroma and systemic inflammatory response in cervical cancer

Objective: To compare cervical stroma in advanced cervical cancer with the control group; to compare, in the pre-treatment period, hemogram parameters in patients with advanced cervical cancer with the same parameters as the control group; and to verify if there is an association of stromal markers with prognostic factors in cervical cancer. Materials and methods: We prospectively evaluated 16 patients diagnosed with advanced invasive cervical cancer. A control group of 22 patients was used (uterine leiomyoma). Immunohistochemistry was performed to verify the stromal immunostaining of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP). Immunostainings and hemogram parameters were compared using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney Test, respectively. Results: Strong FAP immunostaining was more frequent in patients with cervical cancer when compared with patients with leiomyoma (P = 0.0002). Regarding SMA, strong immunostaining was also found more in the group of cancer patients compared to the control group (P < 0.00001). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were higher in the cancer patient group compared to the control group (P = 0.0019). There was no association of the parameters studied with prognostic factors. Conclusions: Strong FAP and SMA immunostaining was found more in patients with cervical cancer when compared to the control group. NLR values were also higher in cervical cancer. Key words: uterine cervical neoplasms – alpha-smooth muscle actin – fibroblast activation protein alpha – blood cell count

Preoperative and postoperative staging in endometrial cancer – a prospective study

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine how often changes the stage of the tumour in definitive histology against preoperative clinical stage in patient cohort with diagnosed endometrial cancer. Methods: We evaluated prospectively a cohort of 166 patients with endometrial cancer. They all underwent abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy. Patients with high-risk tumours also pelvic lymfadenectomy. We collected data of preoperative diagnostic biopsy and postoperative definitive histology. The data were statistically processed. Results: Detection of sentinel lymph node was successful in 71.1%, bilateral successful detection was in 40.6%. Discrepancy of tumour grade between preoperative biopsy and definitive histology was generally 31.4%. Upgrading of the tumour was in 22 (14.4%) cases, downgrading in 26 (17%) cases. Upgrade from low-risk to high-risk group of tumours was noticed in eight cases. Histopathological tumour type changed in 6.6%, 4.6% moved to histopathologic high-risk group. The tumour stage changed in definite histology in 57.3%, in 19.2% of cases moved from stage low/intermediate-risk group to intermediate-high/high-risk disease group. Conclusion: Correct assessment of preoperative clinical stage and histological grade of endometrial cancer is burdened with a high inaccuracy rate. A lot of cases is up-staged after surgical staging and moved to intermediate-high/high-risk disease group. Results confirm the importance of oncogynaecologic centre II. evaluation of histopathology findings from diagnostic biopsies made in referring hospitals. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed even in clinically low/intermediate-risk disease group. Key words: endometrial cancer – tumour stage – tumour grade – sentinel lymph node detection

Relugolix combination therapy and symptoms of uterine myomatosis – selected case reports of indication spectrum and treatment outcomes

Summary: Objective: An illustrative review of the indications for relugolix combination therapy (RCT) in the management of symptoms associated with uterine myomatosis. Methods: A set of annotated case reports from outpatient and clinical practice. Results: The fi le includes a non-invasive methodology for defining excessive menstrual bleeding using the pictorial bleeding assessment chart (PBAC). It also presents the use of RCT as a fertility-sparing procedure prior to elective myomectomy and the management of isthmic fibroids as an uterine factor of infertility. Cases of RCT of adenomyosis in primary sterility and in extragenital forms of endometriosis are commented. Emergent events associated with complications of myomatosis in pregnancy are represented by a case report of necrotizing diff use myomatosis in puerperium. The differential-diagnostic confusion of adnexal pathology and myomatosis, RCT as a final solution to failed pharmacotherapy, and the alternative of hysterectomy in premenopause illustrate the diverse spectrum of indications for pharmacological treatment, including the possibility of dual therapy with RCT and aGnRH. Conclusion: Relugolix combination therapy as an effective and safe causal treatment expands the therapeutic spectrum and options for reproductive medicine specialists and registering gynaecologists. The availability of conservative treatment in combination with surgical treatment leads to optimalization and greater effectiveness of therapeutic procedures and increased quality of life for women with myomatosis. Key words: relugolix combination therapy – uterine fibroid symptoms

Barriers to the cervical cancer screening attendance among Czech women

Objective: The main aim of this study was to find specific barriers to cervical cancer screening attendance that Czech women declare. Furthermore, the objective was to find out whether there are differences between women who do and do not attend screening according to sociodemographic characteristics. Finally, we investigated whether women who do not attend the screening differ by sociodemographic characteristics in declaring particular barriers to attendance. Materials and methods: Data were collected using a representative questionnaire survey. The women were asked about their previous participation in the cervical cancer screening program. Those who did not attend screening in the past 2 years or those who do not (intend to) attend screening regularly were considered non-attendees. The non-attendees were then asked about their reasons for non-attendance in the screening. First, descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Second, the differences between the different groups of women were analyzed by Pearson's chi-squared independence test. Results: In the studied sample population (N = 902), 36.7% were considered non-attendees. Statistically significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics (age, education, marital status, household type) were observed between attendees and non-attendees. The three most common reasons for non-attendance were: “I do not experience any symptoms”, “fear of cancer diagnosis”, and “fear of the examination procedure”. Almost no differences in sociodemographic characteristics in the declaration of particular barriers to attendance were found. Conclusion: We observed differences between women who attended and those who did not attend the screening. However, sociodemographic characteristics do not play an important role once a woman decides not to attend the screening. Therefore, it is essential to communicate cancer prevention throughout the spectrum of Czech women. Key words: screening – cervical carcinoma – prevention – early detection of disease – barriers

Publisher

Care Comm

ISSN

1210-7832

Česká gynekologie