Question 1

A woman asks about her risk of ovarian cancer. To best assess risk in this patient, what will the provider do first?&#10;A) Ask about parity and age of menarche&#10;B) Evaluate age of menopause&#10;C) Obtain a family history&#10;D) Order testing for the BRCA gene

Accepted Answer

A family history of ovarian cancer is a major risk factor, as women with a first-degree relative with ovarian cancer have a threefold increased risk of developing the disease. Therefore, obtaining a family history is the first step in assessing a woman's risk of ovarian cancer.

Question 2

A postmenopausal woman who is overweight and who has hyperlipidemia and a history of infertility develops vaginal bleeding and reports a feeling of pelvic pressure. The provider suspects a genital tract cancer and refers the patient for diagnostic evaluation. What is the likely cause of this woman's symptoms?

A) Cervical cancer
B) Endometrial cancer
C) Ovarian cancer
D) Vaginal cancer

B

Accepted Answer

The combination of postmenopausal bleeding, pelvic pressure, and the patient's risk factors suggest endometrial cancer as the likely cause. Cervical cancer typically presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding before menopause, and ovarian cancer may cause abdominal distention or discomfort rather than pelvic pressure. Vaginal cancer would only cause vaginal bleeding, not pelvic pressure.

Question 3

A woman who has had routine Pap tests all her adult life has an abnormal Pap. What will the provider tell her about this result?&#10;A) Colposcopy with biopsy is necessary&#10;B) She may have vaginal cancer&#10;C) She most likely has early cervical cancer&#10;D) The result most likely indicates HPV infection

Accepted Answer

An abnormal Pap test result indicates that further testing is necessary to determine the cause of the abnormality. Colposcopy with biopsy is the recommended next step to evaluate abnormal Pap tests. Vaginal cancer or early cervical cancer are possible causes of abnormal Pap tests, but further testing is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. HPV infection is a common cause of abnormal Pap tests, but it cannot be definitively diagnosed without further testing such as HPV DNA testing or colposcopy with biopsy.

Deck 146: Genital Tract Cancers