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Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of the combination of cancer antigen-125 (CA-125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and progesterone for the identification of ovarian masses in patients with suspected early stage ovarian cancer (OC). Materials and methods This was a case–control, single-center study of 225 women with a pelvic mass of suspected ovarian origin, including 75 patients with Stage I/II OC and 150 controls. Diagnostic procedures included pelvic and rectal examinations, transvaginal ultrasound, evaluation of CA-125 and HE4 levels alone and in the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), and a new algorithm combining ROMA and progesterone. Results Median CA-125 and HE4 levels were significantly higher in patients with OC compared with women with benign ovarian tumors, irrespective of menopausal status. The highest median progesterone levels occurred in premenopausal women with benign ovarian tumors, compared with premenopausal women with OC with or without benign ovarian disease. The combination of ROMA and progesterone was significantly more accurate at detecting OC compared with ROMA or CA-125 or HE4 alone, but only in premenopausal patients. Conclusion Different algorithms should be used for diagnosing OC, and the addition of progesterone might improve the performance of ROMA for the diagnosis of pelvic masses in premenopausal women.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting mainly women of the reproductive age. Its most common manifestations include impaired fecundity, pelvic pain, and dyschezia. Laparoscopic removal of endometriotic foci remains to be the gold standard for the treatment of endometriosis. More effective techniques of endoscopic approach—among others, laser application—are continually being developed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic treatment with the use of CO2 laser ablation vs. electroablation with regard to pain complaints in the affected patients. The study included 48 women (aged 22–42) with varying degrees of endometriosis of the lesser pelvis. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to evaluate pain intensity before the surgery in all patients, followed by either laser ablation or electroablation of the endometriotic foci. The results of the laparoscopic treatment were monitored after 3 and 6 months postoperatively. p value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Patients from both groups reported less intensive pain before/during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) 6 months postoperatively, with more distinct tendency in the electroablation group (p = 0.004) as compared to the laser ablation group (p = 0.025). Despite the initial improvement reported at the 3-month checkup (p = 0.008), 6 months postoperatively, a statistically significant increase in pain intensity was noted in both groups (p = 0.016 and p = 0.032 for CO2 laser ablation and electroablation, respectively). Both surgical methods seem to be effective only in the treatment of endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea, whereas the intensity of other pain complaints (dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschezia, pelvic pain syndrome (PPS)) has remained on the same level.

Vulvar melanoma represents between 3% and 10% of vulvar neoplasms. We present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman presenting with a pigmented lesion on the left labium majus; she reported no family history of melanoma. The histological diagnosis was malignant melanoma, superficial spreading type, with Breslow thickness of 0.9 mm; the excision was complete. Eight months before, an atypical genital nevus was completely excised from a nearby location. The pregnancy was finished by cesarean delivery at term, and 3 months later, another pigmented lesion was noticed near but not within the scars. Partial right vulvectomy was performed, and histological diagnosis was malignant melanoma of superficial spreading type, with Breslow thickness of 0.7 mm. The specimen obtained in the first operation was reviewed, and although histological examination was diagnostic for atypical genital nevus, Vysis Melanoma Fluorescence in situ hybridization Probe Kit revealed increased copy numbers of RREB1, which could be consistent with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

The abdominal ectopic pregnancies are 1-1.4% of all ectopic pregnancies. In this article we presents the case of 27-year-old patient in early abdominal pregnancy, situated in parietal peritoneum. This case justifies the need to take into account possibility of abdominal pregnancy in case of suspicion of ectopic pregnancy.

Cancer antigen CA-125 is a marker that is primarily used to differentiate benign from malignant tumors as well as to monitor response to ovarian cancer treatment. Taken as a separate marker, it displays low sensitivity and specificity in ovarian cancer diagnosis; however, in combination with other markers it may be successfully applied especially in postmenopausal women. Elevated CA-125 levels in blood serum indicate cancerous as well as non-cancerous diseases. Research aiming to determine environmental factors that may have influence on antigen CA-125 level, and thus on the assessment of this marker's application in gynecological and oncological diseases continues.the aim of the present research is an attempt to estimate the influence of nicotinism on antigen CA-125 in blood serum in patients with diagnosed benign ovarian tumors including endometrial cysts.174 women aged 16-85 years with diagnosed benign ovarian tumor were qualified for the study. In all patients level of antigen CA-125 in blood serum was assessed preoperatively and nicotinism history was taken. Also transvaginal ultrasound was performed to obtain preliminary diagnosis. Smoking and non-smoking patients were classified into two groups, namely of those with histopathologically confirmed cysts of endometrial type and those with non-endometrial benign ovarian tumors.statistical analysis did not prove any dependence between the CS-125 antigen level and nicotinism in any of these groups. Also additional analysis with division into premenopausal and postmenopausal patients did not determine any statistically significant dependence.Nicotinism does not significantly influence the CA-125 antigen level in patients with benign However, the connection between the addiction severity and its influence on antigen CA-125 in blood serum cannot be excluded. ovarian tumors or endometrial cysts.

Introduction: Endometriosis is defined as the appearance of ectopic endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. Ectopic cells demonstrate functional similarity to eutopic cells, but structural and molecular differences are significant and manifest themselves in gene expression of the metalloproteinase genes, integrin or the Bcl-2 gene. Pelvic pain remains to be the main symptom of the disease. Endometriosis may cause dysfunction of the reproductive system and lead to infertility. Pathogenesis of infertility in endometriosis is based on its influence on the hormonal, biochemical and immunological changes in the eutopic endometrium, as well as structural damages of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the ovarian reserve in patients with endometriosis. Material and methods: A total of 39 patients (aged 22-34 years) with different stages of endometrial changes were recruited for the study. The number of antral follicles was rated by vaginal ultrasonography and the level of FSH was measured between days 1-3 of the menstrual cycle. The stage of the disease was established after laparoscopy with the rASRM scale. Results:No statistically significant correlation between the number of follicles(AFC), the level of FSH and the stage of endometriosis was found. Conclusions: Evaluation of the number of antral follicles and measurements of the FSH level do not allow to predict the ovarian reserve in women with endometriosis.

The aging of the women population as well as widespread use of the ultrasound leads to an increased detection of abnormal endometrial characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the value of three-dimensional ultrasound viewing options: multi-planar view (MPV) and volume contrast imaging (VCI) in the endometrial evaluation. 147 women, referred for endometrial sampling, because of bleeding or an abnormal endometrial two-dimensional ultrasound image were enrolled in the study. Before dilation and curettage, all patients underwent three-dimension ultrasound scans for endometrial thickness measurements and endometrial-myometrial junction assessment. Ultrasound results and the presence of abnormal vaginal bleeding were compared with pathological diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value for abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular endometrial-myometrial junction and endometrial thickness were established. Logistic regression model was used to assessed the relationship between the characteristics and the incidence of endometrial pathology. For each of the independent variables odds ratios were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity of the endometrial thickness cut-off 11 mm were 73.8%, 74.4%, for 10.5 mm 76.2%, 69.8% respectively. The irregular endometrial-myometrial junction reached 70.5% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Odds ratios for 10,5 mm cu-off value of the endometrial thickening and irregular E-M junction were calculated: 4.10 [95% CI: 1.14-14.74] and 36.07 [95% CI: 7.10-183.27]. The negative predictive value of any of these parameters did not exceed 70%. The combination of 3D ultrasound parameters and the occurrence of abnormal vaginal bleeding has reached only 53% sensitivity. In the case of connection of two of these three indices, increased sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 82.4%. In an unselected group of women in terms of menopausal status and symptoms endometrial thickness measured and the evaluation of endometrial-myometrial junction using 3D ultrasound is less value in predicting the occurrence of endometrial cancer than in 2D and the endometrial volume calculation.

Cytostatic drugs extravasation is the serious side effect of chemotherapy. It may lead to health-threatening complications as well as to impairment of cancer patients quality of life. Prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly reduce the consequences of extravasation. Training of medical staff and patients education have enormous importance on this point.

to assess the incidence of HPV -DNA in women with ASC/AGC compared to patients with normal Pap smears.The study group consisted of 242 women (207 ASC and 35 AGC cases). The control group counted 200 age-matched women with negative Pap smears. Cervical samples collected from all the participants were tested for the presence of HPV-DNA using the Hybrid Capture-2 test.Total HPV infection was significantly higher in the study than in the control group (43.0% vs.14.0%) (p=0.005). There was no difference in the incidence of HPV -DNA between ASC and AGC groups. Prevalence of HPV-DNA ASC-H was significantly higher in ASC-US group (83.3% vs. 40.5%) (p=0.004). HPV positive endometrial AGC significantly outnumbered HPV positive endocervical AGC (88.9% vs. 26.9%) (p=0.003). Similar trends were observed for the high-risk type of HPV (p0.001).The significant difference in HPV -DNA incidence between the study and control groups suggests that HPV plays a role in the development of ASC and AGC. The implementation of HPV testing in all women diagnosed with ASC or AGC can lead to tailored therapeutic management and more careful follow-up care.

To predict the 1-step complete resection rate after transrectal ultrasound-guided hysteroscopic myomectomy and to determine the usefulness of intraoperative transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in monitoring hysteroscopic electroresection of submucosal myomas.Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).University hospital.One hundred twenty women with symptomatic (abnormal uterine bleeding or reproductive disorder), single, submucosal myomas underwent hysteroscopic electroresection. Groups 1 and 2 were monitored, respectively, with or without TRUS. Anatomical inclusion criteria were myoma ≤5 cm and myometrial free margin ≥3 mm above the myoma.Myomas were evaluated preoperatively via sonohysterograpy and were graded according to the guidelines outlined by the European Society of Hysteroscopy (ESH), including size and myometrial free margin, and according to the STEPW (size, topography, extension, penetration, and lateral wall) classification. On the basis of sonographic findings, patients with myomas3 cm received gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy for 1 to 3 months. Hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed with or without TRUS guidance. At 4 to 8 weeks after the initial procedure, postoperative transvaginal ultrasonography, sonohysterography, or second-look hysteroscopy was performed.In the TRUS group, a significantly higher percentage of 1-step complete resections was observed than in the group without TRUS (91% vs 73%) (p = .02). This was associated with a statistically significant difference in the subgroups of myomas that were deeply penetrating into the myometrium (89% vs 55%) (p.01). One-way logistic analysis of data for all treated patients indicated the use of TRUS, as well as the ESH and STEPW classifications, as significant factors influencing the 1-step complete resection. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, use of TRUS (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; p.001), myomas graded 0 or 1 according to ESH (OR, 3.55; p.001), and size3 cm (OR, 2.35; p.05) were significantly associated with 1-step complete resection (area under the curve, 0.80; p.001). In the TRUS group there were two significant predictors: size3 cm (OR = 5.21; p.05) and myometrial free margin5 mm (OR, 0.18; p.05).Intraoperative use of TRUS during hysteroscopic myomectomy increases the chance of complete 1-step removal of submucosal myomas that deeply penetrate the myometrium.

The aim of this paper is the evaluation of colposcopy and mRNA E6/E7 HPV detection--as the marker of persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in the triage of abnormal Pap smears and in the assessment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progression risk. The clinical material consisted of 85 women, participating the national cervical cancer screening in the period of April 2010, and October 2010, reffered to the Outpatient Clinic of Gynecologic Oncology and Female Genital Tract Neoplasms Prophylaxy of the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland. All subjects were offered gynecological evaluation, Pap smear, colposcopy, DNA HPV (Hybrid Capture2, Qiagen) and mRNA E6/E7 testing (NulciSens, Biomerieux). In case of positive tests colposcopically directed cervical biopsy with histopathologic evaluation were performed.The presence of mRNA E6/E7 HPV transcripts correlated with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, statistically significantly. There was statistically difference between colposcopic, histologic concordance comparing to mRNA E6/E7 HPV colposcopic histologic concordance (p0.001).The presence of mRNA E6/E7 HR HPV may be assumed as specific marker of high grade cervical lesions. The combination of mRNA E6/E7 HR HPV ewith colposcopic evaluation increases the colposcopy concordanece with final histologic findings.

The aim of the study was to determine to what extent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer surgery affect a woman's mental state and how does it affect her interpersonal relationships, sexual activity, family life, and her professional and social activity. The clinical material consisted of 153 women aged 20 and 47, who were diagnosed and treated by the Chair of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków between 2006 and 2010, and were confirmed to have CIN3 and cervical carcinoma stage IA. An oryginally constructed survey form consisting of 108 questions and divided into 5 research stages was implemented. H.J. Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire, and Physical and Mental State Questionnaire KS-40.The diagnosis generated a change in the patients' self-images: prior to the diagnosis, 74.6% considered themselves to be completely healthy, whereas after the diagnosis was given 40.5% of respondents had the feeling of illness, and 33.3% of the moderately illness.The diagnosis of CIN and microinvasive cervical cancer, and surgical procedure, invokes a feeling of being unwell in a woman who previously felt completely healthy, and significantly impedes quality of life. The diagnostic-therapeutic management induces general anxiety, worry about preservation of the generative organ, sexual intercourse, fertility, changes in the dynamics of the family and in the professional field, as well as changes in interpersonal relationships.

Technological advances in the construction of sonographic devices and increasingly universal access to such tests considerably widens the range of diagnostic application of the sonographic examination. This situation also refers to pelvic organs prolapse. At present, sonographic sets used in everyday obstetrical-gynecological practice allow for insight into the structures forming the female pelvic floor, and the obtained images constitute a valuable addition to the physical examination. Positioning the sonographic transducer on a the perineum enables to visualize the three compartments of the female pelvis minor. After freezing the image, it is possible to assess the position of anatomical structures in relation to bones and designated surfaces, establish mutual distances and measure appropriate angles. Most information can be obtained in this manner within the range of the frontal compartment, whose damage is often linked with urinary incontinence. The examination standards developed so far, including the analysis of the quantitative parameters, greatly minimize the potential subjectivity of the assessment of the existing disorders. Apart from its low costs, the main value of the sonographic examination of the pelvic floor is the possibility to dynamically assess the changes in statics which take place during functional testing. Not only does it have a cognitive significance, but also it allows to adjust the scope of the surgical correction to the existing damages. Thus, indirectly it can contribute to the reduction of a number of subsequent remedial surgeries. Three-dimensional sonography allows to thoroughly examine the construction and functioning of the anal levators and to detect their possible damage. It is the trauma to these muscles--occurring, among others, during childbirth--that is one of the major causes of pelvic organs descent and prolapse in women. Sonographic examination also enables to visualize the artificial material, the use of which is increasingly frequent in the surgical treatment of pelvic organs prolapse. The remedial kits currently in use are not visible in classic X-ray examinations and CT however, they can be easily visualized by means of a sonographic test. This way it is possible to locate the positioned tapes or meshes and to establish their orientation towards the urethra, the bladder and the anus. It is also possible to observe the complications (e.g. hematomas) following the surgical procedures via the transvaginal access. Transperineal sonography is a relatively inexpensive method that may be performed in almost every ultrasonographic laboratory Its value, approaching the MRI diagnostic value in the assessment of the pelvic floor defects and its low cost, place ultrasonography on the first place among the methods of imaging the pelvic and uro-genital diaphragm. The results of diagnostics of pelvic organs prolapse obtained by placing the sonographic head on the patient's perineum may also help in establishing the changes of the support apparatus for the uterus and the vagina, bladder urethra and perineum during functional testing and, thus, to verify the clinically established degree of the prolapse. It seems, also, that this method may be used during peri-urethral injections of specific substances and post-application follow-up, an increasingly frequently employed method of urinary incontinence treatment.

Study Objective To estimate the diagnostic accuracy and to compare the diagnostic value of 3-dimensional sonohysterography (3D-SIS), 3-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D-TVS), 2-dimensional sonohysterography (2D-SIS), and 2-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (2D-TVS) (initial and expert diagnosis) in the differential diagnosis of septate, bicornuate, and arcuate uteri. Design Prospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force II-2). Setting University hospital and private hospital and clinic. Patients A total of 117 women with a history of recurrent abortions or infertility and a 2D-TVS initial diagnosis of a septate, bicornuate, or arcuate uterus. Interventions Expert 2D-TVS, 3D-TVS, 2D-SIS, and 3D-SIS performed by experienced examiners and hysteroscopy with laparoscopy to establish the final diagnosis. Measurements and Main Results Hysteroscopy performed in conjunction with laparoscopy (HL) detected 23 arcuate, 60 septate, 22 bicornuate, and 12 normal uteri. 3D-SIS showed perfect diagnostic accuracy (100.0%) in general detection of uterine abnormalities, compared with initial 2D-TVS (77.8%), expert 2D-TVS (90.6%), 2D-SIS (94.0%), and 3D-TVS (97.4%). In the overall diagnosis of uterine anomalies, all of the diagnostic methods had statistically significantly better diagnostic value than initial 2D-TVS (p Conclusions Although 3D-SIS was identical to HL, with the highest accuracy, there was no significant difference in diagnostic value between 3D-TVS with 2D-SIS and 3D-SIS or between expert 2D-TVS and 3D-TVS with 2D-SIS. The high diagnostic value of these ultrasonographic tools questions the need for endoscopy in the differential diagnosis of the most common congenital uterine anomalies.

The vascular systems of epicolic and paracolic lymph nodes located in the vicinity of colon tumors resected from three patients were investigated by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy. Large vessels entered the nodes either at one site, not always corresponding with the anatomical hilus, or at 2–4 sites located along their perimeters. In the cortical zone of most examined nodes, the location of lymphoid nodules was marked by rosette-like capillary arrays drained by peripheral arcuate venules. The paracortex and medulla showed a dense capillary network with areas of tortuous capillaries, sometimes forming glomerular arrays suggesting nonsprouting angiogenesis by capillary elongation. Venules were abundant, especially in the paracortex and medulla, but high endothelial venules showing characteristic imprints of bulging endothelial cells in the casts were very rarely observed. Focal angiogenesis, abundance of venules and scarcity of high endothelial venules could result from remodeling of blood vessels induced by the tumor.

Actinomycosis is a rare infectious inflammatory disease caused by the bacteria of the Actinomyces species. Infection occurs following damage to the skin or mucous membrane. This report presents a case of a 50-year-old female patient with subfebrile temperature, weight loss and pain, who used to have an intrauterine device. Masses suggestive of an advanced cancer were detected in her pelvis and abdominal cavity. A diagnosis of actinomycosis was made after histopathological examination of the tissue sample.

The initial draining lymph node for a primary tumor is referred to as the "sentinel" node. Firstly adopted in the management of patients with cutaneous melanoma and breast cancer, it is now widely tested in cervical cancer. In patients with cervical cancer, lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor for survival. In patients with cervical cancer FIGO stage I and II pelvic lymph node metastases are expected in 0-16 and 24.5-31% and para-aortic lymph node metastases are expected in 0-22 and 11-19% of patients. The removal of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes is essential for assessing the biology of the disease. Lymphoscintigraphy enables the visualisation of lymphatic drainage patterns from a great variety of tumour sites prior to surgery. Therefore, the current procedure is to perform the pre-operative mapping of sentinel nodes by static and/or dynamic lymphoscintigraphy, followed by in vivo identification using a gamma detection probe and selective surgical resection.Between 2001-2003, 37 patients with cervical cancer FIGO stage I-IIa were seemed to be qualified to undergo lymphoscintigraphy. The day before surgery (99m)Tc-nanocolloid (100 MBq; 0.5-1.0 ml in volume) was applied in each quadrant of the cervix or around the tumor. The static scintigraphic scans were performed after 2 hours p.i. using a dual-head large-field-of-view Siemens gamma-camera equipped with high resolution collimators. SNs were identified intra-operatively using a handheld gamma detection probe (Navigator GPS-Tyco) and intra-operative lymphatic mapping with blue dye. After a resection of the SNs, a standard radical hysterectomy with pelvic and low para-aortic lymph node dissection was performed. Tumor characteristics were compared with sentinel node detection and with the histopathological and immunohistochemical results.The scintigraphy showed a focal uptake in 35 of the 37 patients. In all women one or more sentinel lymph nodes were identified intra-operatively. Of them, 24 patients had those located bilaterally. Histologically positive SNs were found in 5 women (13.5%).A combination pre-operatively administered radioactively labelled albumin with blue dye allows the successful detection of SN in patient with cervical cancer. This technique will result in a real advance in the less aggressive management of patients with early stage cervical cancer. Sentinel lymph node status may be representative of the pelvic lymph nodes status in cervical cancer and thus could provide important information for further treatment.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is regarded as one of mammary tissue proliferative factors. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) limits the IGF-I binding potential to its receptor. That limits the IGF-I bioavailability. Recently experimental studies indicated that insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) might have their own biological actions beyond their ability to regulate insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Our earlier results showed the progesterone-induced rise in hGH and IGF secretion by human breast cancer explants.To determine the ability of progesterone to stimulate simultaneous local IGF-I and IGFBP-3 secretion by non-malignant and malignant mammary tissue collected from different receptor phenotype tumours.Explants from the tumour and surrounding normal non-malignant tissue were obtained during surging. Breast cancer explants were defined as: ER+ PR+; ER-PR-; ER+ PR-; and ER-PR+. Part of the explants was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for steroid receptor determination by immunohistochemistry. Other parts were cut into small pieces, weight and cultured in Parker medium (M199) supplemented with 5% of calf serum at 37 degrees C in an atmosphere containing 5% CO2 for 48 hours in control medium or with the addition of progesterone (10-7 M). Later media were collected for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentration analysis.Progesterone increased (p0.01) IGFBP-3/IGF-I index in ER(-)PR(-) non-malignant tissue and decreased the IGFBP-3/IGF-I index in ER(-)PR(+), ER(+)PR(-) non-malignant explants. That increased the IGF-I bioavailability. Breast malignant explants showed the progesterone induced IGFBP-3/IGF-I index decrease. The decrease was most evident (p0.01) in malignant explants expressing progesterone receptor.Progesterone increased local IGF-I bioavailability in malignant breast tissue. That phenomenon depended on steroid receptor phenotype of breast tissue and was most evident in tissue expressing progesterone receptor. In non-malignant tissue that phenomenon was also found in estrogen receptor expressing tissue. Lack of steroid receptor expression in breast explants reversed that phenomenon.

Validity of the sentinel node concept in patients with cervical, endometrial and vulvar cancer.47 cases of FIGO stage I and II cervical cancer, 33 cases of first clinical stage of endometrial cancer and 37 patients with FIGO stage I and II of vulvar cancer. In cervical and vulvar cancer preoperative lymphoscyntygraphy and intraoperative lymphatic mapping with blue dye and handheld gamma probe were performed. In patients with endometrial cancer intraoperative lymphatic mapping with blue dye injected into the cervix and into the uterine corpus subserously were done. In the last 10 cases radiolabeled nannocolloid were administered and the patients underwent preoperative lymphoscyntygraphy and intraoperative radio detection of sentinel node. Sentinel nodes were labeled as blue, radioactive, or blue/radioactive.In cervical cancer sensitivity of the dye and radiocolloid methods was 94%, specificity 100% and negative predictive value 97%. Out of 33 cases of endometrial cancer sentinel node was identified in 29 (87.87%) patients. None of women with histological negative sentinel node had metastases in the rest of lymph nodes resected. Sentinel node was detected in all cases of vulvar cancer. The status of sentinel nodes were representative for all lymph node resected.Concept of sentinel node may be applied first of all for vulvar cancer and also for cervical and endometrial cancer.

Comparison of sonohysterography vs. outpatients diagnostic hysteroscopy in evaluation postmenopausal patient with persistent abnormal ultrasounds images after endometrial curettage revealed normal histological result.Material consisted of 47 postmenopausal women age 44-91 years, diagnosed because of abnormal uterine bleeding and/or suspicious endometrial ultrasonographic pictures performed a month after curettage. Patients were evaluated by diagnostic sonohysterography (without analgaesia) and outpatients diagnostic hysteroscopy (local analgaesia). Outcomes of sonohysterography and hysteroscopy were compared with results of histological examinations of specimen (hysteroscopical biopsy, hysteroscopical resection or hysterectomy). Sensitivity and specificity of two diagnostic methods were compared.Intrauterine cause of abnormal ultrasonographic picture was disclosed by sonohysterography in 35 (74.46%) cases. Suspicious of focal endometrial carcinoma in SIS was reported in 1 (2.12%) case. Sensitivity of SIS in relation to all pathology was 0.97, specificity 0.90. Sensitivity and specificity amounted in relation to: polyps 1.00 and 0.83, hyperplasia 0.84 and 0.95. There was no significant statistical differences in sensitivity and specificity between SIS and diagnostic hysteroscopy.Diagnostic hysteroscopy and sonohysterography have the same diagnostic potential in evaluation of endometrium. Both methods are useful in patient with unsuspected histological results of the specimens. Ultrasonographic pictures imitating endometrial carcinoma or endometrial hyperplasia in most cases are connected with endometrial polyp. Advantage of applying liquid medium in SIS seems surpass the risk of passage of cells of carcinoma to peritoneal cavity.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, primary used as an alternative to elective lymph node dissection in melanoma, is being applied successfully in management of patients with breast cancer. The aim of this method in breast cancer is to determine the presence of axillary node involvement while clinically normal axilla. The validity of the sentinel node concept in breast cancer is demonstrated in various studies. The results of identification rates, sensitivity, overall accuracy and false negative rate are so encouraging in most publications, as to implement this concept to every-day surgical practice. There is lack, however, of many fundamental answers pertaining relationship between tumor-size and the results of SLN Biopsy or related surgical standards.36 females at the age 33-66, with breast cancer underwent primary surgical treatment with SLN Biopsy in Department of Gynaecology and Oncology Jagiellonian University between 2001-2002. The study inclusion criteria were tumour size-T1, T2. The day before surgery the static scanning was performed after injection of Tc radiolabelled nannocolloid. SLN(s) were identified intraoperatively using a handheld gamma detection probe (Navigator GPS) and intraoperative lymphatic mapping with blue dye (Patent Blau V). After localization and excision of SLN(s), axillary's lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed.In 34 patients SLN Biopsy revealed accumulation of the tracer in axilla, which was classified as SLN. Detection rate was 94.4% (34/36). Overall sensitivity of the procedure was 81%, whereas negative predictive value 92%. False negative rate was 2.2%. Detection rate for T1 tumors was 100% (15/15 cases), and for T2 tumors was 90.4% (19/21 cases). Sensitivity for tumor classified as T1 was 100% (3/3 cases), whereas for tumor T2 was 75% (6/8 cases).SLN Biopsy seems to be very interesting alternative to ALND in patients with small tumor's dimension.

Outcomes of treatment of habitual miscarriages and course of pregnancy and delivery in women after hysteroscopic metroplasty i.e. hysteroscopic resection of uterine septum.Material consisted of 31 women with uterine septum operated between years of 1995-2002 because of habitual miscarriage by surgical hysteroscopic technique. The control group consisted of 26 women treated between years of 1990-1997 by Strassman's operation. Outcomes of treatment of habitual abortions, course of pregnancy and delivery were analyzed in both groups. The statistical analysis was performed by Chi 2 test (p0.05).After such treatment 27 out of 31 hysteroscopic treated women became pregnant. In first pregnancy in 12 women miscarriages and in 3 cases premature delivery were observed. Twelve pregnant women delivered pregnancy till 37 week. 15 infants survived (3 premature baby). Out of 26 women in control group after Strassman's operation 24 became pregnant, but 12 had miscarried. All pregnancy in control group i.e. ten mature pregnancy and 2 during premature delivery were ended by Cesarean section. The efficacy of treatment of habitual miscarriage due to uterine septum by hysteroscopic surgery was 55.5%, and there was no statistical significant difference between hysteroscopic surgery and Strassman's operation (50.0%).On the basis of result obtained the hysteroscopic metroplasty should be method of choice in the treatment of the uterine septum. Although the vaginal delivery is preferred one should have in mind the late complications of hysteroscopic surgery.

The aim of this paper is the presentation of the latest opinions on the lymph node mapping and the sentinel node localization in the female genital organ neoplasm. The current strategies of lymph node resection in gynecologic oncology have been presented. The methods of lymph node staining and detection has been expounded as well. The paper also contains the results of sentinel node localization in the vulvar, cervical and endometrial cancers.

The aim of the study was determining the value of colposcopy, especially with computerised documentation of serial colposcopic pictures in diagnosis and therapeutic management of CIN and early cervical cancer in pregnant women.Material consisted of 96 pregnant women aged 26-45 with CIN and Ca IA. Patients were diagnosed and treated between 1990-1999. There were performed colposcopic examinations, cytology and histological evaluation of colposcopy directed specimen. Lately colposcopic pictures were stored as graphic files by camera connected to PC.The positive correlation between colposcopy and histology was established in 86 women (89.9%) and between cytology and histology in 76 women (79.2%). Progression of CIN and Ca IA was noted in 8 women (8.3%).Colposcopy, especially computerised colposcopy enables cervical lesion evaluation in pregnant women and thus enables proper therapeutic management.

Although ovarian tumors are rare in pregnancy, they constitute a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.The aim of the study was to describe pathomorphological and clinical characteristic of ovarian tumor in pregnancy and to review the effects of diagnostics and treatment.The study included 76 pregnant women treated due to ovarian tumors at Department of Gynaecology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian University. The age of patients range from 18 to 41 years (mean age 26 years). Diameter of each tumor was more then 5 cm.The symptoms of the tumors occurred in 25% of patients. Most of them were unilateral (96.05% cases). In 88.16% of cases the tumor diameter did not exceeded 10 cm. 71.05% of tumors were detected in first trimester of pregnancy. More then 50% of cystic tumors, that had not been surgically treated directly after detection disappeared during observation. Most common histological type of operated tumors were teratoma adultum (50%) and corpus luteum cyst. The malignant tumor of ovary was detected in 3.12% of cases. Spontaneous abortion after surgical treatment occurred in one patient after, emergency operation due to tumor torsion.Most of the ovarian tumors in pregnancy were benign. Incidence of ovarian malignancies in pregnancy did not exceed 4%. More then 50% of tumors that had not been removed directly after detection disappeared in the course of observation. Spontaneous abortion after operation rarely complicated surgical treatment.

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional sonohysterography (3D-SIS) and office hysteroscopy in uterine cavity assessment after hysteroscopic metroplasty (HM) and determine the interrater/intrarater agreement for 3D-SIS.Prospective observational study.University hospital, private hospital, and clinic.One hundred forty-one women undergoing HM for septate uterus with a history of miscarriage and/or infertility.3D-SIS and office hysteroscopy at 6-8 weeks after HM.Shape of the uterine cavity, length of the fundal notch (≥1 or1 cm), and the presence of intrauterine adhesions were assessed, and the interrater/intrarater agreement of 3D-SIS was evaluated in 30 randomly selected patients.Uterine abnormalities were detected with the use of hysteroscopy in 18 (12.8%) of 141 women. 3D-SIS was highly accurate (97.2%), sensitive (97%), and specific (100%), with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 85%. The diagnostic values of hysteroscopy and 3D-SIS were not significantly different (McNemar test). 3D-SIS showed substantial interrater/intrarater agreement regarding overall uterine cavity evaluation (κ = 0.79 and 0.78, respectively).3D-SIS demonstrated substantial interrater/intrarater agreement for the postoperative evaluation of the uterine cavity, being as diagnostically accurate as hysteroscopy. The use of second-look hysteroscopy may be limited to cases that require reoperation.

The injection method was used to study the origin and variability of the blood vessels forming the extraorganic vascular system of the adrenal glands. Studies were carried out on 40 human fetuses of a crown-rump length between 113 and 280 mm (14 to 28 weeks of fetal age). It was proved that the arterial blood supply during the fetal period is extremely variable in both the origin and the number of adrenal arteries, as well as in the asymmetry of the blood supply between the left and right adrenal glands. The three main origins of the suprarenal arteries are from the inferior phrenic artery, the abdominal aorta and the renal artery. The inferior phrenic artery is the main one supplying the suprarenal glands during the fetal period. A characteristic feature of the extraorganic venous system in fetal adrenal glands is the constant presence of the adrenal vein, including number, orifice and the main tributaries.

Summary Background The concept of sentinel node biopsy has been widely invastigated in various malignant tumoures and has become a standard method in such neoplastic diseases as penile cancer or melanoma. In tumours, where the lymphatic flow is more complicated and difficult to analyze, this concept still needs to be verified. Aim The aim of this paper is to present the validity of the above concept in sentinel node detection in vulvar, cervical and endometrial cancers. Materials/Methods Sentinel node detection was performed in 127 women with gynaecological malignances; 39 patients with vulvar cancer, 52 patients with cervical cancer and 36 patients with endometrial cancer. In sentinel node detection we used radioisotopes and a dye technique. After sentinel node dissection, in all cases, radical surgery with systemic lymphadenectomy was performed. The number and localization of the nodes classified as sentinel nodes were analyzed. Results The identification rate for sentinel node detection was 97.4% in vulvar cancer, 96.2% in cervical cancer and 88.9% in endometrial cancer. The sensitivity in this procedures was 100.0% in vulvar cancer, 94.0% in cervical cancer and 87.9% in endometrial cancer. Negative predictive value was 96.2% for vulvar cancer, 97.0% for cervical cancer and 100.0% for endometrial cancer. Conclusions The concept of sentinel node detection in gynaecological malignances requires more clinical date for its validation, but outcomes in vulvar cancer seem to be potentially most promising.