The latest TNM and FIGO staging for Ovarian Cancer has been discussed earlier here. Here, we will discuss pathology of ovarian tumors in short and in a way thats easy to grasp. WHO Classification of Ovarian Tumors Cells of origin Surface coelomic epithelium Germ cells Sex cord, stromal cells Metastatic…
Category: PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS
Medical knowledge in bullet points with understandable language, simplified images and graspable mnemonics.
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Ascitic Fluid Analysis : How to come to diagnosis?
We have already discussed about the practical essentials about Ascitic Paracentesis including absolute contraindications, site of needle entry and appropriate volume replacement. Laboratory analysis of ascitic fluid may provide answers to important clinical questions, as its composition varies depending on the underlying cause. Gross Special test WBC (/mm³) – most useful PMN…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Hemolytic Anemia – Quick review
Although, we classify as intravascular and extravascular hemolysis, “diseases” don’t read the book. These disorders may be described as causing extravascular hemolysis, but your case may be the uncommon exception with intravascular hemolysis that was not mentioned. Diseases may cause anemia by both intravascular and extravascular hemolysis. Extravascular hemolysis typically…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Understanding Red cell indices
Rule of 3s The measured hemoglobin concentration is 3 times the RBC count, and the calculated hematocrit is 3 times the Hb level. A significant deviation means artifacts in the value estimated or the RBCs are smaller or larger than the normal. HCt = 3 X Hb RBC count =…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Interpreting Hepatitis B Serology in 5 Easy steps
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Appears during incubation period (1-6 months), 2-7 weeks prior to symptoms. Peaks when the patient is most ill. Becomes undetectable in 3-6 months. Indicates infection – recent or chronic. Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs or HBsAb) Arises once the acute disease has resolved. Sometimes, not…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Understanding Dexamethasone Suppression Test
The Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) is based on the principle of negative feedback exerted by steroids on pituitary gland’s ACTH secretion. Negative feedback with exogenous steroid works if the cause is excessive ACTH secretion from pituitary: 1. Cushing’s disease (pituitary ACTH dependent Cushing’s syndrome): Excessive ACTH secretion by pituitary adenoma…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) – Quick Review
This article is in response to the request made by a reader in the comment section. Today, we will try to simplify the biliary tree cancers. Classification of Cholangiocarcinoma Second-order bile ducts act as the separation point between intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. A. Inhtrahepatic – 10 to 20% B. Extrahepatic…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Most Important Urinary Buffer: Phosphate or Ammonia?
There are multiple choice questions (mcq) which asks: What is the most important urinary buffer? And the choices include both the phosphate and ammonia. Different textbooks on physiology and biochemistry have different opinions. Some say that the most important is Phosphate and the others say Ammonia is more important. So,…