Placental site trophoblastic tumour beyond the reproductive years: A rare cause of postmenopausal bleeding (2026)

Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Kabra S.; *Alayande G.; *Malik N.

Citation:

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conference: BGCS 2026 Book of Abstracts. Bristol United Kingdom. 133(Supplement 2) (pp S44-S45), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2026.

Abstract:

Background: Placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) is a rare subtype of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia arising from intermediate trophoblastic cells at the placental implantation site. It typically occurs in women of reproductive age following a prior pregnancy, although rare cases have been reported in perimenopausal and menopausal women. A UK population-based study reported only 75 cases over a 21-year period. Objective(s): To report a rare presentation of PSTT in a menopausal woman. Method(s): Case report and literature review. Result(s): A 46-year-old woman presented with heavy vaginal bleeding after two years of amenorrhoea. Her last pregnancy was a term caesarean section three years previously. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a postmenopausal endometrial thickness of 6 mm, and she was referred through the urgent suspected cancer pathway. Diagnostic hysteroscopy was attempted but abandoned due to poor visualisation from active bleeding. Pipelle endometrial biopsy revealed an infiltrative lesion composed of intermediate trophoblastic cells with immunohistochemistry positive for AE1/AE3 and human placental lactogen (hPL), consistent with PSTT. MRI pelvis demonstrated a 3 cm lesion involving the anterior myometrium extending into the endometrial cavity. Staging CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis showed no distant metastasis. Following multidisciplinary discussion with the regional gestational trophoblastic disease centre, hysterectomy was recommended as definitive treatment. Conclusion(s): PSTT is a rare but important differential diagnosis for postmenopausal bleeding. Early histopathological diagnosis, appropriate imaging and multidisciplinary management are essential for optimal outcomes.

DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70281

Beyond virilisation: Two non-functional ovarian steroid cell tumours and a critical review of the literature (2026)

Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Huda N.-U.; *Chai A.C.; *Sahu B.

Citation:

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conference: BGCS 2026 Book of Abstracts. Bristol United Kingdom. 133(Supplement 2) (pp S40-S41), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2026.

Abstract:

Background: Ovarian steroid cell tumours (SCTs) are rare sex cord-stromal neoplasms (<0.1% of ovarian tumours). Most secrete androgens causing virilisation, but up to 40% are nonfunctional and discovered incidentally. Their variable presentation and overlapping histology make diagnosis challenging. Objective(s): To describe two cases of non-virilising ovarian SCTs managed at our institution, review their management, and contextualise findings within the current literature. Method(s): We report two patients diagnosed with nonfunctional ovarian SCTs. Case 1: a 77-year-old woman with an incidental left ovarian mass; Case 2: a 56-year-old woman presenting with postmenopausal bleeding and right ovarian mass. Both underwent surgical excision. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (inhibin, calretinin, Melan-A) confirmed diagnosis. Patients were followed with imaging, tumour markers, and hormonal assays. A literature review of major series and molecular insights was conducted.
Result(s): Case 1 had a large (16 x 10 cm) left-sided tumour, FIGO stage IA, with no malignant features. Case 2 had a smaller (5.5 x 4 cm) right-sided tumour, FIGO stage IC2, with capsular invasion. Both patients had uneventful recoveries and remain recurrence-free on long-term surveillance. Literature review highlights the heterogeneity of SCTs, with non-functional tumours comprising ~40% of cases, generally presenting at early stages, and showing favourable outcomes with surgery alone. Histologic predictors of malignancy include tumour size >= 7 cm, mitotic activity, necrosis, and atypia. Molecular data suggest potential links with VHL, FH, and APC mutations, but prognostic markers remain limited. Conclusion(s): Non-functional ovarian SCTs may present incidentally and are often cured with surgery. Accurate diagnosis relies on histology and immunohistochemistry, and lifelong follow-up is recommended due to unpredictable malignant potential.

DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70281

Audit on the recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer in secondary care: Compliance with NICE CG122 & QS18 (2026)

Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Huda N.-U.; *Sahu B.

Citation:

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conference: BGCS 2026 Book of Abstracts. Bristol United Kingdom. 133(Supplement 2) (pp S41), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2026.

Abstract:

Background: Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to non-specific early symptoms. NICE Clinical Guideline CG122 and Quality Standard QS18 provide recommendations for timely recognition, investigation, and referral. Objective(s): To evaluate whether women presenting with symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer were investigated and managed in accordance with NICE CG122 and QS18 in our NHS Trust. Method(s): A retrospective audit was conducted on 20 women referred to the gynaecology department with suspected ovarian malignancy. Data collected included age, tumour markers (CA125), risk of malignancy index (RMI), imaging, tissue diagnosis, chemotherapy decisions, tertiary care involvement, and access to support services. Result(s): Most patients (95%) were over 40 years old. Advanced-stage disease was present in 65% of cases. Compliance with tumour marker testing and imaging was generally high, but RMI calculation and referral documentation were inconsistent. Ninety percent of advanced-stage patients had tissue diagnosis prior to chemotherapy. Definitive surgery was mainly performed in tertiary centres. Support needs were not routinely identified, and trial participation was limited. Delays in investigations and referral were noted in a minority of cases, and atypical presentations posed diagnostic challenges. Documentation regarding lymph node assessment during staging was incomplete. Recommendations: Enhance patient flagging to support services, provide targeted clinician education on NICE guidelines, and share audit feedback with tertiary partners. Conclusion(s): While most patients received appropriate investigations and referral, improvements are needed in early recognition, documentation, and holistic care planning. Ongoing audit and education are essential to optimise adherence to guidelines and improve outcomes in ovarian cancer management.

DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70281

Management of post-menopausal women who are high-risk HPV positive with normal, borderline, or mildly dyskaryotic cytology and unsatisfactory colposcopy (2026)

Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

Stout A.; *Sutherland D.; China S.; Byrom J.

Citation:

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conference: BGCS 2026 Book of Abstracts. Bristol United Kingdom. 133(Supplement 2) (pp S80-S81), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2026.

Abstract:

Background: Unsatisfactory colposcopy is common, occurring in 10-20% of women. Post-menopausal women who are high-risk HPV positive with normal, borderline, or mildly dyskaryotic cytology and unsatisfactory colposcopy represent an increasing management dilemma. Currently, there is no guideline for this group. Management among UK colposcopists is thought to vary. Objective(s): Our survey aimed to collate opinions of BSCCP members regarding management of this patient group, and identify a consensus opinion. We sought to compare trends with a similar survey conducted in 2018, following the introduction of primary HPV screening. Method(s): All BSCCP members were invited to complete an online survey conducted between 29/01/2026 and 05/03/2026. Result(s): We received 141 responses from medical and nursing colposcopists, the majority being experienced practitioners. Management strategies varied considerably. 60.7% would perform see-and-treat LLETZ in all or high-risk patients, while 17.9% would never offer treatment at first review. If histology was not obtained initially, 52.9% recommended repeat cytology and colposcopy at 12 months. For persistent disease >24 months, 52.2% recommended LLETZ, with an additional 45.6% considering treatment based on patient preference or risk factors. Hysterectomy was offered by 84.9% in persistent cases with risk factors or on request. Compared with 2018, see-and-treat LLETZ was more common, follow-up intervals were longer, and MDT discussion less frequent. Conclusion(s): Practice among UK colposcopists in this patient group remains variable, and demand for national guidance is high. Our survey demonstrated variety in practise on initial presentation, with a preference for excisional treatment or hysterectomy in cases of persistent disease.

DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70281

Variation in antenatal anaemia guidelines across the NHS in the United Kingdom: A cross-sectional study (2026)

Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Haynes S.; Balboula I.; Collins P.; *Parry-Smith W.; Fye H.; *Elsmore A.; Collis R.; De Lloyd L.; Churchill D.; Bell S.F.; Stanworth S.J.

Citation:

British Journal of Haematology. (no pagination), 2026. Date of Publication: 2026. [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:

Antenatal anaemia affects up to 30% of pregnant women in the United Kingdom and is a recognised clinical priority. National management guidance is published by the British Society of Haematology (BSH), but the extent to which local National Health Service (NHS) guidelines align with it is unknown. We conducted a cross-sectional document analysis of antenatal anaemia guidelines from 49 NHS sites across the United Kingdom, obtained through two national research programmes. Two reviewers independently extracted data on screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, using the 2020 BSH guideline as the national reference standard. The included guidelines represented approximately 33% of annual UK births. Screening and diagnostic haemoglobin thresholds were broadly consistent with BSH guidance, whereas substantial variation was concentrated in treatment and monitoring: oral iron indications, dosing and duration; haemoglobin thresholds and clinical criteria for intravenous iron; and the timing, biomarkers and response definitions used after treatment. Ferritin thresholds, reassessment intervals and response criteria were frequently absent or divergent. Variation was greatest in domains where the underlying evidence base is least resolved. These findings characterise the nature and extent of guideline-level variation across NHS maternity care and identify priority areas for future research and national guideline development.

DOI: 10.1111/bjh.70780

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]

Temporal Trends and Demographic and Geographic Disparities in Stroke Mortality Among US Adults Aged 25-64 Years (1999-2020): A CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) Analysis (2026)

Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Farahmandian, Ronit; Kananyan, Mariam; Alonso, Jorge E; Saro-Naenwi, Naomi; Ajibade, Tolulope; Kaurani, Purvi; Gudapati, Vamsi Krishna; Gomez-Sauceda, E Lucano; Clarke, Cleve; Arra, Srihitha; Imam, Bashir; *Gupta, Anchal R; Makkieh, Yahya.

Citation:

Cureus. 18(8):e113934, 2026 Aug.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Stroke remains a major contributor to mortality in the United States. Understanding long-term temporal changes and demographic and geographic disparities in stroke mortality is essential for identifying high-risk populations and guiding targeted prevention strategies.

METHODS: This retrospective observational study analyzed stroke mortality among US adults aged 25-64 years from 1999 to 2020 using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. Deaths with stroke recorded as the underlying cause were identified using International Classification of
Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes I60-I64 and were analyzed collectively as overall stroke mortality. Age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 population were assessed overall and stratified by sex, race, US Census region, and urbanization level. Joinpoint regression was used to identify temporal changes and estimate the annual percent change (APC) for each temporal segment and the average annual percent change (AAPC) across the complete study period.

RESULTS: A total of 382,253 stroke deaths were identified. The overall age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) decreased significantly from 1999 to 2012 (APC, -2.41%; 95% CI, -2.77 to -2.21), remained statistically unchanged from 2012 to 2018, and increased significantly from 2018 to 2020 (APC, 4.36%; 95% CI, 1.51 to 6.06). The full-period AAPC was -1.23% (95% CI, -1.42 to -1.11). Men had higher AAMRs than women and experienced a significant increase during 2018-2020. Black or African American adults had the highest race-specific AAMR, the South had the highest regional AAMR, and noncore counties had the highest urbanization-specific AAMR. Full-period AAPCs were significantly negative across all examined subgroups; however, significant later-period increases occurred among men, American Indian or Alaska Native adults, White adults, residents of the
West, large fringe metropolitan counties, and noncore counties.

CONCLUSION: Premature stroke mortality declined substantially over the complete study period, but progress was uneven across demographic and geographic groups. Persistently elevated mortality and recent reversals in selected populations highlight the need for targeted prevention and continued surveillance.

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.113934

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]

Hub Optimisation Week (2026)

Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Rebekah Tudor

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, June 2026

SMART Aim:

Improve elective theatre performance during GIRFT Optimisation Week (11–15 May 2026) by increasing cases per list, reducing cancellations to <4%, minimising delays in start times, and achieving >85% utilisation, while measuring additional patients treated.

Link to PDF poster

Improving the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Induction Process (2026)

Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Alessandra Fraser-Pye, *Isabel Barber-Chavez, *Emily Drage

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, May 2026

SMART Aim:

Improve the induction process for Obstetric & Gynaecology for medical colleagues by the 31st May 2026 as evidenced by an increase in self rated job confidence via a survey of the Tier 1 doctors.

Link to PDF poster

Improving the Quality of Referrals to the Therapies Teams in Acute Medicine (2026)

Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Nikita Gore

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, May 2026

SMART Aim:

To increase the percentage of referrals to the therapy department from the Acute Floor that include a reason for referrals by 30% by 29th May 2026

Link to PDF poster