Abnormal Papanicolaou Test Results Research Articles

Race- and Age-Related Disparities in Cervical Cancer Mortality

Background: Although the incidence of cervical cancer among younger Black women is now equivalent to that of White women, it is unknown whether the reduced incidence has affected survival rates among younger Black women. The goal of this study was to assess differences in survival by age and race. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Cancer Database to analyze women with nonmetastatic cervical cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2014. Women with unknown survival data and those who died within 3 months of diagnosis were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated interactions between age and race (Black vs non-Black) for presentation with stage I disease and receipt of optimal treatment. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to evaluate survival differences by age and race. Results: Of 55,659 women included, 16.4% were Black. Compared with their non-Black counterparts, fewer Black women presented with stage I disease (37.8% vs 47.8%; P<.01) and received optimal treatment (46.2% vs 58.3%; P<.01). Fewer Black women had private insurance if they were aged <65 years (39.6% vs 55.7%; P<.01), but not if they were aged ≥65 years (11.7% vs 12.4%; P=.43). According to multivariable logistic regression, Black women aged ≤39 years were less likely to present with stage I disease, with a significant interaction term between age and race (P<.01 for interaction). Disparities in overall survival by race were greatest for Black women aged ≤39 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.20–1.46; P<.01) but decreased with increasing age interval until no disparity was noted for women aged ≥65 years (P<.01 for interaction). Conclusions: Younger Black women with cervical cancer are at risk for presenting with higher-stage disease and having worse overall survival. These findings may be related to insurance-related disparities and inadequate follow-up for abnormal Papanicolaou test results. Younger Black women with cervical cancer may be a particularly vulnerable population.

Koilocytic changes are not elicited by human papillomavirus genotypes with higher oncogenic potential.

Koilocytes are considered a common cytopathological effect in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Thus, we aimed to elucidate whether koilocytes are common to all HPV infections. Liquid-based cytology samples from 651 patients with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test results were used to analyze the presence of koilocytes and HPV genotype. HPV genotype was determined in complete liquid cytology samples and microdissected cell samples from Pap smear slides using the uniplex E6/E7 polymerase chain reaction method, which can detect 39 mucosal HPV genotypes. Koilocytes were found in 29.3% (191) of all patients. Logistical regression analysis of diverse HPV genotypes revealed that infections with low-risk HPV types (HPV-6b, HPV-40, HPV-42, HPV-61, HPV-74, HPV-89, and HPV-90), probably high-risk HPV types (HPV-53 and HPV-66), and high-risk types (HPV-39 and HPV-56) were significantly associated with the presence of koilocytes. However, HPV-16, HPV-18, and HPV-52, which have higher oncogenic potential, were not found to be associated with koilocytes. These results were confirmed by HPV genotyping using microdissected koilocytes in 27 patients.Most common high-risk types belonging to α-9 and α-7 genotypes appear to rarely induce koilocytic changes. Therefore, koilocytes may provide additional useful information for predicting the risk of progression to high-grade lesions.

A prospective study of treatments for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and fecundability

Treatments for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia remove precancerous cells from the cervix by excising or ablating the transformation zone. Most studies show no association between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treatments and fertility outcomes. However, only 2 studies have examined time to pregnancy, both using retrospective study designs, with 1 study showing no association and the other showing a 2-fold increased risk of infertility (time to pregnancy >12 months) following excisional or ablative treatment. We examined the association between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treatments and fecundability. We analyzed data from Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a prospective cohort study of North American pregnancy planners enrolled during 2013-2019. At baseline, women reported whether they ever had an abnormal Papanicolaou test result, the number of abnormal Papanicolaou test results, and their age at first abnormal Papanicolaou test result. They also reported whether they underwent diagnostic (colposcopy) or treatment (excisional or ablative) procedures, and their age at each procedure. We restricted analyses to 8017 women with 6 or fewer cycles of attempt time at enrollment who reported receiving a Papanicolaou test in the previous 3 years. We estimated fecundability ratios and 95% confidence intervals using proportional probabilities models adjusted for sociodemographics, healthcare use, smoking, number of sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted infections, and human papillomavirus vaccination. A history of abnormal Papanicolaou test results showed little association with fecundability (fecundability ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.06). Likewise, receipt of colposcopy or treatment procedures, and time since treatment were not materially associated with fecundability. Results were similar when stratified by age and smoking status. We observed no appreciable association of self-reported history of abnormal Papanicolaou test results, colposcopy, treatments for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or recency of treatment with fecundability. These results agree with the majority of previous studies in indicating little effect of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treatments on future fertility.

Incidence of abnormal cervical and vaginal cytology among women over age 65 years living with human immunodeficiency virus

Women with human immunodeficiency virus have higher rates of abnormal cervical and vaginal cytology and, subsequently, of cervical and vaginal cancers. Although professional bodies currently advocate for indefinite cytology screening for women living with human immunodeficiency virus, these recommendations are based on expert opinion, not evidence-based. In the general population, women who have never had an abnormal cytology result can cease screening at age 65 years. This is due to the relatively low incidence of dysplasia in this group and the risk of false-positive results as women age, invasive follow-up testing, and destructive treatments of lesions that are unlikely to progress to cancer. What is unclear, however, is how human immunodeficiency virus-infected women over age 65 years who have no history of abnormal cytology should be screened to maximize benefit while reducing harms of overscreening. This is a crucial question, as women over age 65 years who are living with human immunodeficiency virus comprise a rapidly growing population. To describe the incidence of abnormal cervical and vaginal cytology results in women over the age of 65 years living with human immunodeficiency virus, with the goal of providing evidence for screening recommendations. A retrospective chart review was performed, identifying 69 women who received gynecologic follow-up in a county hospital system in Houston, Texas, between 2000 and 2018 and who met study criteria. Incidence of abnormal cytology after age 65 was determined by analyzing all available cytology results after age 65. Demographic and clinical risk factors, including human immunodeficiency virus-specific clinical risk factors, were analyzed. Matched cervical and vaginal pathology results, if conducted, were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 15, including χ2 tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Estimates of the cumulative probability of developing an abnormal cytology result was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Among 69 women with no history of abnormal cervical cytology, 12 (17%) went on to develop abnormal cytology results, including 3 (4%) showing high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The incidence rate was 3.5 cases per 100 woman-years (95% confidence interval, 1.58, 7.81). No demographic or gynecologic characteristics were associated with abnormal cytology. A CD4 count of <200 at the time of human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis or at the time of cytology was associated with an abnormal Papanicolaou test result (P < .0001, P= .031). Of women with pathology results in the county hospital system (n= 8), 4 (50%) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia 2+. No women developed invasive cancer. However, 50% of women who had an abnormal Papanicolaou test result in the study period were lost to follow-up; outcomes for these patients are unknown. Given the relatively high proportion (4%) of women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+/vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ during the study period, we agree with current screening recommendations for continued routine Papanicolaou testing after the age of 65 years in women with human immunodeficiency virus. More evidence from larger studies is needed to solidify evidence-based screening recommendations in this unique and growing population.

Prevalence and Burden Related to Genital Warts in India.

The prevalence of genital warts (GW) and self-reported human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as disease-related psychosocial impact among male and female patients aged 18-60 years in India were assessed. GW prevalence was estimated using a 2-week daily log of patients examined from June 7-September 22, 2011 by 200 participating physicians in 6 regions of India. Psychosocial impact was estimated using one-time, self-administered surveys, including HPV Impact Profile (HIP), Cuestionario Específico para Condiloma Acuminado ([Spanish] CECA; "Specific questionnaire for Condylomata Acuminata") and EuroQol-5 Dimension survey. T-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for continuous comparisons and Chi-square or Fisher exact tests were applied for categorical comparisons. Overall GW prevalence in India was estimated at 1.07% (95% confidence interval = 0.97-1.17) and was higher among men than women. Regional prevalence ranged from high in Delhi (2.17%) to low in Bangalore (0.40%). Patients aged 25-29 years had the highest GW prevalence (1.42%). GW patients were most often newly diagnosed (74.07%). Among those with existing GW, 56.24% were recurrent, and 43.76% were resistant. According to total HIP scores, 55.4% of male GW patients and 20.0% of those without GW reported moderate psychological impact (p < 0.0001). HIP scores among women revealed that patients with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test results (34.3%), precancerous lesions (46.2%), external GW (48.0%), and those without HPV-related disease (18.5%) reported moderate psychological impact (p = 0.0089) (Psychosocial impact results are reported in the Supplementary Data ). Estimated national GW prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment costs in India were higher for men than for women. GW in men and HPV infection in women had a negative psychosocial impact on well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, especially among women diagnosed with GW and precancerous lesions compared to those with other selected HPV-related diseases. Despite its limitations, this study provides an estimation of GW data in India not previously available.

Can the careHPV test performed in mobile units replace cytology for screening in rural and remote areas?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing can be crucial for women who have limited access to traditional screening. The current study compared the results obtained through HPV DNA testing with those obtained through cytology-based screening. A total of 3068 women aged 18 to 85 years were enrolled in an opportunistic cervical cancer screening program developed by the Barretos Cancer Hospital and performed by a team of health professionals working within a mobile unit from March to December 2012, followed by statistical analyses. For each patient, 2 different cervical samples were collected and preserved in a careHPV assay and SurePath medium, respectively. High-risk HPV (hr-HPV) DNA was detected in 10.0% of women, with the majority (86.7%) demonstrating no abnormal Papanicolaou test results. The following cytological samples were found to be hr-HPV positive: 8.2% of the normal samples; 39.4% of the samples with atypical squamous/glandular cells of undetermined significance; 38.5% of the samples with atypical squamous/glandular cells of undetermined significance, cannot exclude high-grade lesion; 55.3% of the samples with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions; and 100% of the samples with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Colposcopy examinations were performed among 33.4% of the women with positive results on at least 1 of the tests (HPV DNA positive and/or cytology with atypical squamous/glandular cells of undetermined significance, cannot exclude high-grade lesion or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions), and 59.5% of these women underwent biopsies. Among these samples, 18.2% were confirmed as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The careHPV test was demonstrated to be a feasible alternative to primary screening in low-resource settings accessed through the use of mobile units. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:581-8. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Prevalence of Abnormal Papanicolaou Test Results and Related Factors among Women Living in Zanjan, Iran.

Currently, a comprehensive program for screening and early detection of cervical cancer does not exist in Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and some related factors among women living in Zanjan, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 in Zanjan on 4274 married women aged 20-65 years. The study participants were selected through two-stage cluster sampling. After obtaining written consent, demographic and fertility questionnaires were completed. Samples from cervix were obtained through a standard method using the Rover Cervex- Brush. Evaluation and interpretation of the samples were reported using the Bethesda 2001 method. Data were statistically analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression models. Most inflammatory changes in the samples were mild (37.4%). Abnormal atypical changes in the epithelial cells were found in 4.04%. The highest percentage of abnormal changes in the epithelial cells was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (1.9%). Abnormal results of Pap smear was significantly and independently associated with age, papillomavirus infection, and lack of awareness about Pap smear tests. Given the high prevalence of inflammatory and precancerous changes in this study, compared to other studies in Iran and other Muslim countries, and the effect of demographic variables and individual factors on abnormal results, increasing the awareness of women and their families regarding the risk factors for cervical cancer, preventive measures such as screening, and timely treatment seem necessary.

HPV prevalence at enrollment and baseline results from the Carolina Women&amp;rsquo;s Care Study, a longitudinal study of HPV persistence in women of college age

BackgroundCervical cancer, a rare outcome of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, disproportionately affects African American women, who are about twice more likely than European American women to die of the disease. Most cervical HPV infections clear in about one year. However, in some women HPV persists, posing a greater risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer. The Carolina Women’s Care Study (CWCS) was conducted to explore the biological, genetic, and lifestyle determinants of persistent HPV infection in college-aged European American and African American women. This paper presents the initial results of the CWCS, based upon data obtained at enrollment.MethodsFreshman female students attending the University of South Carolina were enrolled in the CWCS and followed until graduation with biannual visits, including two Papanicolaou tests, cervical mucus collection, and a questionnaire assessing lifestyle factors. We recruited 467 women, 293 of whom completed four or more visits for a total of 2274 visits.Results and conclusionCWCS participants were 70% European American, 24% African American, 3% Latina/Hispanic, and 3% Asian. At enrollment, 32% tested positive for any HPV. HPV16 infection was the most common (18% of infections). Together, HPV16, 66, 51, 52, and 18 accounted for 58% of all HPV infections. Sixty-four percent of all HPV-positive samples contained more than one HPV type, with an average of 2.2 HPV types per HPV-positive participant. We found differences between African American and European American women in the prevalence of HPV infection (38.1% African American, 30.7% European American) and abnormal Papanicolaou test results (9.8% African-American, 5.8% European American). While these differences did not reach statistical significance at enrollment, as the longitudinal data of this cohort are analyzed, the sample size will allow us to confirm these results and compare the natural history of HPV infection in college-aged African American and European American women.

Cervical Screening Test Results Associated With 265 Histopathologic Diagnoses of Cervical Glandular Neoplasia

To document screening test histories of women with histopathologic cervical glandular neoplasia (CGN) in a large integrated health system using new methods of cervical screening. Cervical screening test results were reviewed for 265 patients with histopathologic diagnoses of CGN, including 168 adenocarcinoma in situ, 80 invasive cervical adenocarcinoma, and 17 invasive cervical adenosquamous carcinoma cases. Among 222 cases with known triggers of diagnostic studies, 211 (95%) had recent abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test results. Glandular cell abnormalities were the most common recent abnormal Pap test finding in 130 (61.6%) of 211; squamous cell abnormalities alone were documented in 81 (38.4%) of 211, reflecting coexisting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in 60% of CGN cases. Among 114 CGN cases with additional Pap tests more than 4 months to 3 years before CGN diagnosis, 70 (61.4%) had only earlier negative Pap test results. Among 72 CGN cases with recent human papillomavirus (HPV) test results, 70 (97.2%) tested HPV positive. Among 29 CGN cases with HPV test results more than 4 months to 3 years before CGN diagnosis, 25 (86.2%) tested HPV positive. Conservative cytologic screening practices and HPV cotesting can facilitate early diagnoses of CGN.

Villoglandular Papillary Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix: A Series of 28 Cases Including Two With Lymph Node Metastasis

To investigate the clinicopathologic features, the management, and the outcome of villoglandular papillary adenocarcinoma (VGPA) of the uterine cervix. A retrospective review of patients' clinical characteristics, pathology, and the disease management, together with outcome information. A total of 28 patients with VGPA were treated. The median age of the patients was 38 years with a range of 26 to 65 years. Sixteen of the 21 patients presented with abnormal bleeding, and 5 patients had an abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test result. Nineteen patients had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB disease, and 5 patients had stage IIB disease. Two of 24 patients, where the lymph node status was known, had positive nodes. Twenty patients underwent different types of radical surgery with or without pelvic radiotherapy, and 8 patients received platinum-based chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy with no surgery. The follow-up ranged from 5 to 168 months with a median of 35 months. Twenty-one patients are alive with no evidence of recurrent disease, 5 patients have died because of the disease recurrence, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival for these patients was 82% and 75%, respectively. This study confirms the excellent prognosis of VGPA overall compared to the common forms of cervical cancer, but the prognosis is related to stage and pathology. A large multicenter prospective study is warranted to determine the most appropriate treatment for the disease. Until then, a meta-analysis on the subject would be of benefit.

Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: United States, 2012*

Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: United States, 2012*

Screening Test Results Associated With Cancer Diagnoses in 287 Women With Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The limitations of newer cervical screening tests are still being studied. To investigate those limitations, we conducted a retrospective review of 287 cases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A search through 5 years of records identified 287 women with cervical SCC diagnoses. Clinical history, histopathology, and liquid-based cytology (ThinPrep) and Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) results were documented. Polymerase chain reaction HPV tests were performed on SCC tissues with prior negative HC2 results. Of 287 women, 156 (54.4%) had abnormal cytology results, and 75 (26.1%) had abnormal clinical findings triggering tissue diagnoses of SCC. Among 156 patients with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test results, more-seriously abnormal Pap test results were reported in 142 women (91.1%). Among 31 women with Pap and HC2 HPV cotesting within 1 year of SCC diagnoses, 28 (90%) were Pap⁺/HPV⁺, 2 (15.5%) were Pap⁺/HPV⁻, and 1 (3%) was Pap⁻/HPV⁻. Two of 3 women with negative HC2 results before SCC diagnosis had abnormal Pap results; 1 had negative Pap reports with questionable lesional cells mimicking atrophy. In all 3 cases of SCC with negative HC2 results, HPV-18 was detected; in 2 cases (66%), HPV-16 was also detected. Although abnormal cytology preceded most SCC diagnoses, about one-third of patients were referred for diagnostic testing because of clinical suspicion alone. Among 31 SCC cases with liquid-based cytology and high-risk HPV cotest results less than 1 year before SCC diagnoses, 2 patients (6.5%) had Pap⁺/HPV⁻ results, and 1 patient (3.2%) had Pap⁻/HPV⁻ results. Polymerase chain reaction detected high-risk HPV DNA in tumor tissues of 3 SCC cases with recent HC2⁻ results.

Correlates for Completion of 3-Dose Regimen of HPV Vaccine in Female Members of a Managed Care Organization

To examine the rate and correlates of completion of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV4) 3-dose regimen because nonadherence to the regimen may adversely affect vaccine efficacy. Female members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California who were 9 to 26 years old, received the first dose of HPV4 between October 2006 and March 2007, and maintained health plan membership 12 months afterward were identified and followed up for regimen completion. We examined the following: (1) demographics/socioeconomic status, (2) primary care physician characteristics, (3) historical health service utilization, (4) women's health-related conditions, and (5) selected immune-related conditions for their association with completion in 2 age groups: 9 to 17 years and 18 to 26 years. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to directly estimate relative risk (RR). Of the 34,193 females who initiated HPV4, the completion rate was 41.9% in the 9- to 17-year-old group and 47.1% in the 18- to 26-year-old group. Black race (RR, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.77) and lower neighborhood education level were associated with lower regimen completion. However, those in the 9- to 17-year-old group who were covered by the state-subsidized program Medi-Cal were more likely to complete the regimen (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.22). Historical hospitalizations and emergency department visits (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.96; and RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98 per visit, respectively) and having a pediatrician were also predictors of noncompletion. A history of sexually transmitted diseases, abnormal Papanicolaou test results, and immune-related conditions (eg, asthma/infections) were not associated with regimen completion. These findings suggest that factors such as race or socioeconomic status should be considered when human papillomavirus vaccination programs are being designed and evaluated.

Contribution of Health Care Coverage in Cervical Cancer Screening Follow-Up

To determine the role of health care coverage (HCC) in follow-up of cervical cancer screening (seeking Papanicolaou test results and follow-up when abnormal results were found) among Colombian women. A population-based cross-sectional study of 24,717 women, using the 2005 Colombian Demographic and Health Survey, was conducted. Nearly 4% of women screened did not seek their results. For approximately 17% of the women, there was no follow-up when abnormal results were found. Women in the contributory regime (private insurance) and those in the subsidized regime (public insurance) were more likely to seek Papanicolaou test results than women without HCC, even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (adjusted odds ratio [ORa], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60-2.41 and ORa, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.14-1.58, respectively). For follow-up when abnormal results were found, there was no difference between the subsidized regime and no HCC, but women in the contributory regime were more likely to follow-up than women without HCC (ORa, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05-1.86). Seeking Papanicolaou test results is relatively high among Colombian women; however, there are differences according to HCC. Follow-up when abnormal Papanicolaou test results were found was positively associated only with private insurance; follow-up is the same for women without insurance and with public insurance. Exploring strategies to promote follow-up among women and to improve cervical cancer follow-up services for those enrolled in the subsidized regime may increase follow-up rates among Colombian women.

Correlates for completion of 3-dose regimen of HPV vaccine in female members of a managed care organization.

To examine the rate and correlates of completion of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV4) 3-dose regimen because nonadherence to the regimen may adversely affect vaccine efficacy. Female members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California who were 9 to 26 years old, received the first dose of HPV4 between October 2006 and March 2007, and maintained health plan membership 12 months afterward were identified and followed up for regimen completion. We examined the following: (1) demographics/socioeconomic status, (2) primary care physician characteristics, (3) historical health service utilization, (4) women's health-related conditions, and (5) selected immune-related conditions for their association with completion in 2 age groups: 9 to 17 years and 18 to 26 years. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to directly estimate relative risk (RR). Of the 34,193 females who initiated HPV4, the completion rate was 41.9% in the 9- to 17-year-old group and 47.1% in the 18- to 26-year-old group. Black race (RR, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.77) and lower neighborhood education level were associated with lower regimen completion. However, those in the 9- to 17-year-old group who were covered by the state-subsidized program Medi-Cal were more likely to complete the regimen (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.22). Historical hospitalizations and emergency department visits (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.96; and RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98 per visit, respectively) and having a pediatrician were also predictors of noncompletion. A history of sexually transmitted diseases, abnormal Papanicolaou test results, and immune-related conditions (eg, asthma/infections) were not associated with regimen completion. These findings suggest that factors such as race or socioeconomic status should be considered when human papillomavirus vaccination programs are being designed and evaluated.

Understanding and overcoming barriers to human papillomavirus vaccine acceptance

New vaccines designed to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection have the potential to reduce the incidence of serious illness and death worldwide among women, substantially reduce the emotional suffering associated with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) test results and the diagnosis of cervical cancer, and save significant health care dollars. However, these benefits may not be fully realized until the vaccine is accepted by patients, parents, and health care practitioners. Furthermore, there may be unique issues related to the acceptance of a vaccine designed to prevent a sexually transmitted infection that is poorly understood by many women. Among the acceptance issues are: individual comfort with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) vaccine; parental comfort with vaccination of their preadolescent/early adolescent daughters; physician comfort with recommending a human papillomavirus vaccine to women and parents of preadolescents; and physician communication skills related to talking with women and parents about the vaccine. Potentially difficult as it might be to implement a vaccination program, vaccination and prevention of HPV-associated disease are still infinitely preferable to observation and treatment. This article will review some of the potential barriers to HPV Vaccine acceptance, with a particular focus on factors relevant to female patients, parents, and health care providers.

Feasibility of Management of High-Grade Cervical Lesions in a Single Visit

The incidence of cervical cancer is higher among low-income and minority women who have never undergone a conventional Papanicolaou test or who do not follow up after testing. Screening has been shown to reduce cervical cancer incidence rates. To determine the feasibility and acceptability of immediately treating women with severely abnormal Papanicolaou test results by using a single-visit cervical cancer screening and treatment program and to compare treatment rates and 12-month follow-up rates with those of women who received usual care. Randomized controlled trial conducted among 3521 women aged 18 years or older recruited between January 1999 and April 2002 at US community health centers located in predominantly Latino underserved areas. Women randomized to usual care (n = 1805) were discharged immediately after examination. Women randomized to the single-visit group (n = 1716) remained at the clinic until the results of their conventional Papanicolaou test were available. Large loop electrosurgical excision procedure was performed in single-visit patients with either a diagnosis of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL)/atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) or suspicion of carcinoma. All other patients with abnormal Papanicolaou test results were referred to abnormal cytology clinics or elected to receive follow-up care outside the study's medical system. Treatment rates for HGSIL/AGUS at 6 months, follow-up rates at 6 months for lower-grade lesions, and 1-year follow-up rates for all patients. The rate of abnormal Papanicolaou test results was 4.1%. One percent of results showed high-grade lesions. In the single-visit group, the mean visit time was 2.8 hours and the mean time for delivery and processing of the Papanicolaou tests was 66 minutes. Six months after randomization, 14 (88%) of 16 single-visit and 10 (53%) of 19 usual care patients with HGSIL/AGUS had completed treatment. Fifty percent in the single-visit program and 53% of usual care with less abnormal Papanicolaou tests completed treatment within 6 months. Overall, 36% in each group presented for a follow-up Papanicolaou test 1 year later. Women in the single-visit group with high-grade lesions (10/16; 63%) were significantly more likely to attend follow-up for Papanicolaou tests 12 months later than women with similar lesions in the usual care group (4/19; 21%). For cervical cancer screening, the single-visit program was feasible and the degree of acceptability was high in this underserved population. Single visit programs provide an opportunity to increase the rate of immediate treatment and follow-up of women with severely abnormal Papanicolaou test results. This strategy did not improve follow-up rates for women with less-abnormal results. Trial Registration http://ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT00237562.

Effect of antiretroviral therapy on the incidence of genital warts and vulvar neoplasia among women with the human immunodeficiency virus

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of genital warts and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia among women with the human immunodeficiency virus. Study design This was a multicenter prospective cohort study comprised of women without warts or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia at baseline who underwent CD4 count, human immunodeficiency virus RNA measurement, examination, Papanicolaou test, and biopsy, as indicated, every 6 months. Human papillomavirus DNA typing was examined at baseline. Results The incidence of warts among women who were human immunodeficiency virus seronegative was 1.31 versus 5.01 per 100 person-years among women who were seropositive ( P<.001). Incidence of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia among women who were seronegative was 1.31 versus 4.67 per 100 person-years among women who were seropositive ( P<.001). In multivariable analysis, warts were associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (relative hazard, 0.76), CD4 count (relative hazard, 0.91/100 cell/cm 2 increase), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (relative hazard, 1.25), abnormal Papanicolaou test results (relative hazard, 2.18), high- or medium-risk human papillomavirus types (relative hazard, 1.91), low-risk human papillomavirus types (relative hazard, 1.48), smoking (relative hazard, 1.43), having 1 child (relative hazard, 1.54), and age (relative hazard, 0.74/10 years). Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia was linked to highly active antiretroviral therapy (relative hazard, 0.65), CD4 count (relative hazard, 0.92), abnormal Papanicolaou test results (relative hazard, 16.03), high- or medium-risk human papillomavirus types (relative hazard, 1.37), and age (relative hazard, 0.85/10 years). Conclusion Warts and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia are common among women with human immunodeficiency virus. Highly active antiretroviral therapy decreases their incidence.

Intracervical sonographic-pathologic correlation: preliminary results.

To determine whether current-generation endoluminal ultrasonic transducer technology could visualize dysplastic and malignant cervical lesions. Inclusion criteria for patients enlisted in the study were abnormal Papanicolaou test results, an abnormality seen at colposcopy, and consent for a cone biopsy. In addition, we included 4 women who were undergoing hysterectomy but had no evidence of cervical abnormalities at the time of surgery, for a total of 28 women. We used a 20-MHz annular array intravascular transducer. We correlated all sonographic and pathologic results with regard to being normal or abnormal using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, and we evaluated interobserver variation by having 5 blinded sonologists interpret each examination and calculating kappa statistics. We performed intracervical sonography on 24 women with abnormal Papanicolaou test results and on 4 women without abnormalities. Nineteen of the 24 women with proven disease had abnormal sonographic images. Five women with pathologically proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I had normal sonographic images. Lesions ranged in size from 0.3 to 7 mm. Two carcinomas (5 and 7 mm diameter), multiple nabothian cysts, cervicitis, and 2 giant cell foreign body reactions were visible on sonography. The correlation coefficient for abnormal sonographic and pathologic findings was 0.87 (P < .005). We obtained a kappa value of 0.75 for interobserver variation. Intracervical sonography was able to visualize dysplastic lesions and carcinomas as hypoechoic defects with surrounding echogenic areas of glandular cervical mucosa. Lesions were shown with sufficient resolution and interobserver variation to suggest that the technique may be clinically applicable, particularly for planning surgical therapy. However, design of a transducer that can be easily sterilized between examinations, similar to current endovaginal probes, would be necessary to make intracervical sonography a clinically feasible examination.

Comparison of endocervical curettage and endocervical brushing

Objective: To compare endocervical brushing with endocervical curettage with respect to diagnostic yield by histology and patient discomfort. Methods: Nonpregnant women referred for colposcopy because of abnormal Papanicolaou test results were randomized to endocervical sampling with either a metal curette (endocervical curettage [ECC]) or an endocervical brush. Extensive endocervical canal brushing was performed. All samples were submitted for histologic study. Results were evaluated against the histologic findings in electroconization specimens in a masked fashion. Pain scores were recorded using Melzack’s Present Pain Intensity Scale. Results: During the study period, 315 patients were randomized to the techniques: 157 to ECC and 158 to endocervical brushing. Of the 315 patients, 147 also underwent electroconization. Overall false-positive rates were 28.6% for endocervical brushing and 30.8% for ECC. False positives were due to contamination of the endocervical sample by lesional epithelium near the external os. The proportion of scanty specimens obtained by endocervical brushing (7.6%) was higher than that obtained by ECC (2.5%) ( P = .041). One sample obtained by brushing was insufficient for diagnosis; none obtained by ECC were insufficient. There were no statistically significant differences in the median pain scores between the two groups. Conclusion: The techniques were similar in terms of diagnostic yield and patient discomfort. Endocervical brushing had lower false-positive rates than those reported in the literature for cytologic analysis. Although ECC remains the method of choice for evaluation of the endocervical canal, brushing is an acceptable alternative.