Normal Colposcopy Research Articles

Evaluation of endocervical curettage (ECC) in colposcopy for detecting cervical intraepithelial lesions.

Diagnostic challenges in colposcopy arise especially in women aged 50 or older, with postmenopausal status and transformation zone type 3 (TZ3). Endocervical curettage (ECC) is a valuable tool for diagnosing intracervical lesions. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the use of ECC in colposcopy for detecting cervical intraepithelial lesions. A retrospective study was carried out of colposcopies performed in the certified Dysplasia Unit at Erlangen University Hospital between July 2016 and June 2023. Pap and human papillomavirus (HPV) results were correlated with the histologic findings via ECC, obtained during examinations or surgery. The primary outcome was the rate of accuracy between the colposcopic and histologic findings with regard to cytology, age of patients, and type of transformation zone (TZ). A total of 429 colposcopies in 413 women with histologic samples obtained via ECC were included in the final analysis. In all, 355 women had TZ3. Among patients with TZ3, evidence of high-grade lesions and invasive carcinoma was also found in women with normal or low-grade abnormal cytology. For patients with normal colposcopic findings, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 and CIN3/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) were found in 56 patients (16%), and invasive carcinoma was found in four patients (0.1%). This analysis suggests that ECC is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, especially for patients who present with a normal colposcopy of the cervix and vagina but have either recurrent abnormal cytologic findings or high-grade abnormal cytology indicating CIN2 + .

Early Cervical Cancer Diagnosis with SWIN-Transformer and Convolutional Neural Networks.

Introduction: Early diagnosis of cervical cancer at the precancerous stage is critical for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. Objective: This study aims to explore the use of SWIN Transformer and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) hybrid models combined with transfer learning to classify precancerous colposcopy images. Methods: Out of 913 images from 200 cases obtained from the Colposcopy Image Bank of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 898 met quality standards and were classified as normal, precancerous, or cancerous based on colposcopy and histopathological findings. The cases corresponding to the 360 precancerous images, along with an equal number of normal cases, were divided into a 70/30 train-test split. The SWIN Transformer and CNN hybrid model combines the advantages of local feature extraction by CNNs with the global context modeling by SWIN Transformers, resulting in superior classification performance and a more automated process. The hybrid model approach involves enhancing image quality through preprocessing, extracting local features with CNNs, capturing the global context with the SWIN Transformer, integrating these features for classification, and refining the training process by tuning hyperparameters. Results: The trained model achieved the following classification performances on fivefold cross-validation data: a 94% Area Under the Curve (AUC), an 88% F1 score, and 87% accuracy. On two completely independent test sets, which were never seen by the model during training, the model achieved an 80% AUC, a 75% F1 score, and 75% accuracy on the first test set (precancerous vs. normal) and an 82% AUC, a 78% F1 score, and 75% accuracy on the second test set (cancer vs. normal). Conclusions: These high-performance metrics demonstrate the models' effectiveness in distinguishing precancerous from normal colposcopy images, even with modest datasets, limited data augmentation, and the smaller effect size of precancerous images compared to malignant lesions. The findings suggest that these techniques can significantly aid in the early detection of cervical cancer at the precancerous stage.

The Effect of Random Biopsy and Endo-Cervical Curettage in Diagnosis of Precancerous Cervical Lesions in Women With Normal Colposcopy.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of random biopsy and endo-cervical curettage (ECC), alone and together, in the diagnosis of high-grade cervical lesions in women with normal colposcopy. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 356 women who underwent colposcopy examination in the gynecology-oncology clinic of Roointan-Arash Women's Hospital, affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All eligible women underwent colposcopy. In colposcopy examination, up to four biopsy samples were randomly taken for each quartile of the cervix and ECC was performed. Finally, the rate of intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and the relation between random biopsy and ECC and CIN diagnosis was determined. In total, 27 (7.6%) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 19 (5.3%) high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) were detected in cases that underwent random biopsy. There was a significant association between the abnormal random biopsy results and having multiple sexual partners (p=0.001), cigarette (p=0.041), and hookah (p=0.033) smoking. Furthermore, 31 (8.7%) LSIL and 42 (11.8%) HSIL were reported in women who underwent ECC. There was a significant relation between the abnormal results of ECC and hookah consumption (p=0.008) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (p=0.011). The concordance (p=0.001) between random biopsy and ECC result was 71.2% and only in 28.8% of the cases one of the methods was normal and the other was abnormal. The present study showed that the simultaneous use of ECC and random biopsy in women with normal colposcopy increases the detection rate of precancerous lesions by up to 28.8%.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Enhanced Visual Assessment [Visual Check] for Triaging Cervical Cancer Screen Positive Women.

Colposcopy is important for triaging any abnormal cervical screening test. Scarcity of trained colposcopists and colposcopy centers is a big hurdle to screening programs in low- and middle-income countries. The objective was to assess the performance of the artificial intelligence incorporated into the mobile optical device technologies (ODT) Enhanced Visual Assessment (EVA visual check) against physician colposcopic diagnosis and the gold standard of histopathology. It was a cross-sectional observational study conducted on women referred to a colposcopy clinic following an abnormal screening test. Colposcopic examination was performed by colposcopists using the MobileODT EVA system. Physician's impression and Visual Check analysis were compared with the final histopathological analysis or cytology. Cases with normal cytology and normal colposcopy did not undergo biopsy, and these were considered normal. A total of 2050 women were screened, and 147 screen-positive women were recruited in the study. EVA Visual Check had a sensitivity of 86.8% (75-95), specificity of 28.7% (20-39), positive predictive value (PPV) of 40.7% (32-50), negative predictive value (NPV) of 79.4% (62-91), and diagnostic accuracy of 49.7% (41-58) for diagnosing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1+ lesions. EVA Visual Check has a sensitivity of 89.3% (72-98), specificity of 26.1% (18-35), PPV of 22.1% (15-31), NPV of 91.2% (76-98), and diagnostic accuracy of 38.1% (30-46) for CIN 2+ lesions. MobileODT EVA colposcope with AI has sensitivity comparable to physician's diagnosis, whereas specificity, PPV, and NPV were less than that of physician's diagnosis. It could prove valuable for triage of screen-positive women for further management.

Colposcopy performance in the new primary HPV screening in Australia: How to determine colposcopy competency?

To assess colposcopic performance and determine indicators for competency within the new Australian primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening program. A retrospective observational study of 4542 women seen at The Royal Women's Hospital Colposcopy Clinic in Melbourne, from 1 December 2017 to 31 July 2020 after a higher-risk cervical screening test (CST) result. Histological CIN2+ was detected in 25.1% up to two years from first colposcopy visit (FCV). The majority (86.7%) of CIN2+ was detected early within the first six months of presentation. Biopsy rate overall was 96.1% with abnormal colposcopic impression. Of four colposcopists with a lower biopsy rate, only one was able to achieve this early detection rate. Biopsy was also taken in over 30% of cases with negative reflex cytology and normal colposcopy, with CIN2+ detected in 5.0% among positive HPV16/18 and 3.8% with non-16/18 HPV. Positive predictive value of high-grade colposcopic impression at FCV averaged 66.4% (range: 54.9-81.6% among our colposcopists) and is poorly correlated with early detection rate of CIN2+. Overall accuracy of colposcopy is 84.5% (range: 78.7-90.3%), buoyed by high true negative colposcopic predictions secondary to high rates of negative reflex cytology referral with the new screening algorithm and is also unlikely to be a useful colposcopy indicator. Early detection rate of CIN2+ within the first six months of presentation is a useful measure of colposcopy competency and we would encourage our National Cancer Screening Register to explore this with the participating colposcopists.

European consensus statement on expert colposcopy

BackgroundFollowing the publication of the European consensus statement on standards for essential colposcopy in 2020, the need for standards relating to more complex and challenging colposcopy practice was recognised. These standards relate to colposcopy undertaken in patients identified through cervical screening and tertiary referrals from colposcopists who undertake standard colposcopy only.This set of recommendations provides a review of the current literature and agreement on care for recognised complex cases. With good uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation, we anticipate a marked reduction in cervical disease over the next decade. Still, the expert colposcopist will continue to be vital in managing complex cases, including previous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)/complex screening histories and multi-zonal disease. AimsTo provide expert guidance on complex colposcopy cases through published evidence and expert consensus. Material & methodsMembers of the EFC and ESGO formed a working group to identify topics considered to be the remit of the expert rather than the standard colposcopy service. These were presented at the EFC satellite meeting, Helsinki 2021, for broader discussion and finalisation of the topics. Results & discussionThe agreed standards included colposcopy in pregnancy and post-menopause, investigation and management of glandular abnormalities, persistent high-risk HPV+ with normal/low-grade cytology, colposcopy management of type 3 transformation zones (TZ), high-grade cytology and normal colposcopy, colposcopy adjuncts, follow-up after treatment with CIN next to TZ margins and follow-up after treatment with CIN with persistent HPV+, and more. These standards are under review to create a final paper of consensus standards for dissemination to all EFC and ESGO members.

The Value of Four-Quadrant Cervical Biopsy in Women with Different Colposcopic Impressions.

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of colposcopic-directed biopsy and four-quadrant biopsy in detecting high-grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). Women attending three women's clinics for routine cervical screening were recruited. Colposcopy was arranged for women with any cytologic abnormalities greater than atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), two consecutive ASCUS results or positive HPV testing. During colposcopy, a cervical biopsy was taken from the most suspicious area, but more than one biopsy was allowed. Four-quadrant biopsies at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock and an endocervical curettage were also taken in all cases. A total of 1522 colposcopies were performed in 1311 subjects from June 2010 to August 2017, with 118 cases of high-grade CIN diagnosed. Colposcopic-directed biopsy detected 50.8% of the 118 high-grade CIN, while four-quadrant biopsy detected 86.4% (p < 0.0001). Twenty-seven cases (22.9%) of high-grade CIN were diagnosed in women with normal or unsatisfactory colposcopy. Among the 64 cases with low-grade colposcopic impression, four-quadrant biopsy detected significantly more high-grade CIN (53 cases, 82.8%) than colposcopic-directed biopsy (35 cases, 56.3%) (p = 0.0011). Four-quadrant cervical biopsies should be considered for all women with an abnormal smear or positive HPV testing, especially in patients with low-grade/normal/unsatisfactory colposcopy.

Assessment of Two Mass Screening Campaigns for Pre-Cancerous and Cancerous Lesions of the Uterine Cervix using Colposcopy

Objectives: Study the epidemiological profile of patients seen for colposcopy, specify the indications for colposcopy, describe the lesions encountered and their treatment and determine the factors associated with cervical lesions. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted during October 2021. It concerned 2 “fairground” campaigns for systematic mass screening of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix at the Institute of social Hygiene in Dakar and at the Inter-Army Medical Center in Thiès. The parameters studied were the epidemiological data, the results of the colposcopic examination and histology. Data analysis was performed with Excel 2010 and Epi info 7.2. softwares. Results: During the two mass screening campaigns, we performed 50 colposcopic examinations. The epidemiological profile was a woman aged 45 on average, married (86%), multiparous (54%), in period of genital activity (54%) with a first sexual intercourse made on average at 22 years old. All the patients had benefited from a visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol. Visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol showed 15 positive VIA (30%), 14 positive VIL (28%) and 21 cases of positive VIA and VIL (42%). Colposcopy was satisfactory in most patients (78%). It found 36% atypical grade 2 transformation, 10% atypical grade 1 transformation, 2% association of atypical grade 1 and 2 transformation and 10% viral colpitis. We also recorded 18% of normal colposcopy. In our series, the majority of patients in whom the VIA and VIL tests were positive presented at colposcopy either an atypical grade 2 transformation lesion (72.2%) or a ATG 1+2 lesion (5.5%). This rate was only 14.3% in those who only had the positive IVA test and 50% in the case of positive VIL. A biopsy under colposcopy was performed in 20 patients (40%). Of these, only 5 (25%) had brought back the results. It was a CIN 2 and 4 normal results. A multivariate analysis allowed us to find that TAG 2 lesions were more frequent in patients aged 45 and over (60%) (p=0.46), primiparous (100%) (p=0.62), those who had had first sexual intercourse before the age of 20 (69.2%) (p=0.39) and who had not used a contraceptive (88.9%) (p=0.13). Conclusion: Mass screening campaigns constitute in our developing countries an opportunity to diagnose and treat pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix. However, it will be necessary to sensitize the patients screened for a better adhesion to the follow-up.

Performance of standardised colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage of women testing positive for human papillomavirus: results from the ESTAMPA multicentric screening study

Colposcopy, currently included in WHO recommendations as an option to triage human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women, remains as the reference standard to guide both biopsy for confirmation of cervical precancer and cancer and treatment approaches. We aim to evaluate the performance of colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage in HPV-positive women. This cross-sectional, multicentric screening study was conducted at 12 centres (including primary and secondary care centres, hospitals, laboratories, and universities) in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). Eligible women were aged 30-64 years, sexually active, did not have a history of cervical cancer or treatment for cervical precancer or a hysterectomy, and were not planning to move outside of the study area. Women were screened with HPV DNA testing and cytology. HPV-positive women were referred to colposcopy using a standardised protocol, including biopsy collection of observed lesions, endocervical sampling for transformation zone (TZ) type 3, and treatment as needed. Women with initial normal colposcopy or no high-grade cervical lesions on histology (less than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grade 2) were recalled after 18 months for another HPV test to complete disease ascertainment; HPV-positive women were referred for a second colposcopy with biopsy and treatment as needed. Diagnostic accuracy of colposcopy was assessed by considering a positive test result when the colposcopic impression at the initial colposcopy was positive minor, positive major, or suspected cancer, and was considered negative otherwise. The main study outcome was histologically confirmed CIN3+ (defined as grade 3 or worse) detected at the initial visit or 18-month visit. Between Dec 12, 2012, and Dec 3, 2021, 42 502 women were recruited, and 5985 (14·1%) tested positive for HPV. 4499 participants with complete disease ascertainment and follow-up were included in the analysis, with a median age of 40·6 years (IQR 34·7-49·9). CIN3+ was detected in 669 (14·9%) of 4499 women at the initial visit or 18-month visit (3530 [78·5%] negative or CIN1, 300 [6·7%] CIN2, 616 [13·7%] CIN3, and 53 [1·2%] cancers). Sensitivity was 91·2% (95% CI 88·9-93·2) for CIN3+, whereas specificity was 50·1% (48·5-51·8) for less than CIN2 and 47·1% (45·5-48·7) for less than CIN3. Sensitivity for CIN3+ significantly decreased in older women (93·5% [95% CI 91·3-95·3] in those aged 30-49 years vs 77·6% [68·6-85·0] in those aged 50-65 years; p<0·0001), whereas specificity for less than CIN2 significantly increased (45·7% [43·8-47·6] vs 61·8% [58·7-64·8]; p<0·0001). Sensitivity for CIN3+ was also significantly lower in women with negative cytology than in those with abnormal cytology (p<0·0001). Colposcopy is accurate for CIN3+ detection in HPV-positive women. These results reflect ESTAMPA efforts in an 18-month follow-up strategy to maximise disease detection with an internationally validated clinical management protocol and regular training, including quality improvement practices. We showed that colposcopy can be optimised with proper standardisation to be used as triage in HPV-positive women. WHO; Pan American Health Organization; Union for International Cancer Control; National Cancer Institute (NCI); NCI Center for Global Health; National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation; NCI of Argentina and Colombia; Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social; National Council for Science and Technology of Paraguay; International Agency for Research on Cancer; and all local collaborative institutions.

IMPROVEMENT OF CERVICAL EPITHELIUM REPAIR AND PREVENTION OF COMPLICATIONS AFTER ELECTROSURGICAL TREATMENT

The problem of optimization the management of women with cervical pathology after destructive methods of treatment is actual because of its high frequency. We used vaginal suppositories "Giaval" after loop electroexcision of the cervix to prevent complications and recurrences, accelerate the regeneration of the cervical epithelium, prevention of infectious complications.&#x0D; Aim. Study of the clinical effectiveness of the drug with hyaluronic acid to improve reparative processes in the cervical mucosa in the postoperative period.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The object for the prospective research of the clinical effect of the drug with hyaluronic acid "Giaval" were 50 women who underwent loop FOTEK E81MV loop electroexcision of the cervix with the presence of CIN I and CIN II according to cytomorphological examination and colposcopy and the presence of LSIL after histological examination. The work was carried out on the clinical basis of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology named after I.D. Lanovoho IFNMU. According to the principle of simple randomization, patients were divided into two equal clinical groups, depending on the prescribed treatment. The main (first) clinical group (n = 25) included patients who from 7 days after electroexcision were prescribed vaginal suppositories "Giaval" for 1 suppository in the vagina at night for 15 days. In the control (second) group, women received Methyluracil suppository twice a day for 10 days. The control examination, bacterioscopic, cytological examination and extended colposcopy were performed 6 weeks after treatment and then once every 3 months during the year. During the analysis of the effectiveness of treatment, the results of cervical epithelialization were evaluated according to the following criteria: full effect, absent or incomplete effect, recurrence. Variational and statistical processing of research results were performed using the programs SPSS Statistics 22 and StatSoft Statistica.&#x0D; Results. During examination patients of both groups, no significant difference in the anamnesis or objective data were found. In the patients of the first group already on the third day using of vaginal suppositories "Giaval" there was a sharp decrease in vaginal discharge in contrast to the control group, where the discharge was intensive and continued for about a week. Lower abdominal pain bothered 3 (12%) women in the control group. Six weeks after PEE in the main clinical group, complete epithelialization was observed in 23 women (92%) who received postoperative treatment with Giaval. At the same time, in patients of the control group complete epithelialization was observed in only 17 women (68%), in the rest incomplete epithelialization was observed on the background of inflammatory smear type. The period of complete repair of postoperative wound defects of the cervix was 39.3 ± 1.8 and 47.4 ± 2.3 days, respectively in patients of the first and second groups.&#x0D; Six months after treatment all women in the main group had normal colposcopy and cytology. Abnormal colposcopy and cytology after treatment, which was considered a relapse, was diagnosed in 2 (8%) patients of the second group. Cervical stenosis was also diagnosed in 6 (24%) patients in the same group.&#x0D; Conclusions. Using of vaginal suppositories "Giaval" improves the repair of the epithelium of the cervical mucosa, reduces the duration of vaginal discharge, normalizes the biocenosis of the vagina, which increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces the frequency of postoperative complications, improve women's quality of life. The use of "Giaval" suppositories are safe and comfortable for women as it has no side effects.

Colposcopic assessment by Swedescore, evaluation of effectiveness in the Swedish screening programme: a cross-sectional study.

To evaluate the effectiveness and performance of Swedescore in the Swedish screening programme. Cross-sectional register study. All Swedish women aged over 18years with a colposcopic assessment linked to a biopsy in the Swedish National Cervical Screening Registry, 2015-20. Colposcopies with Swedescore were compared with the histopathological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+). The respective influence of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, at referral for colposcopy and concurrently with colposcopy, were investigated in regression models. CIN2+. A total of 11317 colposcopic assessments with Swedescore were included. Odds ratios for CIN2+ increased for every step in the Swedescore scale. At Swedescore ≥0-1, the proportion of CIN2+ was 9.8%. At Swedescore ≥8, the specificity was 93.3% and the positive predictive value was 60.1%, Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.71. If the smear had been abnormal at referral, a normal colposcopy (Swedescore 0-1) was still associated with a CIN2+ risk of more than 5%. In the regression model, cytology and HPV had higher odds ratio for CIN2+ than colposcopy; the combination resulted in an AUC of 0.88. Swedescore works well in a routine clinical setting but colposcopy assessed with Swedescore was inferior to that reported in previous clinical studies. No safe cutoff level was identified for refraining from biopsy. See-and-treat at Swedescore 8-10 is feasible only if referral cytology showed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. No safe cutoff level for refraining from biopsy nor for see-and-treat with Swedescore.

Can biopsies be omitted after normal colposcopy in women referred with low-grade cervical cytology? A prospective cohort study

BackgroundControversy surrounds whether women with low-risk cytology screening results but a normal colposcopic assessment should have random biopsies taken. The aim of this study was to determine the yield of CIN2+ from one to four cervical biopsies in women with cytology of LSIL or ASCUS and a normal colposcopic impression.MethodsBetween January 2017 and September 2020, women over 18 years old referred for colposcopic examination due to either an abnormal smear (ASCUS+) or follow-up after previous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were invited to participate in the study. All study participants underwent colposcopic examination and had four biopsies taken. The biopsies were analyzed separately.ResultsIn total, 1327 women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results or attending follow-up after a previous CIN diagnosis were enrolled in the study and examined by colposcopy. Of these, 173 were newly referred with cytology of LSIL or ASCUS and had a normal colposcopic impression and four adequate biopsies. Of these, 22.0% were diagnosed with CIN2+. When combining the results of the four biopsies, we found a 100% relative increase in CIN2+ cases compared to using only one biopsy (from 11.0% to 22.0%, P = 0.006).ConclusionAs we found CIN2+ from random cervical biopsies in 22.0% of women with cytology of LSIL or ASCUS who had a normal colposcopic impression, we advocate performing four random cervical biopsies at the squamocolumnar junction in such women.Trial registration NCT04249856, January 31 2020 (retrospectively registered).

Are we managing our patients correctly following treatment for cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia? A review of practice at the Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit.

Women diagnosed with cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN) remain at risk of further pre-malignant and malignant disease and require rigorous post-treatment follow-up. We assess the effectiveness and safety of community cervical sampling follow-up in women treated for CGIN. A retrospective study was conducted of women diagnosed with CGIN between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019, at Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit, Sheffield, UK. Of 140 women diagnosed with CGIN, 76had co-existing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Cytologists were significantly more likely to report glandular neoplasia in the absence of co-existing CIN, and high-grade dyskaryosis in its presence (Ps<0.0001). Co-existing CIN was significantly more likely to be present with high or low-grade compared to normal colposcopy findings (P<0.0001). The 6-month test of cure (TOC) was attended by 67% of women (84% within 12months), and the 18-month post-treatment sampling by 52.5% of women (70% within 24months). Colposcopy recalled 96% of women correctly for the 18-month sampling, but 20% of women undertaking primary care samples were incorrectly recalled at 3years instead. When CGIN is diagnosed, two dates for recall should be provided at 6 and 18months post-treatment to the Cervical Screening Administration Service and the centralised screening laboratory ensuring the 18-month post-treatment sample is correctly appointed, preventing women with HPV-negative TOC samples being returned to 3-year recall. Follow-up of CGIN should be closely audited by the centralised laboratories ensuring women with CGIN are not put at additional risk.

Colposcopic Impression Has a Key Role in the Estimation of the Risk of HSIL/CIN3.

Simple SummaryColposcopy impression could provide valuable information for risk estimation. We aimed to analyze the value of adding colposcopy impression to screening tests for the diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL/CIN3) in 302 women referred for colposcopy due to abnormal screening results. At least 30% of the women with grade 2 colposcopy findings had HSIL/CIN3, independent of the screening test results. Among women with an HSIL Pap smear and grade 2 colposcopy findings, 53.3% had HSIL/CIN3 independently of the hrHPV genotype. The prevalence of HSIL/CIN3 in women with <HSIL Pap smear, non-HPV 16/18 infection, and normal colposcopy or with grade 1 findings was 2.9% and 8.1%, respectively. In conclusion, a colposcopic impression provides essential information to identify women at risk of HSIL/CIN3.Recently published guidelines stratify the risk of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL/CIN3) based on hrHPV detection and Pap smear results. However, colposcopic impression could also provide valuable information for risk estimation. We aimed to analyze the value of adding colposcopic impression to screening tests for the diagnosis of HSIL/CIN3 in 302 women referred for colposcopy due to an abnormal Pap smear. All women underwent hrHPV detection and genotyping (HPV 16/18 vs. non-16/18 hrHPV), Pap smear, and colposcopy with at least one biopsy. HSIL Pap smear, HPV 16/18, and grade 2 colposcopy findings increased the risk of HSIL/CIN3 in the univariate analysis but only colposcopy retained significance in the multivariate model. At least 30% of the women with grade 2 colposcopy findings had HSIL/CIN3, independent of the screening test results. Among women with an HSIL Pap smear and grade 2 colposcopy findings, 53.3% had HSIL/CIN3 independently of the hrHPV genotype. Contrarily, the prevalence of HSIL/CIN3 in women with <HSIL Pap smear, non-HPV 16/18 infection, and normal colposcopy or with grade 1 findings was 2.9% and 8.1%, respectively. In conclusion, colposcopy impression provides essential information to identify women at risk of HSIL/CIN3.

Mobile Screening Unit (MSU) for the Implementation of the 'Screen and Treat' Programme for Cervical Cancer Prevention In Pune, India.

Objectives:We are reporting the evaluation of an opportunistic point of care cervical cancer screening initiative in Pune, India using a mobile screening unit (MSU). Methods:We conducted 290 cervical cancer screening outreach clinics in the MSU. Screening was performed by trained nurses/ health care providers using visual inspection with 5% acetic acid (VIA). Screen positive women when eligible were treated by thermal ablation during the same sitting. Women with large lesions not eligible for treatment with thermal ablation were referred for colposcopy and treatment. Results: A total of 10, 925 women were screened between Nov 2016 and June 2019 in 290 outreach clinics in the MSU. The overall screen positivity was 6.6% (95% CI 6.1, 7.0) with a declining trend over time. A total of 304/717 (42.4%, 95% CI 38.7, 46.1) women received treatment with thermal ablation. About 3.6% (11/304) reported minor side effects and 1.6% (5/304) reported lower abdominal pain and all of them subsided after treatment. Among the 413 women who were advised colposcopy, only 84 (20.33%) women underwent the procedure. Of these 84 women, 64 (76.19%) had normal colposcopy/ histopathology, 7 (8.33%) had CIN1, 2 (2.38%) had CIN 2, 9 (10.71%) had CIN 3 disease and 2 (2.38%) women were diagnosed with invasive cancer. Conclusion:MSUs are useful for providing cervical cancer screening services, using the ‘screen and treat’ strategy. Thermal ablation is safe in the field clinics. Additional efforts are needed to improve the compliance for referral of those with large lesions requiring additional visits.

Follow‐up after treatment of high‐grade cervical dysplasia: The utility of six‐month colposcopy and cytology and routine 12‐month colposcopy

Australian Cervical Screening Program guidelines no longer recommend colposcopy and cytology at sixmonths following treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3) and a co-test of cure can be performed at 12months without colposcopy. To determine the usefulness of six-month colposcopy and cytology and routine colposcopy with co-testing at 12months in detecting persistent or recurrent disease in patients treated for CIN2/3. We conducted a review of all patients with histologically proven CIN2/3 who underwent a cervical excisional procedure between March 2012 and March 2017 in one specialised centre. We examined 1215 cases and 750 remained after exclusions for analysis. At six months (722 cases, 96.2%) seven of 42 (16.7%) patients with high-grade cytology had a high-grade colposcopy and 24 of 42 (57.1%) had a normal colposcopy. Persistent CIN2/3 was diagnosed in 12 cases (1.7%) and only 1/3 had a high-grade colposcopy. Cytology was more useful than colposcopy in detecting persistent disease. At 12 months (638 cases, 85%) routine colposcopy at the time of co-testing had a high false positive rate with all high-grade changes negative on biopsy and co-test. Recurrent CIN2/3 was diagnosed in five cases, and four had normal colposcopy at co-testing. There may be a delay in detection of persistent/recurrent CIN2/3 in a small number of cases without six-month colposcopy and cytology; however, it is not likely to negatively impact overall clinical outcome. Co-testing at 12months following treatment of CIN2/3 without colposcopy is safe and routine colposcopy at collection of the co-test can be omitted.

LEEP시술 절단면에 병변이 잔존하는 자궁경부상피내종양(CIN) 한의학적 치험 4례

The positive margins after LEEP(loop electrosurgical excision procedure) in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are generally considered to be a risk factor for the recurrence or persistence of CIN currently. When positive margin exists, secondary LEEP or hysterectomy is performed. The aim of this study was to observe effects of Traditional Korean Medicine treatment for patients with surgical margin positive after LEEP. It was conducted retrospective chart review for 4 patients with the surgical margin positive after LEEP, who were scheduled to have secondary LEEP 3 months later. Patients were treated with herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture and herbal liquid vaginal treatment. They were followed up by cytology, colposcopy, human papillomavirus DNA test and punch-biopsy at 1, 3 and 6 months. After 3 month of treatment, three patients did not need secondary LEEP because of normal cytology, negative HPV status and normal colposcopy, while the other patient underwent secondary LEEP because of ASCUS cytology and positive high-risk HPV. After 6 month of treatment, the other patient also had normal cytology, negative HPV status and normal colposcopy and had been in fifth week of pregnancy. This study suggest that Traditional Korean Medicine treatment may be an effective to the patients with surgical margin positive after LEEP in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Candidate HPV genotypes not included in the 9-valent vaccine for prevention of CIN 2–3

ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes – as a single infection or co-infection – not included in the 9-valent (9v) HPV vaccine among women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia...

Identification of European-wide clinical priorities for guideline development in the management of pre-invasive cervical disease

ObjectiveAddressing management controversies in the treatment of pre-invasive cervical disease is a key priority for the European Federation for Colposcopy/European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology who aim to develop a practical handbook of European centred guidelines to address areas where there is a lack of high-quality evidence or identifiable practice variation. Clinical opinion across the EFC network was sought to identify topics likely to have the most impact on clinical practice for systematic review and development of practice recommendations. Study designA scoping exercise comprising of a three-iteration modified Delphi with representation from each member society of the EFC was conducted in 2018. Round one identified 19 potential topics which were scored for importance using a five-point Likert scale by EFC members in round two and ranked. Results from round two were discussed at an open EFC satellite meeting resulting in exclusion of five topics. A third round of the 14 remaining topics was conducted to allow members to modify scores after viewing the second-round rankings. Responses were analysed and topics were allocated a weighted score. ResultsStrategies for management of persistent HPV infection in the context of normal colposcopy and negative cytology was the highest overall weighted topic (4.40) followed by identification of appropriate length of follow up for ASCUS or LSIL prior to excisional treatment (3.95) and the impact of length of excision on patient outcomes (3.95). Topics to identify best practice for management of challenging topics scored highly including optimising follow up strategies for cervical stenosis (3.91) and management of HSIL in the under 25 year olds (3.64) or pregnancy (3.64). ConclusionA European wide systematic modified-Delphi has prioritised six topics for systematic review and generation of clinical practice recommendations aiming to assist management in areas of controversy in pre-invasive cervical disease.

Systematic screening for cervical cancer in Dakar region: prevalence and correlation with biological and socio-demographic parameters

BackgroundCervical cancer is a major public health problem. In 2018, globally 569,847 cervical cancer were diagnosed and 311,000 deaths were projected due to this preventable disease. Worldwide, therefore, the cervical cancer disease ranks as the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women in 2018.The high rate of dysplasia in Senegal and the absence of well-organized screening programs informed this study, which aims to determine the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and its relationship to biological and socio-demographic characteristics.MethodsThis study is based on 1000 conventional smears collected during routine cervical cancer screening at the Gaspard Camara Health Center and the Histology - Embryology and Cytogenetics Laboratory of the Cheikh Anta DIOP University in Dakar. The smears were read according to the Bethesda and Richart systems. However, all data were returned to the Bethesda system using the correspondence table between the different classifications of squamous cell lesions of the cervix. Some of the patients with abnormal smears had colposcopy and if necessary a biopsy. Other patients with low-grade lesions were recommended to have their smears resumed in 6 months or 1 year later.ResultsCytological analysis was performed for 1000 patients aged 16 to 82 years (mean age = 41 ± 11.16). Among these, 176 patients had abnormal smears, 23 had Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS), 143 had a low-grade lesion, 9 had a high-grade lesion and 1 had carcinoma. Among the remaining 822 patients, cytological analysis revealed no suspected malignant lesions, but 623 among them had dystrophy and 2 were unsatisfactory. Among patients with abnormal smears, 104 patients (23 ASCUS + 71 low grade + 9 high grade + 1 carcinoma) had performed colposcopy, 40 of whom had normal colposcopy and 64 had abnormalities. Sixty-four (64) biopsies were performed. Four (4) were not satisfactory. However, for 26/60 biopsies, the histology was normal, 21/60 had a low grade, 11 displayed a high grade and only 2 had carcinoma. Among the 176 patients with abnormal smears, 72 low-grade patients had undergone cytological examination 6 months to 1 year later to determine the persistence, regression or progression of low-grade dysplasia. During follow-up, persistence was observed in 25% (n = 18) of cases, progression to High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) was detected in 2.78% (n = 2), while 72.22% (n = 52) of the patients experienced regression.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of abnormal smear was 17.60% for cytology. Meanwhile, the Colposcopy and histology confirmed just 3.40%. These results underline the interest and need for a review of the discrepancies observed between pathologists.