Pap smears with reactive cellular changes: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer in women with atypical squamous cells (ASCs).

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective study was conducted at Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital from January 1 to September 30, 2003. The primary measurement was cervical dysplasia and the secondary one, cervical cancer. Forty-nine women with Pap smears showing reactive cellular changes were enrolled. All patients underwent colposcopy and biopsy. Endocervical curettage (ECC) was performed before colposcopy. All specimens were reviewed by a pathologist.

RESULTS

Histologic results revealed normal findings in 30 (61%), mild dysplasia in 9 (18.3%), moderate dysplasia in 1 (2%), severe dysplasia in 2 (4%), squamous cell carcinoma in 2 (4%), adenocarcinoma in 1 (2%) and benign lesions in 4 (8.1%).

CONCLUSION

Among the subjects with cervical ASCs, 30% and 6% with cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, respectively, were identified. Colposcopically directed biopsy and ECC are warranted in women with ASC.