Post-Menopausal Status and Risk for Cervical Dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION

The study aim is to determine the association of post-menopausal status with abnormal Pap smear cytology and cervical dysplasia detected by colposcopically-directed biopsy. We also study the association of biopsy-confirmed dysplasia with Pap smear results.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This retrospective study included 480 women with abnormal Pap smear results who were referred for colposcopy. Covariates considered included demographic (age, race/ethnicity, smoking status), sexual activity (age first sexual intercourse, number lifetime partners, duration current partner), and disease (HIV, high-risk HPV, immunosuppression).

RESULTS

Post-menopausal status was not significantly associated with abnormal Pap smear cytology or cervical dysplasia. We found a statistically significant association of high-grade dysplasia with high-grade Pap smear results: ASC-H (B=3.43, SE=0.84, p< 0.001); HSIL (B=3.50, SE=0.84, p< 0.001) and AGC (B=3.47, SE=1.02, p< 0.01).

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSION

Although clinicians may want to consider not requiring colposcopically-directed biopsy for certain post-menopausal patients, we recommend continuing with current cervical cancer guidelines of screening for all women regardless of menopausal status.