The association between precancerous-columnar and squamous lesions of the cervix: a morphometric study.

A histological study of 208 cases found a strong association between the occurrence of precancerous cervical columnar and squamous lesions. This was not, however, directly related to cellular abnormalities. The criteria for adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and its precursor lesions were defined morphometrically. With increasing abnormalities of the columnar cells, changes of the glandular and epithelial architecture were more frequently observed. Of the 20 cases morphometrically classified as AIS, only four were initially diagnosed as such, of which three were cases of 'pure' AIS lacking squamous cell abnormalities. Quantifying abnormalities of columnar epithelium is an important aid in the identification and classification of AIS.