Significance of Cytologic Detection of Endometrial Carcinoma in Papanicolaou Smear: The Relevance of Histologic Type, Grade and Stage

Papanicolaou smear에서 자궁내막암의 세포학적 진단의 의의 : 조직유형, 분화도 및 병기와의 관련성

  • Published : 1993.12.30

Abstract

The cytologic detection of endometrial carcinoma in Papanicolaou(Pap) smear according to histologic type, grade and stage was studied in 49 patients. The smears of patients who had histologically confirmed were retrospectively evaluated by the Bethesda System. The cytologic diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma was made in 61% (39/49) of patients, atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGCUS) in 16% (8/49) and within normal limits in 23% (11/49). The positive rate for AGCUS and carcinoma was correlated to the histologic type, grade and stage. The cytologic grade revealed a good correlation with histologic grade, too. In conclusion, the presence of cancer cells in Pap smear suggests the tumor in high grade and high stage. Additionally, cytologic detection of AGCUS or carcinoma needs a further diagnostic evaluation. The Pap smear is a valuable method to screen for endometrial carcinoma.

Keywords