A retrospective review of cervical cytology in women developing invasive squamous cell carcinoma
Walker, E.M.; Hare, M.J.; Cooper, P.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 90(11): 1087-1091
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0306-5456 PMID: 6639901 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb06449.xDocument Number: 399065
The records of 93 women who presented with invasive squamous cell carcinoma were searched for evidence of cervical cytology during the years preceding this diagnosis; a search was also made through the files of local laboratories and contact was made with general practitioners and relevant hospital departments. Only 26 (28%) of these 93 women had had a cervical smear at any time before the diagnosis of invasive cancer, and only 11 (12%) had had regular cytological surveillance. 15 (60%) had had a smear taken and reported as negative within the previous 5 years, 6 (6%) within the previous year. 11 of these 15 slides were obtained for review; 3 were regarded as positive and 3 more were reclassed as too scanty for conclusive assessment. In 9 of 67 women who had never had a smear, a gynecological or obstetric examination was known to have been performed or indicated within the previous 5 years, hereby presenting a missed opportunity for screening. In 3 patients, cytological abnormalities had been reported within the previous 3 years but no action had been taken.