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Benign cellular changes in Pap smears. Causes and significance.
S N Malik1, E J Wilkinson, P A Drew
1Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, P.O. Box 100275, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
Acta Cytologica
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Benign cellular changes (BCC) on Pap smears are usually reactive. However, a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) may indicate significance for BCC findings.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Cervical Cancer Screening
Background:
- Benign cellular changes (BCC) are frequently observed in cervical Pap smears.
- Understanding the implications of BCC is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes and clinical significance of benign cellular changes (BCC) in cervical cytology.
- To correlate BCC findings with subsequent cervical biopsies and patient history.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1,103 cases classified as BCC over a four-month period.
- Identification of previous Pap smears and concomitant cervical biopsies for 92 patients.
- Analysis of biopsy results and previous diagnostic history.
Main Results:
- BCC constituted 23% of gynecologic smears; 92% were reactive/inflammatory.
- Cervicitis and immature squamous metaplasia were common benign biopsy findings.
- Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1/human papillomavirus (HPV) was found in 14% of cases, often with prior abnormal smears.
Conclusions:
- Most BCC cases represent reactive or inflammatory processes.
- BCC may hold significance in patients with a history of CIN.
- In the absence of prior cervical abnormalities, BCC typically indicates a reactive process.