The significance of psammoma bodies on cervical cytology smears

The association between psammoma bodies on cervical smear (PBCS) and the presence of gynecological malignancy has been documented previously. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of malignancy where psammoma bodies were detected on smear, to identify features that may be predictive of associated malignancy, and to make recommendations about management.

The databases of two large private pathology laboratories were accessed to obtain details of all patients reported to have PBCS between April 1992 and May 2000. A retrospective review was then undertaken to determine if any patients were found to have gynecological malignancies. The appearances of the background cells on the cervical smear and details of clinical management were recorded and evaluated.

Twenty-two patients were found to have PBCS. Five patients were found to have a gynecological malignancy. These five patients were significantly older than the remaining patients. When these results were combined with all cases reported in the world literature, it became apparent that patients with coexisting malignancy were statistically significantly older than those not found to have malignancy (P < 0.0001). The cytological appearance of cells on the background smear was highly predictive of the presence or absence of malignancy.

There is an association between PBCS and genital tract malignancy. This association is much stronger for postmenopausal women. The background cytology is highly predictive of the presence of associated malignancy. There is a strong argument that all women with psammoma bodies on cervical smear should undergo smear review, pelvic ultrasonography, hysteroscopy and biopsy, and laparoscopy to exclude the presence of a gynecological malignancy. For younger reproductive-aged women, a negative workup is reassuring.