A CERVICAL CYTOLOGY PROGRAM IN GENERAL PRACTICE

In a six-year period 723 women were examined using cervical cytology smears. Fifteen cancers of the cervix were discovered, including two invasive growths and 13 carcinoma in situ. A careful follow-up was carried out, and the later appearance of cancer was noted in 12 of 41 patients who initially showed only atypical cells. It is recommended that all patients showing "positive" cells (atypical, suspicious, or cancer morphology cells) undergo cone biopsy for definitive histological diagnosis. Target lesions should have punch biopsy. Four cancers were found in 170 obstetrical patients, and it is recommended that this proved high-risk group be screened both prenatally and postnatally. The importance of annual screening of all women over 20 years of age for cancer of the cervix by cytological methods is emphasized.