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Collagen balls in cervical smears. A previously undescribed finding
Sunati Sahoo1, Richard M DeMay
1Cytopathology Section, Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2050 (MARP-214), Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
Acta Cytologica
|April 17, 2004
Summary
Collagen balls, rare findings in cervical smears (0.006%), originate from mesothelium-covered organs. They can be mistaken for neoplastic cells, highlighting their diagnostic significance in cervical cancer screening.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Cytopathology
Background:
- Collagen balls are unusual structures observed in cervical smears.
- Their origin and clinical significance require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate conventional cervical smears containing collagen balls.
- To determine the origin and potential diagnostic implications of these structures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cervical smears with collagen balls collected between 1995 and 1998.
- Review of patient clinical and gestational histories.
- Examination of histopathologic material, focusing on mesothelial surfaces.
Main Results:
- Collagen balls were identified in 5 out of 77,891 Pap smears (0.006%).
- No patients showed evidence of genital tract neoplasms.
- One patient was in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Collagen balls likely originate from mesothelium-covered organs.
- They are transported to the uterine cavity via the fallopian tubes.
- These structures can be misidentified as neoplastic cells or ovarian neoplasm fragments.