Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in young women

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and outcome of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in Greek young women. A retrospective analysis was conducted of women aged 16 - 20 years with a histological diagnosis of CIN during the years 1999-2005. Management was individualised for each case. The rates of regression, persistence and progression were measured. A total of 80 adolescents were identified. Some 54 patients (67.5%) had CIN1 and 26 (32.5%) had CIN2/3. Regression of the CIN1 lesions expressed as negative cytological or histological follow-up was observed in 74% and 93% of the patients at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The majority of adolescents (92%) with CIN2/3 underwent conisation and in 79% of them, histology of the specimen confirmed the initial diagnosis. CIN1 lesions will most likely regress over a 2-year period following diagnosis in women aged 16 - 20 years. Nevertheless, close monitoring is mandatory, as 10 - 15% of these lesions will either persist or progress to high-grade CIN. Management for adolescents with high-grade CIN lesions should be individualised according to a variety of parameters and adjusted to the patients' safety.