Is the treatment of CIN 2 always necessary in women under 25 years old?

The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of conservatively managed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 in women <25 years old.

This was a retrospective review that included women who were <25 years old with biopsy proven CIN2 between 2005 and 2009. Analysis was performed that compared women who had immediate treatment with women whose treatment was deferred >4 months. The primary outcome measure was spontaneous regression of CIN2. Secondary outcomes were treatment rates and loss to follow-up evaluation.

Of the 452 women who were identified, 256 women (57%) received immediate treatment; 157 women (35%) met the definition for conservative management, and 39 women (9%) had unknown subsequent management. Of the 157 women who were managed conservatively, 98 women (62%) showed spontaneous regression, with a median of 8 months observation. No conservatively managed women progressed to cancer.

Based on the 62% regression rate in this study, routine treatment may not be necessary for all women with CIN2 who are <25 years old.