Management of "Atypical Endocervical Cells" Compared to "Atypical Glandular Cells"

To assess adherence to management guidelines based on the terminology used to describe atypical glandular cells (AGC) on cytology reports.

We analyzed AGC pathology reports from Hartford Hospital, 2004-2007, and identified cases of AGC with the terminology atypical glandular cells or atypical endocervical cells (AEC). We calculated rates of clinical evaluations based on the terminology used to describe the AGC. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ test.

Seventy-eight reports contained the terminology AEC and 97 reports contained the terminology AGC. The rate of histologic sampling in women with AEC was lower than in women with AGC (52.6% vs 83.5%; p < .01). Similarly, the rate of comprehensive evaluations was lower (33.3% vs 71.1%; p < .01). Fewer endocervical curettages (47.4% vs 77.3%; p < .01) and fewer endometrial biopsies in women 35 years or older were performed (26.9% vs 69.1%; p < .01) in women with AEC than in women with AGC.

Women with AGC reports containing the term AEC were managed less optimally than those with AGC. These results suggest that the terminology used to describe the finding of atypical glandular cells may influence the clinical evaluation. Clinicians may not recognize AEC as AGCs. Ours results suggest that the terminology atypical endocervical cells should be avoided or accompanied by the terminology atypical glandular cells.