Glandular epithelial abnormalities on thinprep® pap tests: Clinical and cytohistologic correlation

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Pathology
• Cytopathology
• Cervical Cancer Screening

Background:

• Glandular epithelial abnormalities on cervical cytology are infrequent but clinically significant.
• This study reports a 12-year experience from a university hospital's cytopathology laboratory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical and histologic findings of glandular epithelial abnormalities detected via cervical cytology.
• To evaluate the significance of these abnormalities in a large patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed 191,087 ThinPrep Pap Tests from 2003-2014.
• Identified 184 cases (0.1%) with glandular epithelial abnormalities.
• Analyzed histologic follow-up for 143 of these cases.

Main Results:

• Histologic follow-up revealed epithelial abnormalities in 78% of cases.
• Diagnoses included endometrial/endocervical carcinoma, adenocarcinoma in situ, CIN 3, and metastatic carcinoma.
• Findings were influenced by patient age and presenting symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Glandular epithelial abnormalities on Pap tests require thorough clinical investigation.
• Early detection and follow-up are essential for managing potential gynecologic malignancies.