'See and treat' approach for high-grade squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions

Evaluation of the over-treatment percentage when choosing a 'see and treat' approach in patients with de- viant cervical smear test results.

The authors performed a retrospective chart review among women who were treated for cytological low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) from January 2009 until December 2010. All patients who were treated for deviant Pap-smears were analyzed. Patient characteristics were taken into account when performing the analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Logistic regression was performed to determine the influence of age, smoking, and the reason to perform the Pap-smear.

A total of 723 patients with deviant Pap-smear results were analysed. High-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was found in 70.3% of the patients with a Pap 3A average dysplasia (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). This indicates that 29.7% of the patients would be over-treated with a 'see and treat' approach. For Pap 3B (high-grade intra-epithelial lesion) or higher the over-treatment percentage was 6.7% or less.

Potential risks of a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) on future pregnancies and fertility should be taken into account when treating fertile patients for potential CIN. This should be part of the counseling process of patients with a Pap 3A average dysplasia. A 'see and treat' approach can and probably should be proposed to patients with a Pap 3B or higher.