Studies of DNA content in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by cytologic and histologic flow cytometry

Flow cytometry was done on 82 specimens of cervical cytologic scrapings and biopsies from patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or condyloma. This study yielded significant results when compared with standard cytologic (p less than 0.01) and histopathologic studies (p less than 0.05). Histologic evaluation by flow cytometry required more examinations and did not give significant results. The authors conclude that cytologic flow cytometry, though not a replacement for standard cytologic examination, may be of help in establishing therapeutic strategies and follow-up protocols for patients with cervical precancerous conditions.