The value of endometrial cytology in a high risk population

Between January 1982 and November 1983, 335 women at risk for endometrial carcinoma, with or without symptoms, were screened on an out-patient basis at the 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Milan for endometrial carcinoma and its precursors. Cytologic diagnosis of material obtained with the Milan-Markley helix (Mi-Mark) was compared, in terms of acceptability and diagnostic accuracy, with histologic diagnosis of material obtained by Vabra curettage. The Mi-Mark was better accepted by the patients and there were almost no complications. Sensitivity was 93% for adenocarcinoma, 62% for atypical hyperplasia and 76% for hyperplasia without atypia. According to epidemiologic data and to our results, we suggest this screening procedure for asymptomatic obese women.