[Search for cytological traces of cancer in pregnancy]

Between 1970 and 1976 a total of 8254 gravidae were screened by smears of the cervix for carcinoma. The results regarded to doubtful (classification III) and positive (classification IV) smears were compaired with the frequency in not-pregnant women. In pregnant women doubtful or positive smears were found in 5.2%, in not-pregnant women in 12.0%. In the reported period a decrease of these smears were to observed: from 7.5% to 3.0%. The mean age of gravidae with doubtful smears is about 6 years beyond the mean age of gravidae with positive smears. Doubtful smears (classification III) in pregnant women are of less value but of same importance than in not-pregnant women; positive smears are of the same value and importance. Altogether there were 5 preinvasive and 5 invasive carcinomas of the cervix and 1 carcinoma of the vagina. The classification and consequences of carcinoma screening during gestation were discussed.