Microcolposcopy vs colposcopy in evaluating abnormal Pap smear. Comparison with histological findings

Microcolposcopy is a microscopic examination which permits the observation of in vivo normal and dysplastic cells. A comparison was made between colposcopy and microcolposcopy in terms of sensitivity, specificity and predictive value in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Seventy-eight patients with abnormal cervical smears were submitted to colposcopy, microcolposcopy and one or more biopsies on the microcolposcopically suspected areas. Currents classifications were used for the colposcopy and microcolposcopy. A comparison was made between the colposcopic description of abnormal transformation zone, and the microcolposcopic grade 2. The findings suggests that microcolposcopy is more sensitive and has more diagnostic accuracy than colposcopy in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Microcolposcopy is a good alternative to colposcopy in evaluating abnormal cervical cytology.