Histologic and clinical significance of atypical glandular cells on pap smears

Daniel, A.; Barreth, D.; Schepansky, A.; Johnson, G.; Capstick, V.; Faught, W.

doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2005.08.009

« Previous Next »International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 91, Issue 3 , Pages 238-242, December 2005

Histologic and clinical significance of atypical glandular cells on pap smears

A. Daniel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Canada
D. Barreth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Canada
A. Schepansky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Canada
G. Johnson
- Dynacare Kasper Medical Laboratories, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
V. Capstick
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Canada
W. Faught
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Canada
- Corresponding author. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Women's Health, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 201 Community Services Centre, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 3V9 Canada. Tel.: +1 780 735 4927; fax: +1 780 735 4981.

Received 6 June 2005; received in revised form 11 August 2005; accepted 24 August 2005.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between atypical glandular cells (AGC) on Pap smear and clinically significant histology, in a large health region. Methods: A cytologic database of over one million Pap smears was reviewed for a result of AGUS/AGC. Cytologic and histologic follow up was obtained to establish the presence of significant histology. Results: 456 patients available for follow up had AGUS/AGC cytology results (0.043% of all Pap smear results). 197(45.2%) patients had a clinically significant diagnosis including 40 with adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the cervix and 48 with endometrial cancer. Conclusion: AGC on a Pap smear is frequently associated with a clinically significant diagnosis.

Keywords: Atypical glandular cells, Dysplasia, Cancer