RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Frequency Of Nondiagnostic Findings On Colposcopy: Implications For Management
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Practice
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 209
OP 214
DO 10.3122/jabfm.6.3.209
VO 6
IS 3
A1 Nuovo, James
A1 Kreiter, Laurie
YR 1993
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/6/3/209.abstract
AB Background: This study examines the frequency of nondiagnostic findings from colposcopic biopsies at the University of Washington Family Medical Center Colposcopy Clinic and reviews the literature for any current recommendations for management of such cases. Methods: We reviewed 138 consecutive colposcopy reports covering the period from January 1990 to August 1991 from the Colposcopy Clinic at the University of Washington Family Medical Center. Nondiagnostic results were defined as those negative for dysplasia (atypia, inflammation, hyperkeratosis, and parakeratosis). Results: Of 138 endocervical curettages 25 (18.1 percent) had nondiagnostic findings, while of 206 ectocervical biopsies 104 (50.5 percent) had nondiagnostic findings. Of the 138 patients examined, 41 (29.7 percent) had a nondiagnostic biopsy as the most notable finding. Conclusion: Nondiagnostic colposcopic biopsy results occur frequently at the University of Washington Family Medical Center. The meaning of these equivocal results remains unclear. We need a further study of the natural history of such patients to determine appropriate recommendations for management.