The performance of a new scoring system for colposcopy in detecting high-grade dysplasia in the uterine cervix

Is the colposcopic lesion size a predictor of high-grade lesions in young patients?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether severity changes with colposcopic lesion size, regardless of age.

METHODS

This retrospective comparative study reviewed the records of 428 women with altered cytopathology reports who were directed by primary health care. Only those women with colposcopic alterations were evaluated (n=411). Histopathological analyses were restricted to patients who underwent excisional treatment (n=345). According to their age, they were grouped into the following: <21, 21-24, 25-35, and >35 years, and also, ≤24 and ≥25 years. The cytopathological, colposcopic, and histopathological findings were grouped according to severity. Lesion size was subjectively assessed from the colposcopic drawing recorded in the chart and according to the number of quadrants of the total cervical surface affected by colposcopic alterations in the transformation zone. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The evaluations suggested that the lesion size was directly related to the severity of the cytopathology, colposcopy, and histopathology reports for the age groups ≤24 or ≥25 years. We observed associations between lesion size and severity of the cytopathology (≤24 years, p=0.037) and histopathology (≥25 years, p=0.003) findings.

CONCLUSION

The size of the lesion was directly related to the severity of the histopathological lesion in patients aged ≥25 years and cytopathological in patients aged ≤24 years.

Colposcopic findings to study cervical changes in reproductive age group women using various contraceptives

BACKGROUND

Colposcopy has a key role to play in see-and-treat programs for premalignant cervical lesions. The aim of the study/was to observe cervical changes with a colposcope using the Swede scoring system in fertile age group women using various contraceptives: conventional methods (barrier methods, coitus interruptus), oral contraceptives (OCPs), copper-T and bilateral tubectomy. The aim of the study was to observe and evaluate the colposcopic findings using the Swede scoring system for the diagnosis of premalignant/malignant lesions in reproductive age group women using various contraceptives.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study, conducted among 200 women of reproductive age group using various contraceptives in a tertiary care institute in North India. PAP smear, direct visual examination, VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) examination, colposcopic examination, and (biopsy if indicated) were done. The data were collected, and analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Office Software 2019 version 19.11 and epi info (CDC Atlanta) 7.23.1. Statistical analysis was done using percentages, mean, mode, median, standard deviation, Chi-square, Fisher's Test, and Anova Test.

RESULTS

We found positive PAP (Papanicolaou test) smears in 61.50%, positive VIA examination in 9%, and positive findings in colposcopic examination in 28.50%, Swede score of 0-3 in 100% (0-91%, 1-2%, 2-6%, and 3-1%) and positive biopsy in 9% subjects. Malignant findings were observed in 1.00% of PAP smears. Colposcopic findings were CIN 1 (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1) in 8.5% and CIN 2 in 0.5% subjects. Swede score was zero in 91%, 1 in 2%, 2 in 6%, and 3 in 1% of subjects. HPE (histopathological examination) was chronic cervicitis in 8.50% and mild dysplasia/CIN 1 in 0.5%. No significant statistical associations between contraceptive choice and false-positive test results or disease prevalence was found in any group except Cu-T users p = 0.0184 (especially for CIN 2; p = 0.0109 and CIN 1 more in all groups than Cu-T users). Colposcopy had sensitivity 100%, specificity 91.46% (0/0 = 0%) PPV = 5.56%, NPV = 100%, Accuracy = 91.5% for detecting mild dysplasia/CIN-non-significant (p = 0.055). Our study had mainly low-grade lesions with 100% NPV. With increase in Swede Score, sensitivity increases but at the expense of specificity but it was statistically non-significant (p = 0.055).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study may guide the rational use of colposcopy with Swede scoring for see-and-treat lesions, which is easy and with a low learning curve, as a tool for diagnosis but only in cases where indicated like unhealthy cervix because of the high rate of false-positive results. In low-grade lesions, it is highly useful to rule out the disease.

R. P, Cherian AG, Thomas V, Sadan V, Siva R, Rose A, Marcus TA, Jeyapaul S, K. SR, Malini T, N. S, Jebaraj P, John NO, Ramesh C, Raj C. JJ, Kumar S. R, B. V. B, Dorathy P. I, Murali V, N. P, K. K, Ranjani D. P. Strategies for primary HPV test-based cervical cancer screening programme in resource-limited settings in India: Results from a quasi-experimental pragmatic implementation trial

BACKGROUND

In order for low and middle income countries (LMIC) to transition to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test based cervical cancer screening, a greater understanding of how to implement these evidence based interventions (EBI) among vulnerable populations is needed. This paper documents outcomes of an implementation research on HPV screening among women from tribal, rural, urban slum settings in India.

METHODS

A mixed-method, pragmatic, quasi-experimental trial design was used. HPV screening on self-collected cervical samples was offered to women aged 30-60 years. Implementation strategies were 1) Assessment of contextual factors using both qualitative and quantitative methods like key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGDs), pre-post population sample surveys, capacity assessment of participating departments 2) enhancing provider capacity through training workshops, access to HPV testing facility, colposcopy, thermal ablation/cryotherapy at the primary health care centers 3) community engagement, counselling for self-sampling and triage process by frontline health care workers (HCWs). Outcomes were assessed using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework.

RESULTS

Screening rate in 8 months' of study was 31.0%, 26.7%, 32.9%, prevalence of oncogenic HPV was 12.1%, 3.1%, 5.5%, compliance to triage was 53.6%, 45.5%, 84.6% in tribal, urban slum, rural sites respectively. Pre-cancer among triage compliant HPV positive women was 13.6% in tribal, 4% in rural and 0% among urban slum women. Unique challenges faced in the tribal setting led to programme adaptations like increasing honoraria of community health workers for late-evening work and recalling HPV positive women for colposcopy by nurses, thermal ablation by gynaecologist at the outreach camp site.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-collection of samples combined with HCW led community engagement activities, flexible triage processes and strengthening of health system showed an acceptable screening rate and better compliance to triage, highlighting the importance of identifying the barriers and developing strategies suitable for the setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CTRI/2021/09/036130.

Relation between naked eye Swede score and the outcomes of atypias of undetermined significance

INTRODUCTION

Cervical cancer precursor lesions occur due to persistent infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). One of the challenges of the Pap test is detecting lesions at a high risk of evolving into cancer. In this context, differentiating patients at low and high risk of developing cervical cancer becomes necessary. The Swede score, a standardized point system assigned based on colposcopy, is the most commonly used method to evaluate suspicious lesions. However, access to colposcopy is limited in low-income countries. It is, therefore, important to assess the applicability of less costly diagnostic methods in these situations to avoid a late diagnosis of cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze histological outcomes of cytology tests with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US and ASC-H) and to compare the performance of the Swede score with and without colposcopy.

METHODS

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee via Plataforma Brasil (CAAE no. 41958320.6.0000.5259) and conducted by applying colposcopy score and naked eye score to patients with cytology alterations (ASC-US and ASC-H), with posterior analysis of cytological and histological results and comparison between the scores.

RESULTS

A total of 34 women aged ranging from 24 to 65 years, with results of atypia with undetermined significance (ASC-US and ASC-H), were included in the study. The receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated for the naked eye inspection Swede score. The cut-off of 6 was considered to indicate the best sensitivity and specificity (55.56% and 93.75%, respectively). Then, the positive and negative predictive values were 90.91% and 65.22%, respectively. By increasing the cut-off to 7, specificity increased to 100%. For the colposcopic inspection, a cut-off of 6 indicates better specificity and positive predictive value (both 100%), whereas the negative predictive value was 57.14%.

CONCLUSION

The correlation between the colposcopic and naked-eye Swede scores was statistically significant (0.82). Further studies with larger samples are important to establish the actual applicability of the naked eye method; however, in the absence of colposcopy, this appears to be an effective and very helpful method to make diagnostic decisions regarding HPV-induced lesions.

Association of Swede Score and 2011 IFCPC Nomenclature in Women with Abnormal Cytology

OBJECTIVE

 To assess the association between two colposcopic indices, the Swede score and the 2011 International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) Nomenclature as well as to determine the efficacy of the Swede score with cutoffs of 7 and 8.

METHODS

 In the present cross-sectional pilot study, 34 women who had at least 1 colposcopy-directed biopsy due to abnormal cytology were enrolled. The colposcopic findings were scored by both the Swede score and the 2011 IFCPC Nomenclature and were compared with each other. The Kappa coefficient and the McNemar test were used. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV and PPV, respectively) were calculated, as well as the effectiveness with cutoffs of 7 and 8 in identifying cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN) 2+ when using the Swede score.

RESULTS

 The correlation between the 2 colposcopic indices was 79.41%. The Kappa coefficient and the McNemar p-value were 0.55 and 0.37, respectively. The IFCPC Nomenclature had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 85.71, 55.00, 67.64, 57.14, and 84.61%, respectively. The Swede score had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 100, 63.15, 79.41, 68.18, and 100%, respectively. A Swede score cutoff of 7 for CIN 2+ detection had a specificity of 94.73%, while with a cutoff of 8 it increased to 100%. The sensitivity for both values was 60%. The PPV and NPV for cutoffs of 7 and 8 were 90 and 75 and 100 and 76%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

 Although both colposcopic indices have good reproducibility, the Swede score showed greater accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in identifying CIN 2 + , especially when using a cutoff of 8.

Overtreatment rate after immediate local excision of suspected cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The gold standard of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treatment is large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) after histopathological diagnosis from punch biopsies. In addition, treatment may be appropriate at initial colposcopy. Our objective was to study the applicability of immediate treatment strategy according to clinical parameters.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study among patients referred to colposcopy at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, between January 2014, and September 2018 (ISRCTN10933736). Patients treated with LLETZ, either after biopsies or immediately at initial colposcopy, were included. The main outcome measure was overtreatment (OT) rate defined as normal or low-grade histopathological findings in LLETZ specimen within both treatment groups.

RESULTS

A total of 572 patients treated with LLETZ were included: 360 treated after biopsies and 212 treated immediately at initial colposcopy. When LLETZ was performed immediately after high-grade referral cytology and with colposcopic impression of high-grade disease, the overtreatment (OT) rate was 10.0% (95% CI 9.10 to 17.2), whereas when LLETZ was done after biopsy-confirmed high-grade lesions, the OT rate was 18.9% (95% CI 14.7 to 23.7), resulting in risk difference (RD) -8.91% (95% CI -16.0 to -1.82). Among HPV16/18 positive patients the OT rate was 8.22% (95% CI 3.08 to 17.0) for immediate treatment, resulting in RD of -10.7% (95% CI -18.3 to -3.04) compared to LLETZ after biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate LLETZ does not result in overtreatment when applied on selected cases, especially after high-grade referral cytology and when high-grade lesion is also colposcopically suspected.

Colposcopic performance in a birth cohort previously eligible for human papillomavirus vaccination

BACKGROUND

Sweden started subsidized quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination for girls aged 13 to 17 in 2007. Since 2012, vaccination has been offered to all girls aged 10 to 12 within a school-based vaccination program, with a coverage of 80% or more. In addition, the vaccine has been offered on-demand as catch-up vaccination for girls aged 13 to 18, with a cumulative coverage of 55% to 60%. Since the first women in Sweden eligible for human papillomavirus vaccination entered the cervical screening program, questions on how to evaluate colposcopic findings among vaccinated women have arisen. Evidence is inconsistent on whether colposcopic features for the detection of cervical lesions are influenced by specific human papillomavirus genotypes and what role they can play in the prevention of invasive cervical cancer in vaccinated women.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the study was to compare colposcopic evaluation in vaccinated and unvaccinated women entering the organized cervical screening program.

STUDY DESIGN

Women in the 1994 and 1995 birth cohorts who entered the cervical screening program at age 23 in 1 region in Sweden were identified. Colposcopy was performed within 2 to 4 months after a positive screening result in accordance with national guidelines. Colposcopic performance was evaluated according to national guidelines with the Swede score and colposcopic impression. Punch biopsies were taken from colposcopic lesions and as "random biopsies" in the absence of lesions. These biopsies were used as the gold standard for the analysis. An endocervical sample was analyzed for cytologic findings and detection of 14 high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes. All colposcopic imaging was saved digitally for re-review. Vaccination status was obtained through linkage to national vaccination registries. Results were compared between vaccinated and unvaccinated women.

RESULTS

In 2018 and 2019, 160 out of 165 (98%) women with a positive screening result attended colposcopy, of which 90 (56%) were vaccinated and 70 (44%) were unvaccinated. Only 7 out of 90 (5%) women in the vaccinated group were human papillomavirus 16/18-positive, compared with 23 out of 70 (33%) in the unvaccinated group (P<.001). There was a total of 61 out of 160 (38%) women with high-grade lesions-33 out of 90 (37%) in the vaccinated group and 28 out of 70 (40%) in the unvaccinated group (P=.697). There was 64% (21/33) of vaccinated women and 75% (21/28) of unvaccinated women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions who had a Swede score of 6 to 10 (indicating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) (P=.124). The sensitivity was slightly higher for the detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in unvaccinated women using both colposcopic tests (Swede score, 0.67 vs 0.75; colposcopic impression, 0.67 vs 0.68), but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

We found no statistically significant difference between the colposcopic evaluation of vaccinated and unvaccinated women, although human papillomavirus vaccination reduced the prevalence of human papillomavirus 16/18 infection in human papillomavirus-vaccinated women. Our results indicate that colposcopic examination is still a useful tool in vaccinated women entering the organized cervical screening program.

ABCD criteria to improve visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) triage in HPV-positive women: a prospective study of diagnostic accuracy

OBJECTIVES

A simple system for visual inspection with acetic acid assessment, named ABCD criteria, has been developed to increase accuracy for triaging of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of ABCD criteria for the detection of histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade two or worse (CIN2+) in HPV-positive women living in a low-resource setting.

DESIGN

Prospective study of diagnostic accuracy.

SETTING

Cervical cancer screening programme based on a 3T-Approach (test, triage and treat) in the Health District of Dschang, West Cameroon.

PARTICIPANTS

Asymptomatic non-pregnant women aged 30-49 years were eligible to participate. Exclusion criteria included history of CIN treatment, anogenital cancer or hysterectomy. A total of 1980 women were recruited (median age, 40 years; IQR 35-45 years), of whom 361 (18.4%) were HPV-positive and 340 (94.2%) completed the trial.

INTERVENTIONS

HPV-positive women underwent a pelvic examination for visual assessment of the cervix according to ABCD criteria. The criteria comprised A for acetowhiteness, B for bleeding, C for colouring and D for diameter. The ABCD criteria results were codified as positive or negative and compared with histological analysis findings (reference standards).

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Diagnostic performance of ABCD criteria for CIN2+, defined as sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values.

RESULTS

ABCD criteria had a sensitivity of 77.5% (95% CI 61.3% to 88.2%), specificity of 42.0% (95% CI 36.5% to 47.7%), positive predictive value of 15.1% (95% CI 10.8% to 20.8%), and negative predictive value of 93.3% (95% CI 87.6% to 96.5%) for detection of CIN2 +lesions. Most (86.7%) of the ABCD-positive women were treated on the same day.

CONCLUSIONS

ABCD criteria can be used in the context of a single-visit approach and may be the preferred triage method for management of HPV-positive women in a low-income context.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03757299.

Colposcopic assessment by Swedescore, evaluation of effectiveness in the Swedish screening programme: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and performance of Swedescore in the Swedish screening programme.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional register study.

SETTING AND POPULATION

All Swedish women aged over 18 years with a colposcopic assessment linked to a biopsy in the Swedish National Cervical Screening Registry, 2015-20.

METHODS

Colposcopies with Swedescore were compared with the histopathological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+). The respective influence of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, at referral for colposcopy and concurrently with colposcopy, were investigated in regression models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

CIN2+.

RESULTS

A total of 11 317 colposcopic assessments with Swedescore were included. Odds ratios for CIN2+ increased for every step in the Swedescore scale. At Swedescore ≥0-1, the proportion of CIN2+ was 9.8%. At Swedescore ≥8, the specificity was 93.3% and the positive predictive value was 60.1%, Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.71. If the smear had been abnormal at referral, a normal colposcopy (Swedescore 0-1) was still associated with a CIN2+ risk of more than 5%. In the regression model, cytology and HPV had higher odds ratio for CIN2+ than colposcopy; the combination resulted in an AUC of 0.88.

CONCLUSIONS

Swedescore works well in a routine clinical setting but colposcopy assessed with Swedescore was inferior to that reported in previous clinical studies. No safe cutoff level was identified for refraining from biopsy. See-and-treat at Swedescore 8-10 is feasible only if referral cytology showed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

No safe cutoff level for refraining from biopsy nor for see-and-treat with Swedescore.

Can biopsies be omitted after normal colposcopy in women referred with low-grade cervical cytology? A prospective cohort study

Background

Controversy surrounds whether women with low-risk cytology screening results but a normal colposcopic assessment should have random biopsies taken. The aim of this study was to determine the yield of CIN2+ from one to four cervical biopsies in women with cytology of LSIL or ASCUS and a normal colposcopic impression.

Methods

Between January 2017 and September 2020, women over 18 years old referred for colposcopic examination due to either an abnormal smear (ASCUS+) or follow-up after previous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were invited to participate in the study. All study participants underwent colposcopic examination and had four biopsies taken. The biopsies were analyzed separately.

Results

In total, 1327 women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results or attending follow-up after a previous CIN diagnosis were enrolled in the study and examined by colposcopy. Of these, 173 were newly referred with cytology of LSIL or ASCUS and had a normal colposcopic impression and four adequate biopsies. Of these, 22.0% were diagnosed with CIN2+. When combining the results of the four biopsies, we found a 100% relative increase in CIN2+ cases compared to using only one biopsy (from 11.0% to 22.0%, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

As we found CIN2+ from random cervical biopsies in 22.0% of women with cytology of LSIL or ASCUS who had a normal colposcopic impression, we advocate performing four random cervical biopsies at the squamocolumnar junction in such women.

Trial registration NCT04249856, January 31 2020 (retrospectively registered).

Colposcopic analysis of cervical lesions using popular scoring systems: Reid versus Swede

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of colposcopy in detecting cervical lesions and to grade them according to Reid score and Swede score, and compare it with histopathology results.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 130 patients in a tertiary care centre, who were subjected to pap smear and colposcopy. The cervical lesions were graded according to Reid score and Swede score, and a biopsy was obtained from the lesion. Histopathology results were correlated with colposcopy findings, and the scores were compared.

RESULTS

The colposcopic findings using Reid score and Swede score correlated with histopathology results in the study population. The association between colposcopic impression and histopathology result was highly significant (p < 0.001), using both Reid score and Swede score. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Reid score (overall) was 86.2%, 80.20%, 55.56% and 95.3%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 81.54%. At score > 5, specificity increased to 99% and diagnostic accuracy was 92.31%. The overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of Swede score was 89.7%, 49.5%, 33.8%, 94.3% and 48.46%, respectively. As the cut off value increased, the sensitivity decreased. But the specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy increased and was statistically significant. The specificity and PPV was 100% at score > 8.

CONCLUSION

As the cut off value increased, the diagnostic accuracy of both the Scores increased, and was more accurate in detecting high-grade lesions.

Clinical application of the 2011 IFCPC colposcope terminology

BACKGROUND

Colposcopy offers an accurate way to the diagnose of cervical precancerous lesions. However, the diagnostic accuracy of colposcopy is unsatisfied. This study was to evaluate colposcopic accuracy according to the 2011 International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) terminology.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed in 1,838 patients who underwent colposcopy in Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University from October 2013 to April 2018. Using conization or cervical biopsy pathology as the gold standard, the agreement between colposcopic diagnosis and pathologic diagnosis was calculated, and correlations between variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

As an authoritative and widely used terminology for colposcopy diagnosis, the 2011 IFCPC terminology has certain clinical practicality and diagnostic accuracy. However, some signs such as mosaic, punctation, sharp border, inner border sign and ridge sign had high specificity but unsatisfactory sensitivity, which limited the diagnostic value. Therefore, we discussed the Lugol's staining, a very common sign in colposcopy, and analyzed the diagnostic significance of bright yellow staining in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and mustard yellow staining in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). The results showed that mustard yellow may be a valuable indicator in the diagnosis of HSIL.

CONCLUSION

The 2011 IFCPC colposcope terminology has standardized interpretations of the colposcopic findings and improved the accuracy of colposcopy diagnosis. The aceto-white epithelium still has important diagnostic value; however, the value of a few signs is needed to be discussed and new signs are expected to be discovered. Although the significance of Lugol's staining was diminishing, mustard yellow might be a valuable indicator for the diagnosis of HSIL.

100 years of iodine testing of the cervix: A critical review and implications for the future

OBJECTIVES

We aim to describe the history of iodine testing of the cervix and identify areas where further work is required.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a search of PubMed and Google Scholar. Full article texts were reviewed. Reference lists were screened for additional articles and books. 37 basic articles in journals including ones written in German and three basic articles in books were identified.

RESULTS

Glycogen staining of the ectocervical squamous epithelium with iodine goes back to Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915). Walter Schiller (1887-1960) examined nearly 200 different dyes and found that vital staining of the cervical squamous epithelium was best achieved with Lugol's iodine solution, which was indicated by Jean Guillaume Lugol (1786-1851) for disinfection of the vagina. In 1928 W. Lahm observed that the glycogen content of a squamous epithelium cell decreases as anaplasia increases. From the outset, H. Hinselmann included the iodine test in the minimum requirements for colposcopy. In 1946 H. J. Wespi first mentioned the finding of an "uncharacteristic iodine negative area." The first international colposcopic terminology from Graz in 1975 lists the "iodine light area" among the different colposcopy findings. The IFCPC nomenclatures from Rome 1990, Barcelona 2002, and Rio de Janeiro 2011 have evaluated the iodine test and classified their findings differently. A breakthrough to effective cervical cancer screening in resource-limited settings in Africa, India, and Latin America was achieved with R. Sankaranarayanan's publication on naked-eye visual inspection of the cervix after application of Lugol's iodine.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper is a step toward a better understanding of what we think and do today with iodine testing and what problems and upcoming tasks will arise in future.

The Diagnostic Efficacy of Swede Score for Prediction of Pre-invasive Cervical Lesions: A Prospective Hospital-Based Study

Context

The accuracy of colposcopy has recently been called into question particularly with regard to determining the site requiring biopsy. The technique of colposcopy is largely operator dependent, and the agreement between colposcopists is less reliable than once presumed. In an attempt to standardize colposcopy a new scoring system, the Swede score has been devised, which includes lesion size as a variable to be scored in addition to the 4 variables found in the modified Reids Colposcopic Index (RCI).

Aim

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Swede score for pre-invasive cervical lesion.

Setting and Design

A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care centre.

Method

Swede score was calculated for assessment of pre-invasive cervical lesions on patients undergoing colposcopy who were suspected with pre-invasive cervical lesion. Cervical biopsy was taken if modified RCI ≥ 3 or Swede score ≥ 5. Histopathology report of the cervical biopsy was taken as gold standard.

Results

Swede scores of 5 or more had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 94.9%, 88.4%, 75.5% and 92.9% respectively.

Conclusion

The Swede score by just incorporating one additional variable that is size of the lesion, showed better correlation with histopathology.

Screening test accuracy to improve detection of precancerous lesions of the cervix in women living with HIV: a study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The simplest and cheapest method for cervical cancer screening is visual inspection after application of acetic acid (VIA). However, this method has limitations for correctly identifying precancerous cervical lesions (sensitivity) and women free from these lesions (specificity). We will assess alternative screening methods that could improve sensitivity and specificity in women living with humanimmunodeficiency virus (WLHIV) in Southern Africa.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a paired, prospective, screening test accuracy study among consecutive, eligible women aged 18-65 years receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS at Kanyama Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. We will assess a portable magnification device (Gynocular, Gynius Plus AB, Sweden) based on the Swede score assessment of the cervix, test for high-risk subtypes of human papillomavirus (HR-HPV, GeneXpert, Cepheid, USA) and VIA. All study participants will receive all three tests and the reference standard at baseline and at six-month follow-up. The reference standard is histological assessment of two to four biopsies of the transformation zone. The primary histological endpoint is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade two and above (CIN2+). Women who are VIA-positive or have histologically confirmed CIN2+ lesions will be treated as per national guidelines. We plan to enrol 450 women. Primary outcome measures for test accuracy include sensitivity and specificity of each stand-alone test. In the secondary analyses, we will evaluate the combination of tests. Pre-planned additional studies include use of cervigrams to test an automated visual assessment tool using image pattern recognition, cost-analysis and associations with trichomoniasis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Zambia Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, Zambian National Health Regulatory Authority, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Swissethics and the International Agency for Research on Cancer Ethics Committee. Results of the study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03931083; Pre-results.

Performance of colposcopic scoring by modified International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy terminology for diagnosing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in a low-resource setting

Introduction:

Colposcopy is a tool to evaluate women with cervical pre-cancer and cancer. To interpret the colposcopic findings, various scoring systems are used but with inter observer variations. To improve the quality of colposcopy, International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) has introduced a colposcopic nomenclature in 2011. Colposcopic scoring helps to select patients who need treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Aim of the Study:

The study aimed to evaluate the agreement between colposcopic diagnosis with the modified IFCPC terminology and cervical pathology in patients with abnormal screening tests and to assess the utility of this colposcopic scoring system in low resource settings.

Methodology:

Patients with abnormal screening tests who underwent colposcopic assessment in the department of Gynaecological oncology were included in the study. Colposcopic scoring was done by the modified IFCPC nomenclature. The results were compared with cytology and the final histopathology.

Results:

56 patients were included in the study. The colposcopic scoring when compared to histopathology showed agreement in 65.7% which indicated the agreement was substantial and was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). With cytology the colposcopic score showed agreement in 35.6% indicating a fair agreement and this was also statistically significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Colposcopic scoring by modified IFCPC 2011 criteria showed substantial agreement with cervical histopathology. Compared to traditional methods, 2011 international terminology of colposcopy could improve colposcopic accuracy.

Fostering Prevention of Cervical Cancer by a Correct Diagnosis of Precursors: A Structured Case-Based Colposcopy Course in Finland, Norway and UK

High-quality colposcopy is essential in cervical cancer prevention. We performed a multicentre prospective interventional pilot-study, evaluating the effect of a six-hour case-based colposcopy course on short- and long-term learning of colposcopy-related knowledge, diagnostic accuracy levels and confidence. We recruited 213 colposcopists participating in three European Federation of Colposcopy (EFC) basic colposcopy courses (Finland, Norway, UK). The study consisted of three tests with identical content performed before, after and 2 months after the course, including ten colposcopic images, ten patient cases and scales for marking confidence in the answers. Outcome measures where mean scores in correct case-management, diagnosis (including high-grade lesion recognition), transformation-zone recognition and confidence in answers. Results were compared between the three tests and stratified according to experience. Mean test scores improved after the course for all participants. The increase was highest for beginners. Confidence in answers improved and the number of colposcopists showing high confidence with low scores decreased. A structured case-based course improves skills and confidence especially for inexperienced colposcopists; however, trainers should be aware of the risk of overconfidence. To complement theoretical training, further hands-on training including high-quality feedback is recommended. Conclusions drawn from long-term learning are limited due to the low participation in the follow-up test.

Performance of the Swede score to predict cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women with HIV-1 in Johannesburg, South Africa

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of the Swede score to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women with HIV-1 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using secondary data analysis from the HPV in Africa Research Partnership (HARP) study that compared the performance of three different screening tests to detect CIN. Colposcopy was performed on any woman who screened positive and findings were recorded using the Swede score. A biopsy of any lesion and a four-quadrant biopsy was taken. The score was evaluated against a histological diagnosis of >CIN1. The sensistivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for each score was calculated.

RESULTS

Median age and CD4+ count of the 576 women eligible from the Johannesburg cohort was 34 years (IQR, 30-39) and 427 cells/mm³ (IQR, 323-579), respectively. Almost two-thirds (64%) were on ART and about 21% had CIN 2+ on histology. A Swede score of 5 or greater had the best combination of sensitivity and specificity for CIN 2+ with an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.68-0.76) corresponding to a sensitivity of 72.1 (95% CI, 63.5-79.6) and specificity of 71.8 (95% CI, 67.4-75.9).

CONCLUSION

The Swede score can assist in determining whether women with HIV/AIDS should have treatment at the first colposcopy visit versus those who may be followed up, thereby individualizing treatment.

Diagnostic accuracy of colposcopic examination in patients with oral dysplastic lesions

OBJECTIVE

Colposcopy is a direct microscopic method and is the gold standard tool to detect early cervical dysplastic lesions. In the past, many attempts have been made to use gynecologic methods to examine the oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to detect the diagnostic accuracy of oral colposcopy in diagnosing oral dysplastic lesions in comparison with microscopic evaluation based on biopsy and compare Reid's Colposcopic Index (RCI) and the Swede scoring system in diagnosing oral dysplastic lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-five patients who presented for diagnosis of oral leukoplakia to the Oral Medicine and Periodontology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University (Cairo, Egypt) and met the selection criteria were recruited in this study. Each patient was subjected to colposcopic examination, followed by biopsy to confirm the results of colposcopy. The sensitivity and specificity of oral colposcopy were calculated after colposcopic assessment by using the Swede scoring system and the RCI.

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy of oral colposcopy with use of the Swede scoring system was superior to that of oral colposcopy with the use of the RCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Colposcopic examination using the Swede scoring system is very specific for diagnosing oral epithelial dysplasia and for using the "see-and-treat" method, whereas the RCI is a very sensitive screening method for the diagnosis of oral epithelial dysplasia in oral potentially malignant disorders.

European consensus statement on essential colposcopy

This European consensus statement on essential colposcopy provides standards for the general colposcopist seeing women referred for colposcopy with an abnormal cervical screening test (including cytology and HPV tests) or with a clinically suspicious cervix. The article gives guidance regarding the aims and conduct of colposcopy. Recommendations are provided on colposcopy technique, the management of common colposcopy issues, treatment and follow-up of after treatment of CIN or early stage cervical. Colposcopists should make an informed decision on the management of each individual that is referred and organize appropriate follow-up. Cervical cancer is still a major health issue and the quality of care can only improve if there is a structured guidance for women with an abnormal smear or suspicious cervix.

A comparison of the associations of Reid Colposcopic Index and Swede Score with cervical histology

AIM

Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in women, is preventable. Colposcopy and colposcopic scoring systems are helpful tools to guide the treatment of precancerous lesions. This study was done to compare the association between Reid colposcopic index (RCI) and Swede score.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 159 subjects aged 18 years or over with abnormal pap smears or high-risk HPV (types 16 and/or 18). All women underwent colposcopies, and the findings were classified by RCI and Swede score. Biopsies were done in all cases. The performance of both scores was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 43 (27.0%) high-grade lesions were detected. AUC of ROC of both tests showed excellent performance with 0.906 for RCI and 0.902 for Swede score. The correlation coefficient was 0.986. At a cutoff of 5, RCI had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for detected CIN2+ lesions of 83.7%, 89.7%, 75.0%, and 93.7%, respectively. At a cutoff of 7 for RCI score, the corresponding figures were 46.5%, 99.1%, 95.2%, and 83.3%. At a cutoff of 5, Swede score had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 88.4%, 87.1%, 71.7%, and 95.3%. At a cutoff of 9 for Swede score, those values were 14.0%, 99.1%, 85.7%, and 75.7%.

CONCLUSION

There was a good association between RCI and Swede score. Both scoring systems had the good performance. Swede score is effective for practical use and applied in Thailand.

Colposcopic scoring indexes in the evaluation of cervical lesions with the cytological result of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade lesion

AIM

Colposcopic indexes including Reid index and Swede score were developed to make the colposcopy more objective. The aim of our study was to evaluate the significance of colposcopic indexes in the evaluation of ASC-H cervical lesions.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study in the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology between January 2013 and December 2018. The study included 535 women, from which 66 women had a cytological result ASC-H. Scoring of all colposcopic findings was assessed according to Reid modified index and Swede score and a composite score was determined. Frequency distributions were compared using χ² /Fisher exact test. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was computed between RCI and Swede score.

RESULTS

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and positive likelihood ratio of modified Reid colposcopic index at a cutoff of ≥4 for the detection of HSIL+ lesions were: 86.11% (95% CI: 70.5-95.3), 83.33% (95% CI: 65.3-94.4), 86.11% (95% CI: 69.7-94.8), 83.33% (95% CI: 64.5-93.7) and 5.17 (95% CI: 2.3-11.6). Swede score with the cutoff value ≥5 showed comparable results to modified Reid index with the increased sensitivity: 94.44% (95% CI: 81.3-99.3).

CONCLUSION

ASC-H category represents the trickiest cytological diagnosis as it is underlined with the high risk of severe cervical dysplasia. Evaluating the cervical lesion by the use of colposcopic indices helps the gynecologist to objectively evaluate all the pathologies of uterine cervix. Swede score with the cutoff value 8 also enables a 'see and treat' option in management of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade lesions.

Correlation of Swede score colposcopy scoring system and histopathological results in patients with high-risk HPV infection other than HPV16 and 18

OBJECTIVE

Triage with HPV genotyping has some caveats and debates for HPV positive cases other than 16 and 18. The Swede score colposcopic scoring system has not previously been evaluated in this group of patients.

OBJECTIVE

To use the Swede score colposcopic scoring system to compare scores and final histopathological results in women who have undergone colposcopy owing to infection with high risk-HPVs other than HPV16 and 18 and to establish new cut-off values to predict pre-malignant lesions in this group of patients.

METHODS

This study was conducted in 613 women undergoing colposcopic evaluation because of abnormal cervical cytology together with high-risk HPV infection. All patients referred were evaluated by an expert colposcopist, given a Swede score (using the Swede score colposcopic scoring system) by using five variables (acetowhiteness, margins plus surface, vessel pattern, lesion size, and iodine staining), and had at least one biopsy procedure (either colposcopically directed or by a loop electrical excision procedure). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio values, and receiver operating characteristic curves for each clinico-pathological variable to detect low-grade and high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions, and any squamous cell abnormality (low-grade + high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions) were evaluated individually.

RESULTS

Final histopathological results of the patients were normal in 53.2% of cases, low-grade lesions in 32.5% of cases, and high-grade lesions in 14.4% of cases. Swede score was ≥8 (median 7.97) for high-grade lesions and ≥5 (median 5.06) for low-grade lesions. The area under the curve values (95% CI) of Swede scores for low-grade and high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions, and low-grade + high grade lesions were 0.92, 0.98, and 0.96, respectively. A Swede score cut-off value ≥6 had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratios of 92%, 98%, 93%, 98%, and 50 (22.6 to 110.8), respectively, for high-grade lesions at the final pathology (P<0.001). One high-risk HPV type (except 16 and 18) was no better than another for calculating the median Swede score during colposcopy (P=0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

The Swede score colposcopic scoring system appears to be a useful tool for evaluating atypical cervical cytology in women with high-risk HPV infection other than HPV types 16 and 18.

Replacing Iodine Staining with Size of Lesion: The Performance of Modified Reid Colposcopic Index

AIM

This study of diagnostic accuracy aimed to assess the performance of authors' proposing colposcopic index for detecting histological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2 or worse).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data was carried out on medical records of women who underwent colposcopy in Rajavithi hospital from January 2007 to December 2014. The authors' proposed score included the first 3 criteria of RCI (margin, color, vascular pattern) and replacing the last RCI criterion (iodine staining) with the detail of size and location of a lesion which was retrospectively retrieved from medical records. Total score for detecting any lesion was ranged from 0-8, similar to the RCI. Performance of the score was assessed for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values at every cut-off level.

RESULTS

Among 207 eligible women, 87 (42%) had CIN2 or worse. Cut-off level of score ≥ 6 had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 54.0%,97.5%,94.0%,74.5%, respectively while cut-off value ≥ 2 had sensitivity , specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 94.2% ,55.8% ,60.7%, and 93.0%, respectively, for histological diagnosis of CIN 2 or worse. The area under ROC curve was 0.88. In women with type 3 T-zone, the area under ROC curve was 0.94 which was excellent.

CONCLUSION

The performance of the colposcopic score that replaces iodine staining with the size and location of the lesion is good and practical. High cut-off level can be used in see and treat approach for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Low cut-off level may be used for omitting biopsy in case of low grade impression. This scoring system seems to have greater performance in womens with type 3 T- zone.

Comparison of the AV Magnivisualizer device with colposcopy to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia using the Swede scoring system

OBJECTIVE

To compare the AV Magnivisualizer with colposcopy to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) using the Swede scoring system.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital from May 2017 to March 2018. One hundred women with positive results at visual inspection with acetic acid underwent cervical inspection using the Magnivisualizer followed by a colposcope. Biopsies were taken if the Swede score was greater than 4. Pregnant women, women with an obvious cervical growth, acute cervicitis, or prior cervical surgery were excluded. Diagnostic accuracy of the Magnivisualizer and colposcope was calculated for high-grade lesions (CIN 2/CIN 2+) and agreement was compared between the two modalities.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Magnivisualizer were 88.2%, 70.0%, 50.0%, and 94.6%, respectively, to detect high-grade lesions at a Swede score cutoff of 5 or more. The area under the curve for the Magnivisualizer was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.67-0.92), which was comparable with colposcopy (AUC 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.96). There was very good agreement between the Magnivisualizer and colposcopy (κ=0.865, P<0.001) for high-grade lesions.

CONCLUSION

The Magnivisualizer had high diagnostic accuracy to detect high-grade CIN in screen-positive women, which was comparable with colposcopy.

The efficacy of modified Swede Colposcopic Index in prediction of high-grade lesion and cancer of cervix

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of modified Swede Colposcopic Index (MSCI) to predict high-grade lesion and cancer of cervix (CIN2+, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse) in women with abnormal cervical cytology who underwent a colposcopy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study and MSCI using 5 features of cervical lesions evidenced from colposcopy: acetouptake, margin and surface, vessels, lesion size, and location of lesion. Each feature was scored from cervicograhpic findings which transformation zone was completely seen. Odds ratio of each feature was obtained by logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the efficacy of summation score to predict CIN2+. An appropriate cut-off point score was assigned.

Results

Two hundred and twenty women were included in the study. The assigned score for each factor in level 1 to 3 was 1, 2 and 3 points with a total score of 15 points. The most appropriate cut-off points score for MSCI to predict CIN2+ was 11 points. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy using MSCI were 82.2%, 96.2%, 96.0%, 85.0%, and 90.0% respectively.

Conclusion

MSCI showed a high efficacy for predicting CIN2+ in satisfactory colposcopy.

Evaluation of inter-observer concordance of the Swede score for digital colposcopic images

Objective

To assess inter-observer concordance by training level when applying the Swede score to digital colposcopy images.

Materials and methods

Concordance study assembled in a cross-sectional study. The population consisted of patients referred for colposcopy to a cervical pathology reference center in Bogotá, Colombia, due to abnormal cytology. Convenience sampling was used. Measured variables were age, level of education, marital status, risk factors for cervical cancer such as parity, age of sexual activity initiation and number of sexual contacts, contraceptive method, cytology report and colposcopy result according to the criteria of the Swede score. Concordance was calculated using the weighted kappa (k) index.

Results

The analysis was based on a set of 3 digital colposcopic images of 251patients. For the total score on the scale, low agreement (k = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.26-0.44) was found between two expert gynecologists; low agreement (k = 0.27; IC 95 %: 0.20-0.38) was also shown for a pair of gynecologists with different training levels, while moderate agreement (k = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.34-0.53) was found for the third pair. For individual criteria on the Swede scale, the best agreement was found for "acetowhite reaction" and "lesion size" (k = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.33-0.53).

Conclusions

Inter-observer concordance using the Swede score for digital colposcopic images ranged from low to moderate according to the level of training of the gynecologists.

Colposcopy telemedicine: live versus static swede score and accuracy in detecting CIN2+, a cross-sectional pilot study

Background

This cross-sectional pilot study evaluates diagnostic accuracy of live colposcopy versus static image Swede-score evaluation for detecting significant precancerous cervical lesions greater than, or equal to grade 2 severity (CIN2+).

Methods

VIA or HrHPV positive women were examined using a mobile colposcope, in a rural clinic in Kolkata, India. Live versus static Swede-score colposcopy assessments were made independently. All assessments were by gynecologists, junior or expert. Static image assessors were blinded to live scoring, patient information and final histopathology result. Primary outcome was the ability to detect CIN2+ lesions verified by directed biopsies. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated for live versus static Swede-score in detecting CIN2+ lesions, as well as for interclass correlation.

Results

495 images from 94 VIA positive women were evaluated in this study. Thirteen women (13.9%) had CIN2+ on biopsy. No significant difference was found in the detection of CIN2+ lesions between live and static assessors (area under curve = 0.69 versus 0.71, p = 0.63). A Swede-score of 4+, had a sensitivity of 76.9% (95% CI 46.2–95.0%) and 84.6% (95% CI 54.6–98.1%), for live- and static-image assessment respectively. The corresponding positive predictive values were found to be 90.9% (95% CI 75.7–98.1%) and 92.6% (95% CI 75.7–99.1%). The interclass correlation was good (kappa statistic = 0.60) for the senior static assessors.

Conclusions

Swede-score evaluation of static colposcopy images was found to reliably detect CIN2+ lesions in this study. Larger studies are needed to further develop the colposcopy telemedicine concept which may offer reliable guidance in management where direct specialist input is not available.

Trial registration

Ethical approval of the study was obtained by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) Human Research Ethics Committee (4.311/27/2014). The trial was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Trails Registry of India CTRI/2018/03/012470.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-018-0569-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: Role of Colposcopy, Benefits, Potential Harms, and Terminology for Colposcopic Practice

OBJECTIVES

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Colposcopy Standards address the role of and approach to colposcopy and biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. Working Group 1 was tasked with defining the role of colposcopy, describing benefits and potential harms, and developing an official terminology.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed. A national survey of American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology members provided input on current terminology use. The 2011 International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy terminology was used as a template and modified to fit colposcopic practice in the United States. For areas without data, expert consensus guided the recommendation. Draft recommendations were posted online for public comment and presented at an open session of the 2017 International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy World Congress for further comment. All comments were considered for the final version.

RESULTS

Colposcopy is used in the evaluation of abnormal or inconclusive cervical cancer screening tests. Colposcopy aids the identification of cervical precancers that can be treated, and it allows for conservative management of abnormalities unlikely to progress. The potential harms of colposcopy include pain, psychological distress, and adverse effects of the procedure. A comprehensive colposcopy examination should include documentation of cervix visibility, squamocolumnar junction visibility, presence of acetowhitening, presence of a lesion(s), lesion(s) visibility, size and location of lesions, vascular changes, other features of lesion(s), and colposcopic impression. Minimum criteria for reporting include squamocolumnar junction visibility, presence of acetowhitening, presence of a lesion(s), and colposcopic impression.

CONCLUSIONS

A recommended terminology for use in US colposcopic practice was developed, with comprehensive and minimal criteria for reporting.

Correlation of Two Colposcopic Indices for Predicting Premalignant Lesions of Cervix

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among women in India, mainly affecting the females of Peri-Menopausal age group. Colposcopy has been very useful for diagnosing cervical cancer to guide the biopsy. Reids and Scalzi proposed the Reids Colposcopic Index (RCI) to make colposcopic diagnosis less subjective, which is currently the most accepted scoring system. Recognizing the correlation of size of the lesion with likelihood of harbouring high grade disease, a new scoring system, the Swede score, has been devised by Strander et al in 2005. In present study we compared the Reids colposcopic index with Swede score. From the present study it is evident that Swede score of 8 or more has 100% specificity and can be used for performing direct excisional procedure as a "see-and-treat" method at this cut-off. This may be the preferred method for the treatment of high-grade CIN because it reduces the number of visits to the clinic and failure to receive treatment.

ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: How Do We Perform Colposcopy? Implications for Establishing Standards

OBJECTIVES

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of and approach to colposcopy and biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. Working group 3 defined colposcopy procedure guidelines for minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice and evaluated the use of colposcopy adjuncts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The working group performed a systematic literature review to identify best practices in colposcopy methodology and to evaluate the use of available colposcopy adjuncts. The literature provided little evidence to support specific elements of the procedure. The working group, therefore, implemented a national survey of current and recent ASCCP members to evaluate common elements of the colposcopy examination. The findings of this survey were modified by expert consensus from the ASCCP Colposcopy Standards Committee members to create guidelines for performing colposcopy. The draft recommendations were posted online for public comment and presented at an open session of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy 2017 World Congress for further comment. All comments were considered in the development of final recommendations.

RESULTS

Minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice guidelines were developed. These guidelines represent recommended practice in all parts of the examination including the following: precolposcopy evaluation, performing the procedure, documentation of findings, biopsy practice, and postprocedure follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are intended to serve as a guide to standardize colposcopy across the United States.

Mandatory colposcopic findings of severe cervical dysplasia. Are there key-signs that need our special attention?

INTRODUCTION

To test for colposcopic differences between CIN2+ and non CIN2+ lesions of the "major changes" of the RIO 2011 nomenclature of the International Federation of Cervical Pathology (IFCPC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis of colposcopic examinations of patients with histologically confirmed CIN2+ (n=99) and non CIN2+ (n=102) lesions during a four years period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

leukoplakia, coarse mosaic and punctuation, dense acetowhitening, sharp boarders, ridge sign, atypical vessels.

RESULTS

Only coarse punctuation (P≤0.001; OR 9.64; 95% CI 2.15-43.13), coarse mosaic (P≤0.001; OR 4.00; 95% CI 1.83-8.73) and dense acetowhitening (P≤0.05; OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.06-3.26) occurred more frequently in CIN2+ lesions which were confirmed as predictors by a regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Only coarse punctuation and coarse mosaic followed by dense acetowhitening as part of the "major changes" of the IFCPC Rio 2011 nomenclature achieve predictive values for CIN2+ lesions and should be therefore emphasized in colposcopy.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in African women living with HIV: role and effect of rigorous histopathological review by a panel of pathologists in the HARP study endpoint determination

AIMS

To analyse the effect of the expert end-point committee (EPC) review on histological endpoint classification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

METHODS

A cohort of women living with HIV were recruited in Burkina Faso (BF) and South Africa (SA) and followed over 18 months. Four-quadrant cervical biopsies were obtained in women with abnormalities detected by at least one screening test. A central review by a panel of five pathologists was organised at baseline and at endline.

RESULTS

At baseline the prevalence of high-grade CIN (CIN2+) was 5.1% (28/554) in BF and 23.3% (134/574) in SA by local diagnosis, and 5.8% (32/554) in BF and 22.5% (129/574) in SA by the EPC. At endline the prevalence of CIN2+ was 2.3% (11/483) in BF and 9.4% (47/501) in SA by local diagnosis, and 1.4% (7/483) in BF and 10.2% (51/501) in SA by EPC. The prevalence of borderline CIN1/2 cases was 2.8% (32/1128) and 0.8% (8/984) at baseline and endline. Overall agreement between local diagnosis and final diagnosis for distinguishing CIN2+ from ≤CIN1 was 91.2% (κ=0.82) and 88.9% (κ=0.71) for BF at baseline and endline, and 92.7% (κ=0.79) and 98.7% (κ=0.97) for SA at baseline and endline. Among the CIN1/2 cases, 12 (37.5%) were graded up to CIN2 and 20 (62.5%) were graded down to CIN1 at baseline, and 3 (37.5%) were graded up to CIN2 and 5 (62.5%) were graded down to CIN1 at endline.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of a centralised rigorous re-reading with exchange of experiences among pathologists from different settings.

Closer to a Uniform Language in Colposcopy: Study on the Potential Application of 2011 International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy Terminology in Clinical Practice

As the newest colposcopic terminology, the 2011 International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) classification provides standardized interpretation of colposcopic findings. In this study, we analyzed the colposcopic accuracy and the significance of individual findings according to the 2011 IFCPC classification in 525 patients, reviewed by 13 trained colposcopists. Results show that colposcopic diagnoses are in 64.95% perfect agreement with cervical pathology, with 63.64% sensitivity and 96.01% specificity for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL+). And the accuracy is reproducible across different experienced examiners. Many individual findings, especially the two new signs, inner border sign and ridge sign, are proved to have good predictive accuracy, while iodine negativity demonstrates an inferior performance. However, the distribution of three cervical transformation zone (TZ) types is heterogeneous in examiners. A comparison was also made of the findings of another two colposcopists without nomenclature training according to the Reid Colposcopic Index (RCI), modified RCI, and Swede Score. Results show that colposcopic accuracies in them are lower than in those nomenclature trained colposcopists. The 2011 IFCPC nomenclature improves colposcopic accuracy in trained colposcopists, like speaking the same language. However, the reproducibility of TZ and the predictive value of a few signs remain to be discussed.

Colposcopy and additive diagnostic value of biopsies from colposcopy-negative areas to detect cervical dysplasia

Introduction

We evaluated colposcopy in the routine diagnostic workup of women with abnormal cervical cytology, as well as the diagnostic value of endocervical curettage material and biopsies taken from colposcopy‐positive and colposcopy‐negative quadrants of the cervix.

Material and methods

This cross‐sectional study included 297 nonpregnant women with abnormal cervical cytology and no prior treatment for cervical dysplasia or cancer. All women underwent gynecological examination, colposcopy, endocervical curettage, and had cervical biopsies taken. Colposcopy was considered satisfactory if the squamocolumnar junction was fully visible, and biopsies were taken from all four quadrants of the cervix, regardless of colposcopy results.

Results

In all, 130 of the women in our study had satisfactory colposcopy results and were diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+), 61% via a colposcopy‐positive biopsy and 39% via a colposcopy‐negative biopsy. Eighty‐seven of them had positive colposcopy results, but CIN2+ was histologically verified from colposcopy‐positive biopsies in 91% (n = 79) and from colposcopy‐negative biopsies in 9% (n = 8). The remaining 43 women with CIN2+ had negative colposcopy findings, so their diagnosis was verified in colposcopy‐negative biopsies. The sensitivity of colposcopy alone to detect CIN2+ was 61% (95% CI 52–69).

Conclusions

In the present study, colposcopy was not a stand‐alone diagnostic method. Colposcopy‐negative biopsies had a clear additive value, identifying a substantial proportion of women with both positive and negative colposcopy results with treatment‐worthy cervical dysplasia. Endocervical curettage material had little diagnostic value in this study.

Evaluation of a compact, rechargeable, magnifying device to triage VIA and HPV positive women in a cervical cancer screening program in rural India

PURPOSE

Many limited-resourced countries have either introduced cervical cancer screening programs or are contemplating to do so using visual inspection after acetic acid application (VIA) or human papillomavirus (HPV) detection tests. Both tests have high false-positivity and a suitable triaging strategy is required. Colposcopy triaging is not practicable in most resource-limited settings due to several reasons. We evaluated a portable, battery-operated, magnifying device (GynocularTM) to triage screen positive women in community setting in India.

METHODS

Women positive on VIA or oncogenic HPV test were examined with Gynocular by clinicians in primary health clinics. Findings were documented using the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) terminology. Swede score was also calculated. Biopsy was performed irrespective of Gynocular findings. The accuracy of Gynocular to detect high-grade lesions or cancer (HSIL+) was estimated. The suitability of Gynocular to correctly triage screen positive cases for immediate ablative treatment was also evaluated by creating simulated scenarios.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity of Gynocular were 96.4 and 47.1 %, respectively, to detect HSIL + at the threshold of IFCPC grade 1 findings. Increasing threshold to grade 2 changed sensitivity and specificity to 92.9 and 94.1 %, respectively. Optimum combination of sensitivity and specificity as determined by the receiver operating curve analysis was at the cut-off Swede score of 5. Triaging of VIA/HPV positive women to treatment using grade 2 criteria would have resulted in modest overtreatment and missing of very few high-grade lesions.

CONCLUSION

Gynocular can be used as an effective triaging device for VIA/HPV positive women.

The Value of Endocervical Curettage in Addition to Biopsies in Women Referred to Colposcopy

OBJECTIVE

Performing endocervical curettage (ECC) at colposcopy may increase the yield of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or worse (CIN2+) compared to biopsies alone. The additional benefit of ECC in detecting CIN2+ was studied in women with lesion-targeted biopsies (low-grade or worse impression) and women with biopsies of normal-appearing cervix (less than low-grade impression).

METHODS

In this subanalysis of a multicenter study, 126 women referred to colposcopy who had an ECC were included. Multiple directed biopsies were taken from lesions, and a nontargeted biopsy was added if fewer than 4 biopsies were collected. Risk strata of CIN2+ were evaluated based on cytology and colposcopic appearance to identify women for whom ECC would be most valuable.

RESULTS

The CIN2+ yield of ECC in addition to biopsies was 15 (11.9%) of 126. In women with lesion-targeted biopsies and ECC, the CIN2+ yield of targeted biopsies was 34 (51.5%) of 66, the yield of additional nontargeted biopsies was 1 (1.5%) of 66, and the additional CIN2+ yield of ECC was 5 (7.6%) of 66. The yield in women with nontargeted biopsies only and ECC was 5 (8.3%) 60, and the additional yield for ECC was 10 (16.7%) of 60. Endocervical curettage did not find disease in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with less than low-grade impression and especially those with unsatisfactory colposcopy, the yield of CIN2+ was higher for ECC compared to nontargeted biopsies. The highest yield of CIN2+ from ECC was observed in women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and less than low-grade impression, suggesting that disease is higher up in the endocervix in this group.

Reid Colposcopic Index Evaluation: Comparison of General and Oncologic Gynecologists

The Reid colposcopic index (RCI) helps physicians for interpret the results of colposcopic examination. To compare the accuracy of RCI in colposcopic evaluation between general and oncologic gynecologists, this prospective trial was conducted by invited women over 20 years of age who were scheduled for a colposcopy at Chiang Mai University Hospital between August, 2008 and May, 2014 to participate. Pregnant patients or those having a history of hysterectomy or conization were excluded. During the colposcopy, all patients were simultaneously evaluated by general and oncologic gynecologists utilizing the RCI. Further management with either a biopsy or LEEP in each patient was dependent on the decision of the attending oncologic gynecologist. The accuracy of the RCI in diagnosing HSIL or more was calculated by the comparison with the final histology. Finally, 135 patients were recruited into this study. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of RCI in diagnosing HSIL or more in general gynecologists were 45.2%, 80.7%, 41.1%, 83.2% and 72.6% while in the oncologic gynecologists were 51.6%, 85.6%, 51.6%, 85.6% and 77.8%, respectively. The difference in accuracy between evaluator groups was not significant (p-value=0.28). Of 3 patients with invasive cervical cancer, all were undetected by the general gynecologists using RCI while only 1 invasive cervical cancer was missed via RCI by the oncologic gynecologists. We conclude that RCI could be used by general gynecologists in provincial hospitals with major concerns about missing invasive cervical cancer. A short training period regarding colposcopy might help to resolve this problem.

Diagnostic colposcopic accuracy by the gynocular and a stationary colposcope

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sensitivity and specificity of cervical lesions by the low-cost, portable Gynocular colposcope and a stationary colposcope, in women referred for colposcopy with abnormal cervical cytology.

METHODS

A randomized cross-over clinical trial for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy in detecting cervical lesions by the Gynocular and a stationary colposcope. The Swede score systematic colposcopy system was used for evaluation of colposcopic abnormalities. Directed punch biopsy and excisional cone biopsy were used as the "gold-standard" by histologically confirmed high grade cervical lesions CIN2+ (CIN2, CIN3, CIN3+). In total, 123 women referred for colposcopy due to abnormal cervical cytology were recruited at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The percentage agreement and the kappa statistic were calculated for Swede score by the Gynocular and a stationary colposcope. Swede scores were compared with the results from directed punch biopsy and excisional cone biopsy.

RESULTS

The Gynocular and the stationary colposcope had a high agreement of Swede scores with a Kappa statistic of 0.947, p < .0001. Punch biopsy diagnosed CIN2+ (CIN2, CIN3, and invasive cancer) in 44 (35.7 percent) women while cytology detected CIN2+ in 34 (27.6 percent) women. There were no significant differences of the sensitivity and specificity for different Swede scores by the Gynocular or a stationary colposcope in detecting CIN 2+.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in sensitivity or specificity in detecting cervical lesions by the Gynocular or stationary colposcope. The Gynocular is as accurate in diagnosing cervical lesions as a stationary colposcope.

Attributing oncogenic human papillomavirus genotypes to high-grade cervical neoplasia: which type causes the lesion?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in most women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 in cervical cytology and biopsies. Multiple high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes are present in 15% to 50% of cytology samples. We have shown by laser-capture microscopy (LCM)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that each lesion is associated with a single hrHPV type. Attribution of hrHPV types to CIN2/3 is important to understand the oncogenic role of different types and the limitations of cytologic typing. We studied hrHPV genotypes in 257 women with histologic CIN2/3 referred on the basis of abnormal cytology. HPV typing was done on cytology and CIN2/3 biopsies. If the whole-tissue section of the biopsy was positive for multiple hrHPV types, LCM-PCR was performed. We found 181 (70%) single and 71 (28%) multiple hrHPV infections in cytology, with 5 (2%) cases HPV-positive only on whole-tissue section PCR. Of cases with multiple cytologic hrHPV infections, 47/71 (66%) showed a single type in CIN2/3 lesions. In total, in 232 of 257 (90%) women with CIN2/3, a single hrHPV type caused CIN2/3. One was nonattributable on the LCM level. The remaining 24 women had 2 or more contiguous or separated lesions, each associated with a single hrHPV infection. The probability of HPV16 being present in CIN2/3, if detected in cytology, was 0.96 (95% confidence interval=0.90-0.98). LCM-PCR confirms that only 9% of histologic CIN2/3 is associated with multiple hrHPV types, much less than cytology would indicate, and each lesion was associated with a single hrHPV infection.

Issues in optimising and standardising the accuracy and utility of the colposcopic examination in the HPV era

For this tribute to Mario Sideri, we reviewed some of the current issues in colposcopy, many of which we were researching with him. The review concentrates on the impact of HPV testing on cervical screening, specifically on the practice of colposcopy as the major diagnostic procedure in cervical screening programmes. Topics include the changing population of women referred to colposcopy, evolving views of the colposcopic impression, differing approaches to directed and random biopsy, issues in teaching colposcopy using static images, and the development of colposcopy aids, and simplified visual assessment techniques.

Novel advancements in colposcopy: historical perspectives and a systematic review of future developments

OBJECTIVE

To describe novel innovations and techniques for the detection of high-grade dysplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies were identified through the PubMed database, spanning the last 10 years. The key words (["computerized colposcopy" or "digital colposcopy" or "spectroscopy" or "multispectral digital colposcopy" or "dynamic spectral imaging", or "electrical impedance spectroscopy" or "confocal endomicroscopy" or "confocal microscopy"or "optical coherence tomography"] and ["cervical dysplasia" or cervical precancer" or "cervix" or "cervical"]) were used. The inclusion criteria were published articles of original research referring to noncolposcopic evaluation of the cervix for the detection of cervical dysplasia. Only English-language articles from the past 10 years were included, in which the technologies were used in vivo, and sensitivities and specificities could be calculated.

RESULTS

The single author reviewed the articles for inclusion. Primary search of the database yielded 59 articles, and secondary cross-reference yielded 12 articles. Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

An instrument that globally assesses the cervix, such as computer-assisted colposcopy, optical spectroscopy, and dynamic spectral imaging, would provided the most comprehensive estimate of disease and is therefore best suited when treatment is preferred. Electrical impedance spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography provide information at the cellular level to estimate histology and are therefore best suited when deferment of treatment is preferred. If a device is to eventually replace the colposcope, it will likely combine technologies to best meet the needs of the target population, and as such, no single instrument may prove to be universally appropriate. Analyses of false-positive rates, additional colposcopies and biopsies, cost, and absolute life-savings will be important when considering these technologies and are limited thus far.

Evaluation of the accuracy in detecting cervical lesions by nurses versus doctors using a stationary colposcope and Gynocular in a low-resource setting

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of the performance of VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) trained nurses to learn colposcopy and the Swede score method to detect cervical lesions by using stationary colposcope or a portable, hand-held colposcope; the Gynocular, as compared to doctors.

DESIGN

A crossover randomised clinical trial.

SETTING

The Colposcopy Clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

PARTICIPANTS

932 women attending the clinic as either screening naïve for VIA screening (404) or women referred as VIA positive (528) from other VIA screening centres in the Dhaka region.

INTERVENTION

VIA trained nurses were trained on-site in colposcopy and in the Swede score systematic colposcopy method. The Swede score grade cervical acetowhiteness, margins plus surface. vessel pattern, lesion size and iodine staining. The women were randomised to start the examination by either a stationary colposcope or the Gynocular. Swede scores were first obtained by a nurse and the same patient was equally evaluated by a doctor.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Agreement between nurses and doctors in Swede scores was evaluated using the weighted κ statistic for the Gynocular and standard colposcope. The ability to predict CIN 2+ (CIN 2, CIN 3 and invasive cervical cancer) using Swede scores was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

The Swede scores obtained by nurses and doctors using the Gynocular and stationary colposcope showed high agreement with a κ statistic of 0.858 and 0.859, respectively, and no difference in detecting cervical lesions in biopsy. Biopsy detected CIN 2+ in 39 (4.2%) women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that VIA nurses can perform colposcopy. There was no significant differences compared to doctors in detecting cervical lesions by stationary colposcope or the Gynocular using the Swede score system. Swede scores obtained by nurses using the Gynocular could offer an accurate cervical diagnostic approach in low resource settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN53264564.

Evaluation of stationary colposcope and the Gynocular, by the Swede score systematic colposcopic system in VIA positive women: a crossover randomized trial

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate cervical lesions by the Swede coloscopy system, histologic finding, liquid-based cytology, and human papillomavirus (HPV) in women who resulted positive for visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) by using a pocket-sized battery-driven colposcope, the Gynocular (Gynius AB, Sweden).

Methods

This study was a crossover, randomized clinical trial at the colposcopy clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with 540 VIA-positive women. Swede scores were obtained by the Gynocular and stationary colposcope, as well as samples for liquid-based cytology, HPV, and cervical biopsies. The Swede scores were compared against the histologic diagnosis and used as criterion standard. The percentage agreement and the κ statistic for the Gynocular and standard colposcope were also calculated.

Results

The Gynocular and stationary colposcope showed high agreement in Swede scores with a κ statistic of 0.998, P value of less than 0.0001, and no difference in detecting cervical lesions in biopsy. Biopsy detected cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ (CIN2, CIN3, and invasive cancer) in 38 (7%) of the women, whereas liquid-based cytology detected CIN2+ in 13 (2.5%) of the women. Forty-four (8.6%) women who were tested resulted positive for HPV; 20 (3.9%) women had HPV-16, 2 (0.4%) had HPV-18, and 22 (4.3%) had other high-risk HPV.

Conclusions

Our study showed that few VIA-positive women had CIN2+ lesions or HPV infection. Colposcopy by Swede score identified significantly more CIN2+ lesions than liquid-based cytology and could offer a more accurate screening and selection for immediate treatment of cervical lesions in low-resource settings.