Papanicolaou smears of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance: histological correlations and suggestions for management

• Published in: Journal of lower genital tract disease Vol. 3; no. 2; p. 73
• Main Authors: Dinh, T V, Haque, M, Gracia, J M, Lucci, 3rd, J A, Smith, E R, Hannigan, E V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.1999
• ISSN: 1089-2591
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-0976.1999.08090.x

We sought to correlate cervical and endometrial neoplasias with Papanicolaou (Pap) smears of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) and to suggest management. One hundred seventy-one patients with AGUS Pap smears were followed prospectively with colposcopy, biopsies, endocervical curettage, and endometrial biopsies. One hundred twelve patients (65%) with AGUS Pap smears favoring reactive changes were found to harbor 13 preinvasive and invasive cervical squamous neoplasias and 1 ovarian sarcoma (total, 12.5% of patients with smears). Fifty-nine patients (35%) with AGUS Pap smears favoring neoplastic changes harbored 25 preinvasive and invasive squamous and glandular cervical and endometrial neoplasias (42.3%). In the presence of an AGUS Pap smear favoring reactive changes, colposcopy, biopsies, and endocervical curettage should be performed. Endometrial biopsy should be added when AGUS Pap smear favors neoplasia.