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Atypical squamous metaplastic cells
Author(s) -
Quddus M. Ruhul,
Sung C. James,
Steinhoff Margaret M.,
Lauchlan Stuart C.,
Singer Don B.,
Hutchinson Martha L.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
cancer cytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(20010225)93:1<16::aid-cncr9002>3.0.co;2-a
Subject(s) - medicine , biopsy , cancer , squamous intraepithelial lesion , lesion , pathology , dermatology , subcategory , cervical cancer , cervical intraepithelial neoplasia , mathematics , pure mathematics
BACKGROUND Atypical squamous metaplastic (ASM) cells are associated with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HGSIL) in many cases. The reproducibility of the diagnosis and biopsy follow‐up results of cases designated as ASM were studied at Women and Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island. METHODS Of 180 patients with ASM who the authors examined from January 1, 1998 to September 30, 1998, 147 (81.7%) had subsequent biopsies. Results of the biopsies were tallied. Twenty cases were rescreened in a blinded fashion to determine intra‐ and interobserver agreement and to identify diagnostic features. RESULTS Sixty‐five (44.2%) cases of ASM had HGSIL on biopsy, 26 (17.7%) had low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 56 cases (38.1%) were benign. Overall individual consistency is 8 of 16 (50%), and overall agreement is 13 of 64 (20%). CONCLUSIONS Sixty‐two percent of cases designated as ASM cytologically were associated with SIL, primarily HGSIL, at biopsies. The findings underscore the importance of this subcategory of atypical squamous cells. However, poor reproducibility suggests the need for refined criteria and/or continuing education, and obtaining second opinion. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2001;93:16–22. © 2001 American Cancer Society.