Premium
Weeding atypical glandular cell look‐alikes from the true atypical lesions in liquid‐based Pap tests: A review
Author(s) -
Wood Moira D.,
Horst Julie A.,
Bibbo Marluce
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
diagnostic cytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.417
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1097-0339
pISSN - 8755-1039
DOI - 10.1002/dc.20589
Subject(s) - medicine , colposcopy , medical diagnosis , dermatology , pathology , radiology , cancer , cervical cancer
The purpose of this review is to identify features that separate atypical glandular cells (AGC) associated with glandular neoplasia from its mimickers, both benign and neoplastic. We reviewed cases of AGC diagnosed on liquid‐based Pap tests (LBP) for which corresponding histological follow‐up was available. A review of the literature for similar studies in LBP tests was also conducted. We find that certain benign mimics can be reliably separated from AGC, but recommend caution in attempting to increase specificity at the risk of losing sensitivity. Although accounting for only a small percentage of diagnoses AGC require a thorough clinical evaluation, including colposcopy. Most cases are ultimately found to be benign. When evaluating smears suspicious for AGC, it is important to examine the subtle features which make truly atypical cells discernible from their numerous benign mimickers. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:12–17. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.