Influence of endocervical status on the cytologic prediction of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

A case-control analysis of the endocervical status of smears that preceded a histologic diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) showed that smears which correctly predicted CIN were significantly more likely to include metaplastic cells than were smears reported to be negative. There was no significant difference between the smears with respect to the presence of columnar cells. A high level of agreement was apparent between scientists in determining both columnar and metaplastic cell status. A discussion of the definition, role and potential impact of endocervical status in the prevention of cervical cancer is presented.