[The incidence of borderline and pathologic findings in young females within the scope of gynecologic-cytologic screening studies].

The frequency of Pap III-V findings in cytological screening examinations in Rostock-City was estimated for the age groups 16-20, 21-25 and 26-30 years. Two 3-year periods (1972-1974 and 1981-1983) were compared. A significant 9-fold increase of cytological results of Pap groups III-V was found during this time. Possible causes of this changing pattern, especially papillomavirus infections were discussed. In the age group 26-30 years there was the highest progression rate with almost 10%, in contrast to 1% in the age group 16-20 years. In the three investigated age groups a regression rate of 46% and a persistence rate of 38% were found. The results underline the increasing importance of gynecocytological screening examinations in young women.