Effect of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus but Normal Cytology at Test of Cure on Achieving Colposcopy Standards.

OBJECTIVE

In United Kingdom., test of cure after treatment of any grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) incorporates high-risk human papillomavirus (Hr-HPV) test and cytology at 6-month follow-up. The aims of the study were to determine the rate of recurrent CIN in women who are Hr-HPV positive and cytology negative and to explore possible associated risk factors.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed in women treated for any grade CIN between 2010 and 2015 from a regional population, who were Hr-HPV positive and cytology negative at first follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 2729 women were identified as treated for any grade CIN, and 213 (7.8%) were re-referred to colposcopy having Hr-HPV-positive test and negative cytology at test of cure. Their mean age was 31.56 years (range = 19-62 years). The mean time of follow-up per woman was 30.50 months (range = 2-63 months). At colposcopy, 171 (80.3%) had colposcopy examination only and 42 women (19.7%) had a biopsy. Twenty-four cases (11.3%) of CIN were identified of which 4 (1.9%) were CIN 2/3. Eleven women (5.2%) in total had a repeat treatment. Five women (2.3%) had biopsy-proven CIN 2/3 within 12-months after treatment. No cases of CIN 3+ after negative colposcopy were identified during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The incorporation of Hr-HPV testing yielded a very small number of women with residual CIN within 12 months of treatment. Our results suggest that women who are Hr-HPV positive and cytology negative after treatment of CIN with normal and adequate colposcopy could be discharged to routine recall if confirmed by larger national data.