Vaginal smear history in patients with invasive cervical carcinoma.

In 23 (about 43%) patients cytologically screended within 4 years before the diagnosis invasive cervical cancer 11 had a benign smear; when reviewed, two were borderline cases and three were misinterpreted. Twelve patients had different degrees of squamous cell dysplasia. In three of these the cancer was detected during the follow up procedures. Four did not respond to calls for follow up. Five were checked without any active measure but sampling new smears. Atypical smears must be clinically evaluated and treated in order to detect invasive carcinomas. The therapeutic results, however, may be controlled by repeat smears.