Cervicovaginal cytology in patients 16 years of age and younger.

A four-year survey of cervicovaginal cytology in 1,664 patients 16 years of age and younger showed 13 cases of dysplasia (0.78%). All were mild or moderate in degree. No cases of severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma were detected. Small numbers of cases of herpesvirus infection and of condyloma were also detected. The occurrence rate of trichomoniasis, however, was twice that normally seen in an adult population. The cytologic diagnosis of a low but significant number of cases of cervical dysplasia indicates a population whose continued surveillance by cytologic or other means is warranted. In this young population the detection of other sources of morbidity, such as trichomoniasis, offers an opportunity for beneficial medical intervention.