Comparative evaluation of abnormal cytology, colposcopy and histopathology in preclinical cervical malignancy during pregnancy.

The results of a two-and-a half-year study on cytodetection of preclinical cervical malignancy during pregnancy are presented. Of 3,534 pregnant women, 125 (3.5%) had cytologic diagnoses of dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or microinvasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix. These results are compared with those obtained from colposcopy and from tissue diagnosis following biopsy, cervical conization and hysterectomy. They are also analyzed in relation to the patients' age, parity and age at first sexual intercourse. The management of these patients during pregnancy is discussed, especially with regard to the authors' experience in dealing with patients from very poor socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.