A Comparison of Cytomorphological Features of ASC-H Cells Based on Histopathological Results Obtained from a Colposcopic Target Biopsy Immediately after Pap smear Sampling

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, 5-4-1 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, 181-8621, Tokyo, Japan.

2 School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Science, Gunma Paz University, 1-7-1 Tonyamachi, Takasaki-shi, 370-0006, Gunma, Japan.

3 Department of Health and welfare, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, 5-4-1 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, 181-8621, Tokyo, Japan.

4 ILABO Cyto STD Laboratory, Inc., 560-6 Shimoonkata, Hachiouji-shi, 192-0154 Tokyo, Japan.

5 Genki Plaza Medical Center for Health Care, 3-6-5 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, 102-0072, Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract

Background: To compare the cytomorphological features of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade
squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) observed in a liquid-based Pap smear with the histopathological features
observed in a concurrent colposcopic biopsy specimen obtained immediately after obtaining the Pap smear. Methods:
Cytomorphological features such as cytoplasmic differentiation, nuclear/cytoplasm (N/C) ratio, chromatin pattern,
thickening of nuclear contour, and the appearance of the nucleolus of 247 ASC-H obtained from 25 liquid-based Pap
smear ASC-H cases were compared with those of the cells obtained from biopsied samples. Human papillomavirus
(HPV) infection was tested for 39 HPV genotypes using Uniplex E6/E7 polymerase chain reaction method. Results:
Of the 25 ASC-H cases, 22 (88%) showed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or greater (CIN1+) and 3 (12%)
were benign. HPV infection was detected in 100% CIN1+ cases and 66.7% benign cases. Significant differences such as
marked hyperchromasia, thickened nuclear contour, and prominent nucleoli were observed between ASC-H cases with
CIN1+ and the benign cases. Conclusion: The presence of small dysplastic cells displaying marked hyperchromasia,
thickening of nuclear contour, and prominent nucleoli on Pap smear strongly suggest the presence of CIN in ASC-H cases.

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