Significance of cytologically normal endometrial cells in cervical smears from postmenopausal women

V. R. Sarode, A. E. Rader, P. G. Rose, M. Rodriguez, F. W. Abdul-Karim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the significance of cytologically normal endometrial cells in cervicovaginal (CV) smears from postmenopausal women over age 55 years. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1995 to January 1998, 220 women had CV smears demonstrating cytologically normal endometrial cells. The menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and information related to subsequent CV smears and endometrial sampling within 12 months of the initial diagnosis was recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-one of the 220 cases (36.8%) had histologic sampling of the endometrium. Thirty-four of 81 (42%) showed no endometrial pathology. Endometrial pathology was identified in 28 of 81 (34%), of which 19 were endometrial polyps (23.4%), 4 were endometrial hyperplasia (4.9%), 4 were endometrial carcinoma (4.9%) and 1 was a leiomyoma (1.2%). Nineteen (23.4%) were insufficient for diagnosis. Ninety-one of 220 women were on HRT, and 129 were not. In the group without HRT, endometrial disease was identified in the 22/51 (43%) cases as compared to 6/30 (20%) in the group with HRT (P <.001). Endometrial carcinoma was identified in three (5.8%) cases and one (3.3%) case without and with HRT, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the finding of normal endometrial cells in Pap smears from postmenopausal women was without any clinical significance in the majority of women in this study, in a smaller number it was associated with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Women who were not on HRT had a higher incidence of endometrial pathology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)153-156
Number of pages4
JournalActa Cytologica
Volume45
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Endometrium cells
  • Papanicolaou smear
  • Postmenopause

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Histology

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