A retrospective review of cervical cytology in women developing invasive squamous cell carcinoma

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Abstract
The records of 93 women who presented with invasive squamous cell carcinoma were searched for evidence of cervical cytology during the years preceding this diagnosis; a search was also made through the files of local laboratories and contact was made with general practitioners and relevant hospital departments. Only 26 (28%) of these 93 women had had a cervical smear at any time before the diagnosis of invasive cancer, and only 11 (12%) had had regular cytological surveillance. Fifteen (60%) had had a smear taken and reported as negative within the previous 5 years, six (6%) within the previous year. Eleven of these 15 slides were obtained for review: three were regarded as positive and three more were re-classed as too scanty for conclusive assessment. In nine of the 67 women who had never had a smear, a gynaecological or obstetric examination was known to have been performed or indicated within the previous 5 years, thereby representing a missed opportunity for screening. In three patients cytological abnormalities had been reported within the previous 3 years but no action had been taken.

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