The effect of route of delivery on regression of abnormal cervical cytologic findings in the postpartum period.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether pregnant women with abnormal antepartum cervical cytologic findings differ in their postpartum rates of regression with respect to mode of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1990 and 1997, 446 pregnant women with antepartum abnormal cervical cytologic findings were identified. Complete demographic, clinical, and cytologic reports were available for 138 women. Papanicolaou smear data were collected and separated into three groups by use of the Bethesda classification system (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, low-grade squamous intraepithelial cells, and high-grade intraepithelial cells). Postpartum regression rates of antepartum Papanicolaou smears, with respect to degree of squamous epithelial cell abnormality and mode of delivery, were analyzed by Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. RESULTS: Of the 138 women, 109 (79%) were delivered vaginally and 29 (21%) by cesarean section. No statistically significant difference was found between women delivered vaginally and those delivered by cesarean section with respect to age, parity, and smoking history within the three groups (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, low-grade squamous intraepithelial cells, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial cells). The overall postpartum regression rate for the 59 women with antepartum high-grade squamous intraepithelial cells was 48%. Of the 47 women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial cells who were delivered vaginally, 28 showed regression in the postpartum period versus none of the 12 women delivered by cesarean section (60% vs 0%, p < 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Postpartum spontaneous regression of Papanicolaou smears consistent with high-grade squamous intraepithelial cells occurs with increased frequency among women who are delivered vaginally versus by cesarean section.

Single-visit program for cervical cancer prevention in a high-risk population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of a single-visit cervical neoplasia screening and intervention program. METHODS: A sample of asymptomatic, nonpregnant, indigent, adult women who had not had a Papanicolaou smear for at least 2 years (N = 126) was recruited through Spanish-language media in Orange County, California. Women who volunteered underwent a free, single-visit program combining a health questionnaire, education, an immediately read Papanicolaou smear, loop electrosurgical excision of the transformation zone for those with dysplastic cytology, and an exit questionnaire gauging satisfaction and educational impact. Main outcome measures included the frequency of cervical cancer risk factors and barriers to health care, incidence of cervical neoplasia, feasibility, short-term educational impact, and acceptability of interventions. RESULTS: All 126 patients had at least one cervical cancer risk factor; 101 (80.2%) reported at least one barrier to health care. One hundred sixteen (92.1%) had a normal Papanicolaou smear, and three (2.4%) with a mildly atypical smear were referred for colposcopy. Seven (5.6%) patients had a dysplastic smear and underwent same-day loop electrosurgical excision of the transformation zone without complication, with histology revealing koilocytotic atypia (two patients), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I (two), CIN II (two), and CIN III (one). No case of invasive cervical carcinoma was identified. The mean time from performance of Papanicolaou smear to receipt of cytologic results was 2.2 hours, and the mean total visit time was 3.6 hours. Patients found the single-visit program to be both beneficial and satisfying. CONCLUSION: This single-visit program is feasible and may overcome barriers to the diagnosis and management of cervical neoplasia in patients at high risk.

Primary vaginal melanoma: improved survival with radical pelvic surgery.

Primary vaginal melanoma is an aggressive and rare gynecological malignancy with < 150 reported cases to date. Historically, patients with this disease have a poor prognosis for all types of treatment. In several studies containing small numbers of patients conservative therapy often has been recommended. Eight patients from our institute with this disease were divided into two groups according to therapy: Group A, radical (4); and Group B, conservative (4). The groups were compared for stage, age, surface area of the lesion, and quality of life. The 2-year survival in Group A (75%) was significantly better than that of group B (0%). There was also found to be an improved survival in patients who had lesions with a surface area < 10 cm2. Age and stage of disease did not affect prognosis. Quality of life was not reduced in the radical group. A review of all reported cases since 1949 (119) was then performed. These were divided into the same Group A, radical (50); and Group B, conservative (69). Again, a statistically significant improved outcome was found with the radically treated patients (48%) when compared to the conservatively treated patients (20%). Our findings suggest that radical surgery for patients with primary vaginal melanoma is recommended in patients with lesions < 10 cm2.

Primary lung choriocarcinoma masquerading as a metastatic gestational neoplasm.

Primary lung choriocarcinoma has rarely been reported. In females, previous pregnancies and other sources of trophoblastic tissue such as a nongestational gonadal choriocarcinoma must be excluded before the diagnosis can be made. Here we present a young female patient initially diagnosed as having a metastatic gestational neoplasm who was unresponsive to standard single and multiagent chemotherapy. A total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy failed to reveal the source of production of beta HCG. At the time of her thoracotomy and lobectomy, performed for a lung nodule, she was found to have a primary lung choriocarcinoma. The patient received no further chemotherapy and has remained disease free for more than 3 years. This is the first recorded case of a lung choriocarcinoma that has been successfully treated where the patient has remained free of disease for more than 1 year.