Using history and colposcopy to select women for endocervical curettage. Results from 2,287 cases.

OBJECTIVE To enhance the yield of endocervical curettage (ECC) by defining risks for abnormality. STUDY DESIGN Demographic and medical information collected at colposcopy and subsequent histology were reviewed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was by t and chi 2 tests. RESULTS Among 2,287 women undergoing ECC at colposcopy, in only 105 (5%) did positive ECC require excisional therapy that would not otherwise have been recommended. Women with positive ECC were older (mean, 39.0 vs. 33.2 years; P < .001) and of higher parity (mean, 3.0 vs. 2.0 births; P < .001), with earlier first intercourse (at 16.6 vs. 17.2 years, P = .006), more unsatisfactory colposcopy (148 [27%] of 545 women with unsatisfactory colposcopy vs. 183 [12%] of 1,523 women with satisfactory colposcopy; P < .001) and more colposcopic impressions of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2-3 (163 [51%] of 323 vs. 443 [25.6%] of 1,730 women with low grade or a negative impression; P < .001). The likelihood of missed CIN 2-3 was 0.4%, with no missed cancers among women with satisfactory colposcopy and either a normal colposcopic impression (1/254) or nulliparity (2/474). CONCLUSION ECC identifies otherwise-undetected preinvasive and invasive lesions but may be avoided in women with satisfactory colposcopy who are nulliparous or have no colposcopic lesions.