EARLY CERVICAL NEOPLASIA CONFIRMED BY CONIZATION - DIAGNOSTIC-ACCURACY OF CYTOLOGY, COLPOSCOPY AND PUNCH BIOPSY

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy rates of cytology, colposcopy a nd punch biopsy in early cervical neoplasia confirmed by conization. S TUDY DESIGN: During the 10 years from 1984 to 1993, cold knife conizat ion was performed on 151 patients with early cervical neoplasia proven by punch biopsy at our department. The accuracy rates of cytology, co lposcopy and punch biopsy were investigated. RESULTS: The accuracy rat es of cytology, colposcopy and punch biopsy were 52% (78 of 151), 66% (100 of 151) and 66% (100 of 151), respectively. CONCLUSION: These res ults suggest that a composite diagnosis with cytology, colposcopy and punch biopsy is necessary for a correct evaluation. Early cervical neo plasms are frequently seen in young women, and conservative procedures , such as conization, cryosurgery and laser vaporization, are the trea tments of choice in order to preserve reproductive function. We recomm end conization as the best conservative procedure, with preservation o f reproductive function.