POSITIVE CERVICAL SMEAR WITH SUBSEQUENT NORMAL COLPOSCOPY AND HISTOLOGY - FREQUENCY OF CIN IN A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

From a total of 1466 new cases of cervical smears suggesting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II or worse, all examined with colposc opy and biopsies, 328 cases (22.4%) were initially examined with vagin al and cervical colposcopy, directed biopsies of portio, and endocervi cal curettage (ECC) with normal results. Patients were followed-up wit h regular colposcopy and cervical smear for an average of 10.6 years ( 2-19 years). In 72 cases (22%) a CIN occurred, in general more than 1 year (mean 2.96 years) after entering the study. Possible explanations are discussed and careful monitoring of this group of patients is rec ommended. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.