Do Deeper Levels of Cervical Biopsies Preceded by a Pap Smear Diagnosis of LSIL, ASCUS, or NILM/HPV+ Increase the Yield of Identifying Clinically Significant Lesions?

• Published in: American journal of clinical pathology 2020-10, Vol.154 (Supplement_1), p.S163-S164
• Main Authors: Manjee, K G, Watkin, W G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biopsy; Cervix; Clinical significance; Cytology; Diagnosis; Human papillomavirus; Immunohistochemistry; Invasiveness; Lesions; Medical diagnosis; Pap smear
• ISSN: 0002-9173; 1943-7722
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa161.356

Abstract Introduction/Objective Cervical biopsy is performed following an abnormal pap smear or positive HPV testing in an attempt to uncover clinically significant lesions [HSIL/invasive carcinoma (HSIL+)]. An excisional procedure is considered if biopsy confirms HSIL+. When preceded by pap smear of LSIL, ASCUS, NILM/HPV+ or persistent HPV, continued surveillance is recommended for biopsies showing no SIL or LSIL. In our laboratory, cervical biopsies are routinely sectioned at 3 levels. Deeper levels are often ordered when initial sections are non-diagnostic. p16 immunohistochemistry, with or without deeper levels, is often ordered to confirm HSIL, or to differentiate HSIL from mimics. In this study, we examine whether and in what clinical situations does obtaining additional levels uncover clinically significant lesions. Methods 430 cervical biopsies between January-May 2018, with recent cytology of LSIL, ASCUS or NILM/HPV+ were identified in the pathology database. HPV status (if known), final biopsy diagnosis and past history of LSIL/HSIL were recorded. For each biopsy, orders for additional levels and/or p16 immunohistochemistry were recorded resulting in 4 categories: C1-no additional levels or p16, C2-deeper only, C3-deeper+p16 and C4-p16 only. Final diagnoses were divided into HSIL+, LSIL and no SIL. Results There was no significant difference in prior history of LSIL/HSIL and HPV status between all categories. Biopsy results were as follows: HSIL+: 11/222 (5%) C1; 1/78 (1%) C2; 7/43 (16%) C3; 15/87 (17%) C4 LSIL: 91/222 (41%) C1; 7/78 (9%) C2; 16/43 (37%) C3; 35/87 (40%) C4 No SIL: 120/222 (54%) C1; 70/78 (90%) C2; 20/43 (46%) C3; 37/87 (42%) C4 The average number of additional levels in C2 and C3 was 3.8 and 1.8, respectively. Conclusion Deeper levels alone did not enhance the detection of HSIL+. Almost all LSIL/HSIL were detected when initial levels were diagnostic or suspicious and supported by p16 immunohistochemistry. 3 levels are adequate to detect clinically significant lesions.