Nomenclature of precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix. A position paper.
There is universal and almost unanimous belief that there is a need for a radical revision of the terminology relating to the epithelial abnormalities of the uterine cervix that precede invasive carcinoma. Although this belief has been held for some years, no generally accepted alternative system has, as yet, been devised. This position paper examines (1) the origin of the existing system of terminology, (2) the problems associated with this system and (3) the requirements of any new, alternative nomenclature. The various alternatives that have been suggested are considered with particular reference to their advantages and disadvantages. Only two such alternatives are considered to be acceptable, and it is suggested that neither is likely to gain universal acceptance at this time. However, it is possible that new diagnostic techniques, with their potential for a more accurate evaluation of cell abnormalities, may facilitate the development or application of an acceptable system of terminology.
D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology