Colposcopic and cytologic findings among adolescents referred to two urban teaching hospitals.
OBJECTIVE
To determine colposcopic findings among adolescents and to determine compliance with management recommendations.


METHODS
Retrospective review of colposcopy logs and patient charts.


METHODS
Two urban resident colposcopy clinics.


METHODS
Low-income, predominantly minority girls 16 years of age or younger referred for evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology.


METHODS
Colposcopy with directed biopsy.


METHODS
Histologic findings in colposcopic biopsies and compliance with management recommendations.


RESULTS
Of 62 adolescents evaluated, 17 (27%) had biopsies showing atypia or koilocytosis and 13 (21%) had dysplasia, with grade 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2) in 5 (8%). No biopsy showed CIN 3 or invasive cancer. None of 31 endocervical curettings contained dysplasia. Forty-one adolescents (66%) failed to comply with recommendations for surveillance or treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of dysplasia among adolescents referred for colposcopy is substantial, and better strategies are needed to ensure proper follow-up.
Massad
L S
LS
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Anoina
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001706:Biopsy; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006766:Hospitals, County; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D010349:Patient Compliance; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy