AGUS and ASCUS: different incidence in pre- and postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of AGUS (atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance), ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) and SIL (squamous intraepithelial lesion) in the cytologic diagnosis in pre- and postmenopausal women.


METHODS
We did a retrospective study selecting 183 patients who were screened for cervical pathology. Ninety-six patients were in postmenopausal age. We determined the incidence of cytologic abnormalities defined as ASCUS, SIL, and AGUS in pre- and postmenopausal women.


RESULTS
We expected a marked incidence of low-grade SILs in the fertile population, while the postmenopausal group was thought to be affected more by AGUS and ASCUS. We obtained different results. In our population study, premenopausal women presented more AGUS and ASCUS; the two subgroups presented the same incidence of low-grade SILs; postmenopausal women were more affected by high-grade SILs.


CONCLUSIONS
The significance of the new categories introduced by the Bethesda System is still uncertain for different authors. As we look to the future new markers that more specifically identify individuals at-risk can be expected.
Balbi
G C
GC
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Neonatology, II University of Naples (SUN), Naples (Italy).
Cardone
A
A
Zarcone
R
R
Visconti
S
S
Visconti
G
G
Del Piano
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008499:Medical Records; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology