title: Colposcopic management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a guideline for managing abnormal cytology results after screening for cervical cancer, to clarify the appropriate algorithms for follow-up after treatment, and to promote the best possible care for women while ensuring efficient use of available resources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women with abnormal cytology are at risk of developing cervical cancer; appropriate triage and treatment will reduce this risk. This guideline will facilitate implementation of common standards across Canada, moving away from the current trend of individual guidelines in each province and territory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library in October 2008 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., colposcopy, cervical dysplasia) and key words (e.g., colposcopy management, CIN, AGC, cervical dysplasia, LEEP, LLETZ, HPV testing, cervical dysplasia triage). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to July 2012. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, and national and international medical specialty societies. Expert opinion from published peer-reviewed literature and evidence from clinical trials is summarized. Consensus opinion is outlined when evidence is insufficient.
  
  
  METHODS
  The quality of the evidence is rated using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1).
  
  
  RESULTS
  This guideline has been reviewed for accuracy from content experts in cytology, pathology, and cervical screening programs. Guideline content was also compared with similar documents from other organizations including the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the European Cancer Network.
authors.affiliation: Halifax NS.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bentley
mesh_terms: D003127:Colposcopy / Q000379:methods*; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D020379:Risk Adjustment; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy