Cervical cancer screening in pregnancy

Cervical cancer screening in pregnancy

Cervical cancer screening in pregnancy

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Screening Principles - The Pregnancy Pap Protocol

  • Initial Screen: Pap test at the first prenatal visit, same as for non-pregnant individuals.
  • Abnormal Pap: Management depends on the cytology result.
  • Colposcopy: Indicated for ASC-H, AGC, and HSIL. Can be considered for ASC-US and LSIL. Biopsies of suspicious lesions are safe.
  • Deferral: Definitive excisional procedures (LEEP, cone) are deferred until postpartum unless invasive cancer is found.

⭐ ⚠️ Endocervical curettage (ECC) is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of disrupting the pregnancy.

Colposcopy procedure diagram with explanation

Managing Abnormal Results - Decoding the Cytology

  • Primary Goal: Exclude invasive cervical cancer. Progression of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) is not accelerated by pregnancy.
  • General Approach: Colposcopy is the standard next step for most abnormal results. Endocervical curettage (ECC) is contraindicated.
  • Definitive treatment (e.g., LEEP, cone biopsy) is deferred until at least 6 weeks postpartum, unless invasive cancer is found.

Colposcopy procedure with labeled anatomy

Exam Favorite: For CIN 2 or CIN 3 diagnosed during pregnancy, management is conservative: observation with repeat colposcopy and cytology every 12 weeks. Biopsy is performed only if lesion appearance worsens or suggests invasion. Treatment is postpartum.

Management Algorithm:

Colposcopy & Biopsy - The Magnified View

  • Indication: Performed for the same reasons as in non-pregnant patients (e.g., ASC-US with positive HPV, LSIL, HSIL).
  • Procedure: Involves magnified visualization of the cervix after applying acetic acid. Allows for targeted biopsies.
  • Biopsy: Permissible and safe. Directed only at lesions suspicious for high-grade dysplasia (CIN 2,3) or invasive cancer. Avoid random biopsies.
  • ⚠️ Endocervical curettage (ECC) is absolutely contraindicated due to risk of membrane rupture and hemorrhage.

Colposcopy: Cervical acetowhite changes

⭐ If biopsy confirms CIN 2 or 3, management is observation with repeat colposcopy and cytology each trimester. Definitive treatment is deferred until at least 6 weeks postpartum.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Pregnancy is NOT a reason to defer routine cervical cancer screening; guidelines are the same.
  • If cytology is abnormal, colposcopy is safe during pregnancy.
  • Endocervical curettage (ECC) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of disrupting the pregnancy.
  • Biopsy of suspicious lesions is acceptable, but definitive excisional procedures are deferred.
  • Management of CIN is typically conservative, with definitive treatment postponed until at least 6 weeks postpartum.

Practice Questions: Cervical cancer screening in pregnancy

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 56-year-old woman makes an appointment with her physician to discuss the results of her cervical cancer screening. She has been menopausal for 2 years and does not take hormone replacement therapy. Her previous Pap smear showed low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL); no HPV testing was performed. Her gynecologic examination is unremarkable. The results of her current Pap smear is as follows: Specimen adequacy satisfactory for evaluation Interpretation low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion Notes atrophic pattern Which option is the next best step in the management of this patient?

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Flashcards: Cervical cancer screening in pregnancy

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What are the 4 most common causes of CIN and Cervical Carcinoma?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What are the 4 most common causes of CIN and Cervical Carcinoma?_____

HPV 16, 18, 31, 33 (high risk HPV)

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