Utility of Random Cervical Biopsy and Endocervical Curettage in a Low-Risk Population

Objective. The study aimed to determine the increase in the yield of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN 3) or cancer (CIN 3+) from random cervical biopsy in quadrants without visible lesions and endocervical curettage (ECC) in a low-prevalence setting. Materials and Methods. Random biopsy and ECC (unless pregnant) have been obtained in the colposcopy clinic of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG)-Fontana since 2004. We reviewed the colposcopy experience of SCPMG-Fontana for January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2009, to determine the method of diagnosis of CIN 3+. Results. Between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, 4677 women with median age 32 years had 4932 colposcopies in the SCPMG-Fontana colposcopy clinics. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3+ was diagnosed in 295 women. Cervical biopsy detected 64.4% of CIN 3+; ECC diagnosed 5.1%; loop electrocautery excision procedure (LEEP) or cervical conization for cervical biopsy and/or ECC of CIN 2 diagnosed 27.8%; LEEP for the cytology of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with cervical biopsy result of negative or CIN 1 diagnosed 1.4%; and LEEP, cervical conization, or biopsy in follow-up of CIN 2 diagnosed 1.4%. Sixty-one of the 295 cases of CIN 3+ (20.7%) were diagnosed after evaluation of random cervical biopsy and/or ECC of CIN 2+. Conclusions. Random biopsy in cervical quadrants without visible lesions and ECC increased the yield of CIN 3+ in this low-risk colposcopy setting. Endocervical curettage can be omitted in women younger than 25 years.