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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 3/2020

01-03-2020 | Human Papillomavirus | Gynecologic Oncology

Accuracy of colposcopic findings in detecting vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia: a retrospective study

Authors: Frederik A. Stuebs, Martin C. Koch, Grit Mehlhorn, Paul Gass, Carla E. Schulmeyer, Arndt Hartman, Johanna Strehl, Werner Adler, Matthias W. Beckmann, Simone K. Renner

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 3/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

Malignancies of the vagina are rare, but colposcopy-directed biopsies play a major role in detecting vaginal intraepithelial lesions. Data of accuracy in detecting neoplasia of the vagina are very rare compared to accuracy in detecting cervical neoplasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of colposcopy-directed biopsy in comparison with clinical findings of the examiner.

Methods

The accuracy of colposcopy-directed biopsy was compared with the clinical finding in relation to the patient’s age and the examiner’s level of training. This was done in combination with PAP-smear, HPV-test results, and the history of other malignancies of the lower genital tract. The data were collected between January 2014 and February 2018 at the certified Dysplasia Unit of the University Hospital Erlangen.

Results

In total, 253 biopsies from 253 women from the vagina were obtained. The overall accuracy of biopsy in comparison with clinical finding was 52.17% for all entities—benign lesions, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), and vaginal carcinoma. The accuracy for detecting HSIL was 82.46% (47/57), with an underdiagnosis rate of 15.79% and an overdiagnosis rate of 1.79%.

Conclusion

With a sensitivity of over 80%, colposcopy-directed biopsy plays an important role in detecting vaginal–HSIL. A highly experienced practitioner is increasing the sensitivity in detecting vaginal–HSIL. Careful examination is required in women with a history of HSIL of the lower genital tract or with simultaneous neoplasia because they are of greater risk of developing vaginal malignancies. The combination of careful clinical work up, PAP-smear, HPV-testing, and colposcopy-guided biopsy is crucial in detecting vaginal–HSIL.
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Metadata
Title
Accuracy of colposcopic findings in detecting vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia: a retrospective study
Authors
Frederik A. Stuebs
Martin C. Koch
Grit Mehlhorn
Paul Gass
Carla E. Schulmeyer
Arndt Hartman
Johanna Strehl
Werner Adler
Matthias W. Beckmann
Simone K. Renner
Publication date
01-03-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-020-05441-5

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