Abstract
Objective : We retrospectively compared Nichibo classification and Bethesda System 2001.
Study Design : Using Bethesda System 2001, we classified 120 uterine cervical smears diagnosed as class III a by the Nichibo classification of the Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. We then analyzed cytological and histological smear results.
Results : Of the 120 analyzed, 117 were satisfactory. Of the 117, 28 were negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM), 28 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), 2 ASC that cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H), 47 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and 12 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Nichibo classification Class III a cytologically featured nuclear enlargement significant for detecting CIN2/CIN3 and hyperchromasia.
Conclusion : Nichibo classification Class III a includes a wide range of lesions from NILM to HSIL. Nuclear enlargement is important in detecting neoplastic lesion in smears having abnormal findings in superficial or intermediate squamous cells.
