Objective : I report cytological and histological exocervix, endometrium, vulva and breast examination results obtained during the 20 years from 1986 to 2005.
Study Design : Specimens were collected by scraping the exocervix with a wooden spatula, the endometrium with an endocyte, and the vulva with a wet cotton swab, Nipple discharge was obtained by pressing the breast. Papnicolaou smears were examined under a microscope. Histological specimens were prepared elsewhere.
Results : 1) Exocervical
I examined 37,872 women, averaging an annual 1,893, in their 20s to 80s (mean age : 45.7 years). The special examinaion requirement rate was 949/37,872=2.51%, the spical examination rate 726/949=76.5%, with identified or suspected cancer numbered 137. Overall cancer detection numbered 129 (0.34%) and false-positive tests numbered 8 (0.02%). None were false-negative or had indeterminate cyotology.
2) Endometrial
I examined 2,304 women, averaging an annual 115, in their 20s to 80s (mean age : 47.1 years) for reported irregular uterine bleeding. Immediately after cytological samples were obtained, endometrial curettage was done and specimens examined histologically. The special examination requirement rate was 279/2304=12.11%, the special examination (endometrial biopsy) rate 1199/2304=52.04%, the number of patients with identified or suspected cancer 37, the cancer detection rate (number of patients with identified or suspected cancer37-number of patients with indeterminate biopsy result 11) 26/1199=2.17%, the number with false positive tests 9/2304=0.39%, the number with false negative tests 2/2304=0.09%, and the number with indeterminate histology 11/1199=0.92%. Those with indeterminate cytology numbered 27 (1.7%).
3) Vulva
Among 431 women with vulvar erosion or ulcer, cytology was negative in 426 (98.84%) and false-positive in 5 (1.16%). None tested positive. Those testing false-positive were suspected of having Paget’s disease.
4) Breast
Palpation and ultrasonography were used to screen for breast cancer. Cytological nipple discharge specimens were obtained by breast pressing. Cytological findings for 365 patients were negative in 349 (95.62%), false-positive in 14 (3.84%), and positive in 2 (0.55%). Those with false-positive or positive breast cancer results were all confimed in follow-up checking elsewhere to have cancer.
Conclusion : Mass or individual patient-directed uterine cancer screening in Japan by gynecologists contributes significantly to detecting cancer.
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