Thames Valley Cytology Society

Volume 4 Issue 2
June 2001

 

BSCC Terminology Consensus forum - Manchester 18-19 March 2002

Report by Rebecca Seedell, UCH

 

Aims

  • Clearer results for Women.
  • To improve concordance with other terminology.
  • To develop evidence based guidelines.
  • To confer with all interested parties.

Conclusions - with strong agreement on the following points:

  • Retain the term dyskaryosis.
  • Two tier terminology with high grade and low grade with descriptors in free text.
  • Koilocytosis to be graded as low grade lesion with descriptors in free text.
  • Inadequate smears to be reported as unsuitable, giving reasons.
  • TZ cells not to appear on the form but to be included for audit purposes only.
  • Visualisation of the cervix and 360o sample to be provided as a tick box on the request form.
  • Reasons for inadequacy to be subdivided into two main groupings, (1) technical (2) patient related.
  • Negative smear to be replaced by no dyskaryotic cells identified (or similar).
  • Mandatory management recommendations will remain.
  • Optional clinical management comments to be included.
  • Borderline category to remain but to be subdivided into three groups (1) borderline with free text descriptor (2) borderline query high grade (refer and manage as high grade) (3) query glandular to refer on first or second smear.
  • Ungradeable dyskaryosis category to remain (still coded and managed as high grade).
  • Glandular lesions (6) to attempt to suggest site of origin where possible e.g. endocervical, endometrial, extrauterine and other.
  • Query invasion category to remain.
  • Diagnostic features of dyskaryosis to be reviewed.
  • If LBC is adopted, this terminology is considered suitable without further adaptation.
  • Endometrial cells in a woman over 40 out of cycle is to be reported and suggest clinical investigation.
  • Infections to be reported when seen as currently.

These points will have to be ratified by the BSCC at their AGM in September. Points to be discussed with NHSCSP, IBMS, NAC, RCP, DOH and Obs&Gynae. Illustrations will be included, workshops are planned other management issues are to be discussed and draft proposals to be put on the website.