Papanicolaou smear sensitivity for the detection of adenocarcinoma of the cervix: a study of 49 cases.

Abstract

Sensitivity of a single Papanicolaou smear for CVCA was between 45% and 76% depending on the classification of negative slides that were not available for review, comparable to previously reported sensitivity for AIS. The diagnostic false-negative or false-unsatisfactory rate in reviewed smears was 50% (18 of 36). Diminished sensitivity is due to the under recognition of glandular neoplasia resembling LUS, TM, or reactive endocervical cells. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol)