CYTOLOGIC EVIDENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CONDYLOMATOUS LESIONS WITH DYSPLASTIC AND NEOPLASTIC CHANGES IN THE UTERINE CERVIX

Abstract

Cytologic smears were obtained from 272 women with histologically proven severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. These smears were scrutinized with special attention to the detection of the cytologic pattern recently established as diagnostic of condyloma virus infection in the genital tract. Positive cytologic findings were obtained in a considerable percentage of the smears studied, in contrast to an absolute failure to demonstrate any cytologic evidence of the presence of genital herpesvirus infection. The frequency figures of the positive findings were in accordance with the previously established frequency figures of histologically verified condylomatous lesions, thus confirming the applicablity of the cytologic criteria used. The significance of the findings is discussed in the light of cervical carcinogenesis. The virus behind the condylomatous lesions may be the agent responsible for, or contributing to, the development of uterine cervical carcinoma.