Evaluation of histopathological examinations of the cervix diagnosed as "other neoplasms" on the Cancer Information System, Brazil, 2013-2020: a descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: to describe and reclassify cervical histopathology test result diagnoses recorded as other neoplasms on the Cancer Information System (SISCAN), Brazil, 2013-2020. Methods: this was a descriptive study based on diagnoses input to the “other malign neoplasms” field on the SISCAN; a pathologist assessed the diagnoses and reclassified them based on the categories existing on the standardized record form; absolute and relative frequencies of incorrectly recorded diagnoses were calculated. Results: histopathology test results registered as “other malign neoplasms” accounted for 2.4% (n = 5,778) of all records, 67.4% of which in fact fell into categories already existing on the form, 8.9% were indeed other neoplasms and 24.5% were results not compatible with other neoplasms and were not covered by the form categories, such as benign findings or findings out-side the cervix. Conclusion: the “other malignant neoplasms” field is frequently misused on the SISCAN; the analysis highlighted the need to train professionals to use the system properly, as well as the need to include new categories on the form.