A retrospective study comparing the efficiency of recurrent LSIL cytology to high-grade cytology as predictors of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+)

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most preventable cancers; however, it is the leading cause of cancer-related female deaths in South Africa. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of recurrent low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology as criteria to predict CIN2+ incidence, to a single initial high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cytology. Methods: A retrospective cohort study comprising 344 women was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 at the Colposcopy Clinic, Tygerberg Hospital. The women were categorised into two groups: (1) women with a recurrent LSIL cytology result, with recurrent cytology scheduled within 6-12 months; (2) women diagnosed with a single initial HSIL cytology result. The outcome was dichotomised into (1) normal or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (