Utility and Reproducibility of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy Classification of Transformation Zones in Daily Practice: A Multicenter Study of the German Colposcopy Network. Issue 3 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luyten, Alexander; Buttmann-Schweiger, Nina; Hagemann, Ingke; Scherbring, Sarah; Boehmer, Gerd; Gieseking, Friederike; Woelber, Linn; Glasenapp, Frank; Hampl, Monika; Kuehler-Obbarius, Christina; van den Bergh, Marcus; Petry, Karl Ulrich
• Is Part Of: Journal of lower genital tract disease. Volume 19:Issue 3(2015:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: colposcopy -- transformation zone -- screening; Generative organs, Female -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cervix uteri -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Generative organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 618.1
• DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1089-2591

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To compare the distribution of International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) transformation zone (TZ) types among women in different age groups referred to 8 colposcopy clinics. Materials and Methods: Between February 2012 and February 2013, we prospectively collected individual patient data from 8 clinics within the German Colposcopy Network (G-CONE). Data were analyzed using ODSdysplasie, software designed to allow continuous quality assessment in colposcopy clinics. The distribution of IFCPC-classified TZ was compared between different centers for the following age groups: younger than 30 years, between 30 and 50 years, and older than 50 years. Results: Of 3, 761 patients included in the analysis, 2, 153 (57%) were classified as having type 2 TZ, 906 (24%) as type 1 TZ, and 702 (19%) as type 3 TZ. Type 3 TZ was the most commonly reported type in women older than 50 years (70%). We found that the relative distribution of type 3 TZ between age groups was similar in the participating colposcopy clinics. However, there was evidence of heterogeneous distribution of types 1 and 2 TZ between age groups in different clinics, ranging from 7.8% to 66.4% for type 1 TZ in women younger than 30 years and 28.9% to 78.1% for type 2 TZ in women 30 to 50 years old. Conclusions: Although IFCPC type 3 TZ seems to be a reproducible finding, the distribution of types 1 and 2 TZ showed significant heterogeneity. A more precise anatomic distinction between types 1 and 2 TZ in the IFCPC terminology could improve reporting of colposcopy findings. Abstract : Distribution of type 3 TZ between age groups is similar in different colposcopy clinics, but better differentiation of types 1 and 2 is required.