[Endocervical curettage. Its use in the colposcopic assessment of a patient who has an abnormal cervico-vaginal smear]

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 1990;19(8):989-94.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Endocervical curettage (ECC) is a simple way of exploring the endocervical canal and is useful for the management of a patient with an abnormal smear. If colposcopy is satisfactory, ECC is usually negative confirming that the canal is free of disease and out-patient treatment can be used. A positive ECC warrants conization. If colposcopy is not satisfactory, ECC is usually positive, confirming extension of the disease in the canal, and sometimes the presence of an invasive lesion requiring a radical treatment right away. An endocervical adenocarcinoma alone or associated with an epidermoid lesion may also be identified. Post cone ECC confirms the absence of residual disease. Follow-up of patients after treatment and/or the menopause with an ECC is helped, especially when the squamocolumnar junction is not seen.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Clinical Protocols / standards*
  • Colposcopy*
  • Curettage / instrumentation
  • Curettage / methods
  • Curettage / standards*
  • Decision Trees
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / pathology
  • Vaginal Smears