Cervical biopsy

Author: Mikael Häggström
This article includes endocervical curettage (ECC).

Comprehensiveness

On this resource, the following formatting is used for comprehensiveness:

• Minimal depth
• (Moderate depth)
• ((Comprehensive))

Fixation

Generally 10% neutral buffered formalin.

  See also: General notes on fixation

Gross processing

Example report:

(Optionally: A. Container is labeled - __. The specimen is received in formalin and consists of ) 1 fragment(s) of pink-tan tissue with a vaguely recognizable mucosal surface. The tissue measures __ cm. (The surgical margin is inked black. The specimen is bisected and entirely submitted for microscopic examination in one cassette.) Microscopic evaluation Anatomic/Histologic location Describe mucosa as squamous (or ectocervical), endocervical (generally mucinous and glandular) or transformation zone mucosa. Squamous (or ectocervical) mucosa at left and endocervical (mucinous) mucosa at right, in an example with abrupt transition. Squamous (or ectocervical) mucosa at left and endocervical (mucinous) mucosa at right, in an example with abrupt transition. Transformation zone mucosa, consisting of a mix of stratified squamous epithelium and mucinous glands, in an example with gradual transition. Transformation zone mucosa, consisting of a mix of stratified squamous epithelium and mucinous glands, in an example with gradual transition. Endocervical mucosa, with mucinous columnar epithelium and mucinous glands. H&E stain Endocervical mucosa, with mucinous columnar epithelium and mucinous glands. H&E stain The anatomic level of the transformation zone varies:[1] Type 1: Completely ectocervical (common under hormonal influence). Type 2: Endocervical component but fully visible (common before puberty). Type 3: Endocervical component, not fully visible (common after menopause). The anatomic level of the transformation zone varies: Type 1: Completely ectocervical (common under hormonal influence). Type 2: Endocervical component but fully visible (common before puberty). Type 3: Endocervical component, not fully visible (common after menopause). Pathologies Look for cervical dysplasia. It is mainly seen as nuclei with hyperchromasia, coarse chromatin and irregular contours. Spectrum from normal to high grade SIL.[3] Spectrum from normal to high grade SIL. Further information: Cervical dysplasia Other common findings: Acute cervicitis, having a largely neutrophilic intra-epithelial infiltrate. Acute cervicitis, having a largely neutrophilic intra-epithelial infiltrate. Example report Endocervix, curettings: Fragments of squamous and endocervical glandular epithelium without significant histopathologic changes. Negative for dysplasia. Notes Main page Main page of Patholines References Image sources