Effect of race/ethnicity on clinical presentation and risk of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in patients with complete and partial molar pregnancy at a tertiary care referral center.

BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of molar pregnancy varies widely among different geographic locations. This variation has been attributed, at least in part, to racial/ethnic differences. While the incidence of molar pregnancies is decreasing, certain ethnic groups such as Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians continue to have an increased risk of developing gestational trophoblastic disease across the globe. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the potential effect of ethnicity/race on the presentation and clinical course of complete mole and partial mole. STUDY DESIGN: All patients followed up for complete mole and partial mole at a single institution referral center from 1994 through 2013 were identified. Variables including age, race, gravidity, parity, gestational age, presenting signs/symptoms, serum human chorionic gonadotropin values, and development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were extracted from medical records and patient surveys. Patients with complete mole and partial mole were categorized into race/ethnicity groups defined as white, black, Asian, or Hispanic. Due to low numbers of non-white patients with partial mole in each non-white category, patients with partial mole were grouped as white or non-white. Continuous variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test and binary variables were compared using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: A total of 167 complete mole patients with known race/ethnicity status were included (57.48% white, 14.97% Asian, 14.37% black, 13.17% Hispanic). Hispanics presented at younger age (median 24.5 years) compared to whites (median 32.0 years, P = .04) and Asians (median 31.0 years, P = .03). Blacks had higher gravidity than whites (P < .001) and Hispanics (P = .05). There was no significant difference in presenting symptoms, gestational age at diagnosis, and preevacuation serum human chorionic gonadotropin level by race/ethnicity. Hispanics were significantly less likely than whites to develop gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (absolute risk difference, 28.6%; 95% confidence interval, 8.1-39.2%; P = .02). A total of 144 patients with partial mole were analyzed. There were 108 white and 36 non-white patients. Median age was 31 years for white and 29 years for non-white patients (P = .006). Median gravidity was 2 for white and 3 for non-white patients (P < .001), and median parity was 0 for white patients and 1 for non-white patients (P = .003). There were no significant differences with respect to presenting signs and symptoms, gestational age, preevacuation human chorionic gonadotropin level, or risk of progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. CONCLUSION: Hispanic patients with complete molar pregnancy had a significantly lower risk of developing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia than white patients. There were no significant differences among groups in terms of presenting symptoms, gestational age at diagnosis, or preevacuation human chorionic gonadotropin levels for either complete mole or partial mole patients.

Clinical Presentation of Complete Hydatidiform Mole and Partial Hydatidiform Mole at a Regional Trophoblastic Disease Center in the United States Over the Past 2 Decades.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical presentation and incidence of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) among cases of complete mole (CM) and partial mole (PM) from 1994 to 2013. METHODS: This study included all cases of patients with CM and PM from our trophoblastic disease center between 1994 and 2013. Their clinical and pathologic reports were reviewed. Gestational age at evacuation, features of clinical presentation, human chorionic gonadotropin levels, and the rate of progression to GTN were compared. RESULTS: The median gestational age at evacuation was 9 weeks for CM and 12 weeks for PM (P < 0.001). Patients with PM had lower pre-evacuation serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels (P < 0.001), and they were also less likely to present with vaginal bleeding (P < 0.001), biochemical hyperthyroidism (P < 0.001), anemia (P < 0.001), uterine size greater than dates (P < 0.001), and hyperemesis (P = 0.002). Consequently, patients with PM were less likely to have been clinically diagnosed as moles compared with CM prior to uterine evacuation (P < 0.001). The development of GTN occurred in 17.7% (33/186) and 4.1% (7/169) of patients with CM and PM, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that, at our center over the past 20 years, both CM and PM were usually evacuated in the first trimester of pregnancy. Because CM more commonly presents with the signs and symptoms of molar disease than PM, CM is more commonly diagnosed prior to evacuation.

Timing of Referral to the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center: Does Referral with Molar Pregnancy Versus Postmolar Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Affect Outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To assess if referral of patients with molar pregnancy who then developed postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (PMGTN) is associated with different outcomes when compared to referral of patients already with a diagnosis of PMGTN. STUDY DESIGN: The records of the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) were queried for all patients with molar pregnancy or PMGTN from 1993-2013. Retrospective chart review was performed to extract relevant clinical and demographic data. Parametric and nonparametric tests were utilized to compare variables. RESULTS: From 1993-2013, 429 women with molar disease were evaluated at the NETDC. Of those, 68% were referred with molar pregnancy and 32% were referred with PMGTN. Comparing women with PMGTN who were referred with a molar pregnancy versus referred with PMGTN, the women were of equivalent stage and World Health Organization (WHO) score. Additionally, referral with molar pregnancy or PMGTN did not associate with time to persistence, time to remission, or number of lines of chemotherapy administered. CONCLUSION: In this trophoblastic disease specialty center in the United States, referral at the time of PMGTN as opposed to at diagnosis of molar pregnancy did not appear to affect the stage or WHO score at diagnosis, the need for multiple chemotherapy lines, or time to remission.

Maternal Near Miss According to World Health Organization Classification Among Women with a Hydatidiform Mole: Experience at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center, 1994-2013.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of potentially life-threatening conditions (PLTCs) and maternal near misses (MNMs) at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) in recent years, when there has been earlier diagnosis of molar pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This study included patients with molar pregnancy at the NETDC between 1994 and 2013. Clinical and pathologic reports were reviewed. PLTC and MNM criteria and maternal deaths were searched in medical records using the World Health Organization criteria and classification. RESULTS: We identified 375 patients with molar pregnancy and no patient developed a MNM or maternal death. Only 6 (1.6%) had PLTCs (hemorrhage with hemodynamic instability, severe preeclampsia, respiratory distress, blood transfusion, and ICU admission). CONCLUSION: We observed a low rate of PLTC and no cases of MNMs or maternal deaths related to molar pregnancy, likely due to earlier diagnosis at the NETDC in recent years.

Relationship between race and clinical characteristics, extent of disease, and response to chemotherapy in patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential effects of race on clinical characteristics, extent of disease, and response to chemotherapy in women with postmolar low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). METHODS: This non-concurrent cohort study was undertaken including patients with FIGO-defined postmolar low-risk GTN treated with comparable doses and schedules of chemotherapy at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) between 1973 and 2012. Racial groups investigated included whites, African American and Asians. Information on patient characteristics and response to chemotherapy (need for second line chemotherapy, reason for changing to an alternative chemotherapy, number of cycles/regimens, need for combination chemotherapy, and time to hCG remission) was obtained. RESULTS: Of 316 women, 274 (86.7%) were white, 19 (6%) African American, and 23 (7.3%) Asian. African Americans were significantly younger than white and Asian women (p=0.008). Disease presentation, and extent of disease, including antecedent molar histology, median time to persistence, median hCG level at persistence, rate of D&C at persistence, presence of metastatic disease, and FIGO stage and risk score were similar among races. Need for second line chemotherapy (p=0.023), and median number of regimens (p=0.035) were greater in Asian women than in other races. CONCLUSIONS: Low-risk GTN was more aggressive in Asian women, who were significantly more likely to need second line chemotherapy and a higher number of chemotherapy regimens to achieve complete remission than women of African American and Asian descent. Further studies involving racial differences related to clinical, biological and environmental characteristics are needed.

Changing presentation of complete hydatidiform mole at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center over the past three decades: does early diagnosis alter risk for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical presentation and incidence of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) among recent (1994-2013) and historical (1988-1993) cases of complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). METHODS: This study included two non-concurrent cohorts (1988-1993 versus 1994-2013) of patients from the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC). Clinical and pathologic reports of patients diagnosed with CHM between 1994 and 2013 were reviewed. Gestational age at evacuation, features of clinical presentation, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, and the rate of progression to GTN were compared. RESULTS: In the current cohort (1994 to 2013) the median gestational age at diagnosis continued to decline compared to our prior cohort (1988-1993) (9weeks versus 12weeks). Patients from the current cohort were significantly more likely to be diagnosed prior to the 11th week of gestation (56 versus 41%, p=0.04). Patients in the current cohort were also significantly less likely to present with vaginal bleeding (46 versus 84%, p<0.001). Earlier diagnosis of complete mole did not result in a decrease in the rate of postmolar GTN. The frequencies of postmolar GTN in the current (1994-2013) and prior (1988-1993) cohorts were 19 and 23%, respectively. In the current cohort, even diagnosis prior to ten weeks gestation did not decrease the risk of developing GTN. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that complete mole continues to be diagnosed progressively earlier resulting in a further decrease in some classical presenting symptoms. However, despite earlier detection, the risk of development of postmolar GTN has not been affected.

Response to chemotherapy in overweight/obese patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Despite rising global obesity rates, the impact of obesity on gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) remains uninvestigated. This study aimed at investigating whether overweight/obesity relates to response to chemotherapy in low-risk GTN patients. METHODS: This nonconcurrent cohort study included 300 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics-defined postmolar low-risk GTN treated with a single-agent chemotherapy­methotrexate or actinomycin-D (actD)­between 1973 and 2012 at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center. Chemotherapy dosing was based on actual body weight regardless of obesity status, except for 5-day courses or pulse regimens of actD. Patients were classified as overweight/obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m²) or non-overweight/obese (BMI <25 kg/m²). Information on patient characteristics and response to chemotherapy (need for second-line chemotherapy, reason for changing to an alternative chemotherapy, number of cycles, need for combination chemotherapy, and time to human chorionic gonadotropin remission) was obtained. RESULTS: Of 300 low-risk GTN patients, 81 (27%) were overweight/obese. Overweight/obese patients were older than the non-overweight/obese patients (median age: 30 vs 28 years, P = 0.004). First-line therapy using actD was more frequent in overweight/obese patients (6.2% vs 1.4%, P = 0.036). Resistance and toxicity were similar between groups. No significant difference in the number of chemotherapy cycles needed for remission or time required to achieve remission was found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: No association between overweight/obesity and low-risk GTN outcomes was found. Current chemotherapy dosing using BMI seems to be appropriate for overweight/obese patients with low-risk GTN.

Subsequent pregnancy outcomes after complete and partial molar pregnancy, recurrent molar pregnancy, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: an update from the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center.

OBJECTIVE: To review and update the subsequent reproductive outcomes in patients with complete, partial, and recurrent hydatidiform moles, as well as gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with complete and partial hydatidiform mole, recurrent hydatidiform mole, and GTN were identified from the Donald P. Goldstein, M.D., Trophoblastic Tumor Registry. Questionnaires regarding subsequent pregnancies were mailed to patients with current mailing addresses available. Additional patient data was obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 2,432 subsequent pregnancies have been reported since 1965. Of those, 1,388 pregnancies were after complete mole, 357 after partial mole, and 667 after GTN. The subsequent reproductive outcomes in patients with complete and partial molar pregnancies and persistent GTN remain similar to those in the general population. However, approximately 1.7% of patients with a prior molar pregnancy had a molar pregnancy in a later gestation. Furthermore, after successful chemotherapy for GTN the incidence of stillbirth was slightly increased to 1.3% in later pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Patients with molar pregnancies and GTN should expect similar reproductive outcomes as compared to the general population. However, patients receiving chemotherapy for GTN have a slightly increased risk stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies.

Changes in clinical presentation of postterm choriocarcinoma at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center in recent years.

OBJECTIVE: To review the last 15 year experience of choriocarcinoma following a term gestation at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) and compare these results to earlier data to determine any changes in the clinical presentation and outcome of this disease. METHODS: Women with postterm choriocarcinoma from 1996 through 2011 followed by the NETDC were identified by diagnosis codes. Twenty charts were identified and reviewed. These data were then compared to published results from the NETDC of 44 women from 1964 to 1996. RESULTS: Time from antecedent pregnancy to diagnosis of choriocarcinoma was significantly longer in the current series, 46.1 vs. 19.7 weeks (p = 0.03). Despite this change, patient outcomes remained comparable, with similar overall mortality rates (13% vs. 10%, p = NS). However, patient presentation was notably different. In the early series, five (11%) infants suffered hydrops or stillbirth, while in the recent series there were no adverse infant outcomes (p = 0.08). Six women in the current series presented in the absence of symptoms suspicious for choriocarcinoma (either by an incidental positive pregnancy test without other symptoms or by placental pathology), compared to one woman in the prior series (30% vs. 2%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In recent years postterm choriocarcinoma is being diagnosed or referred later after the antecedent pregnancy at our regional referral center. Recent patients more commonly have no other symptoms than a question of pregnancy and are less likely diagnosed due to the presence of fetal hydrops or stillbirth. Despite later diagnoses, survival with postterm choriocarcinoma continues to be high.

Prognostic factors associated with time to hCG remission in patients with low-risk postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical factors associated with time to hCG remission among women with low-risk postmolar GTN. METHODS: This study included a non-concurrent cohort of 328 patients diagnosed with low-risk postmolar GTN according to FIGO 2002 criteria. Associations of time to hCG remission with history of prior mole, molar histology, time to persistence, use of D&C at persistence, presence of metastatic disease, FIGO score, hCG values at persistence, type of first line therapy and use of multiagent chemotherapy were investigated with both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Overall median time to remission was 46 days. Ten percent of the patients required multi-agent chemotherapy to achieve hCG remission. Multivariate analysis incorporating the variables significant on univariate analysis confirmed that complete molar histology (HR 1.45), metastatic disease (HR 1.66), use of multi-agent therapy (HR 2.00) and FIGO score (HR 1.82) were associated with longer time to remission. There was a linear relationship between FIGO score and time to hCG remission. Each 1-point increment in FIGO score was associated with an average 17-day increase in hCG remission time (95% CI: 12.5-21.6). CONCLUSIONS: Complete mole histology prior to GTN, presence of metastatic disease, use of multi-agent therapy and higher FIGO score were independent factors associated with longer time to hCG remission in low-risk GTN. Identifying the prognostic factors associated with time to remission and effective counseling may help improve treatment planning and reduce anxiety in patients and their families.

Fertility-sparing treatment in younger women with adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix.

OBJECTIVE: For women who have completed childbearing, the treatment of choice for adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS) of the cervix is hysterectomy. In women who desire future fertility, however, conservative therapy is an acceptable alternative. In this study we compare the outcomes for young women who underwent loop conization or were treated with cold knife conization. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis in 112 patients with ACIS, age 30 or younger, treated with cold knife conization or loop conization between 1998 and 2010. Decision to perform office loop conization was based on the size of the cervix and the colposcopic lesion. Main outcomes were negative margins after the procedure and recurrence of ACIS. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (52%) were treated with cold knife conization and 54 (48%) underwent loop conization. The odds ratio for cold knife conization to achieve negative cone margins compared with loop conization was 1.4 (95% CI 0.6-3.5). We observed no difference in residual or recurrent ACIS between patients treated with loop conization versus cold knife conization. CONCLUSIONS: In select young patients who desire future fertility, loop conization and cold knife conization have equivalent rates of negative margins and negative follow-up. For optimal results, patients must have a lesion which can be removed in one pass of a loop, confirmed by expert colposcopy. Loop excision should be considered the treatment of choice in this specific group of patients.

Complete hydatidiform mole in women aged 40 to 49 years.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical course of women aged 40 to 49 presenting with complete hydatidiform mole. STUDY DESIGN: All cases of complete mole diagnosed at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center were reviewed. A total of 82 patients met the study criteria. RESULTS: Study patients had a mean age of 44.2 years, gravidity of 4.6 and parity of 2.6. The mean hCG on presentation was 230,484 mIU/mL. Most patients presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding (77%). Of the 82 patients, 83% underwent dilation and curettage without prophylactic chemotherapy; 53% of those patients developed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Patients who developed GTN were significantly more likely both before and after evacuation to have higher hCG levels than those who did not. There were no GTN cases among patients receiving either prophylactic chemotherapy or upfront hysterectomy. Aggressive upfront therapy was associated with shortened time to hCG normalization and fewer lines of surgical or chemotherapeutic therapy. CONCLUSION: All women in their 40s with complete mole are at high risk for GTN and might benefit from aggressive upfront therapy. Those patients with hCG levels >175,000 mIU/mL constitute an "ultra-high-risk" group for whom prophylactic chemotherapy or hysterectomy should be especially considered.

Molar pregnancy in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation of hydatidiform molar pregnancy in women under the age of 20 years. In addition, we sought to understand if this adolescent population manifests differences in clinical factors compared to an adult population that may affect outcome. STUDY DESIGN: We used a database from the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center to analyze clinical data from all women followed for molar pregnancy between 1970 and 2009 with complete follow-up information. This population was stratified by age and clinical parameters including presenting signs, molar histology and development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to discern clinical factors that associated with adolescent age. The Partners Human Research Committee approved this study. RESULTS: We identified 1,494 women diagnosed with hydatidiform mole (HM), of which 220 (14.7%) were adolescents defined as age <20 years. The most common presenting clinical signs were vaginal bleeding and an enlarged uterus compared to dates. Median gestational age at diagnosis was 13.4 weeks, not different from that in the adult population. Similarly, no difference in presenting human chorionic gonadotropin was observed between the adult and adolescent populations. Adolescents presented with a significant overrepresentation of complete mole (86% vs. 75%, p < 0.001) compared to adults. Complete mole was associated with a heightened risk of developing GTN (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.5), and despite the association of complete mole with young maternal age, univariable analysis showed no difference in the rate of GTN observed between adolescents and adults (24% vs. 30%, p = 0.08). Multivariable analysis controlling for molar histology demonstrated that adolescent age was associated with a decreased risk of GTN (hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.93). CONCLUSION: Adolescents account for a substantial proportion of the population with HM. They commonly present with vaginal bleeding. Though this population develops a complete mole with a higher frequency than adults, adolescents appear to have a significantly decreased risk of developing GTN.

Defining and measuring reproductive concerns of female cancer survivors.

Although women diagnosed with cancer during their childbearing years are at significant risk for infertility, we know little about the relationship between infertility and long-term quality of life (QOL). To examine these relationships, we assessed psychosocial and reproductive concerns and QOL in 231 female cancer survivors. Greater reproductive concerns were significantly associated with lower QOL on numerous dimensions (P<.001). In a multiple regression model, social support, gynecologic problems, and reproductive concerns accounted for 63% of the variance in QOL scores. Women who reported wanting to conceive after cancer, but were not able to, reported significantly more reproductive concerns than those who were able to reproduce after cancer (P<.001). These preliminary data suggest that at least for vulnerable subgroups, the issue of reproductive concerns is worthy of additional investigation to assist cancer survivors living with the threat or reality of infertility.

Effect of patient navigator program on no-show rates at an academic referral colposcopy clinic.

BACKGROUND: Patient navigators have been used successfully to guide vulnerable patients through barriers to cancer care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes. This study evaluated the effect of a patient navigator program on no-show rates at a tertiary care referral colposcopy center and explored factors associated with missed appointments. METHODS: No-show rates prior and subsequent to implementation of the intervention were compared by chi-square test. We compared patient demographic, lifestyle, and diagnostic characteristics between patients who had ever and never missed appointments. We described patient-reported barriers to care. RESULTS: Of 4,199 women evaluated in our clinic from January 2006 to December 2013, 2,441 (58%) had at least one missed appointment. African American, Hispanic, and publicly insured women tended to miss appointments more frequently than did white and privately insured women (p<0.0001). Patients who missed appointments tended to have more abnormal cytology (p<0.0001), cervical pathology (p=0.007), and vulvar pathology (p=0.001). No-show rates declined from 49.7% to 29.5% after implementation of the patient navigator program (p<0.0001). We found that 45% of patient no-shows were anticipated or a result of patient misunderstanding and could be mediated with targeted education by the patient navigator. CONCLUSIONS: Patient navigator programs at referral centers reduce no-show rates, thus improving patient follow-up, which may reduce disparities in cervical cancer screening and treatment.

Subsequent pregnancy experience in patients with molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic tumor.

Modern therapy for molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic tumors has resulted in high cure rates and preservation of fertility, even in the setting of metastatic disease requiring chemotherapy. Patients and their partners facing future pregnancy after treatment for gestational trophoblastic disease express fear related to risk of disease recurrence and outcome of subsequent pregnancies. Data from the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center on later pregnancies following complete and partial mole as well as persistent gestational trophoblastic tumor show that patients, in general, can anticipate normal subsequent pregnancy outcomes.

Predictors of quality of life among long-term survivors of gestational trophoblastic disease.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of quality of life (QOL) among women diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) 5-10 years earlier. STUDY DESIGN: Utilizing a cross-sectional, descriptive design, 111 survivors completed a comprehensive QOL interview. RESULTS: Univariate analyses revealed that numerous psychosocial variables correlated highly with overall QOL. However, multivariate analysis indicated that the significant predictors of long-term QOL were cancer-specific distress, social support, spiritual well-being, reproductive concerns, gynecologic pain and sexual functioning. These 6 variables accounted for 77% of the variance in the overall QOL score. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that each of the predictors had unique effects on the QOL score. CONCLUSION: The variables identified in this model can guide future research and clinical care to reduce short- and long-term burdens associated with GTT.

Quality of life after gestational trophoblastic disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the quality of life (QoL) and long-term psychosocial sequelae in women diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) 5-10 years earlier. STUDY DESIGN: Utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive design, 111 survivors completed a comprehensive QoL interview. RESULTS: Participants were predominantly married and non-Hispanic white, with a mean age at diagnosis of 30 years and a current mean age of 37 years. This disease-free sample enjoys a good QoL, with physical, social and emotional functioning comparable to or better than comparative norms. However, certain psychological survivorship sequelae persist. Additionally, a sizable number of survivors currently experience significant reproductive concerns. Participants reporting good QoL were less likely to report ongoing coping efforts related to having had this illness, more likely to report greater social support (P < .0001), greater sexual pleasure (P = .0063), and less GTT-specific distress (P < .0001). Fifty-one percent of respondents expressed that they would likely participate in a counseling program today to discuss psychosocial issues raised by having had GTT, and 74% stated that they would have attended a support group program during the initial treatment if it had been offered. CONCLUSION: This information provides insight into the complex survivorship relationships between QoL and sequelae of GTT.

Potential effects of updated pap test screening guidelines and adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix.

OBJECTIVE: To review cases of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) at our institution to examine how updated guidelines affect the timing of diagnosis. METHODS: We identified patients with AIS diagnosed between 1998 and 2010 using the International Classification of Diseases, 9 Revision, Clinical Modification, code 233.1. Diagnosis was confirmed by pathology review. We abstracted demographic data, dysplasia history, and modalities utilized for diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: We identified 242 patients who met selection criteria. Two hundred eight (86%) had Pap test abnormalities at presentation. One hundred thirty-seven out of 208 (66%) patients with abnormal Pap test results had a squamous, rather than glandular, abnormality. The mean time from abnormal Pap test to diagnosis of AIS was 29 months in patients older than 30 years and was 21 months in patients 30 years or younger. In patients younger than 21 years, 16 out of 17 had abnormal screening Pap test results showing squamous lesions. Their subsequent treatment for squamous dysplasia ultimately led to the diagnosis of AIS. CONCLUSION: : Updated screening guidelines may prevent the expeditious diagnosis of AIS in females younger than 21 years and those aged 21-29 years, many of whom had normal Pap test results within 3 years of diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.