To ECC or not to ECC: the question remains

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008 Dec;35(4):583-97; viii. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2008.09.007.

Abstract

The usefulness of endocervical curettage (ECC) in evaluating women who have abnormal cervical cytology and histopathology has been debated for years; data regarding performance of ECC in the diagnostic evaluations of squamous and glandular lesions are mixed. There are no well-done randomized trials or systematic reviews regarding the usefulness of ECC. The yield on ECC increases in the setting of unsatisfactory colposcopy; in this situation, there seems less controversy regarding performance of an ECC. Reproducibility of ECC-rendered diagnosis is a concern. Data are needed to further define the role of ECC in evaluating women who have cervical disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cervix Uteri / cytology
  • Cervix Uteri / pathology*
  • Colposcopy / methods
  • Curettage / methods*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology