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Dr. Naana Afua Jumah (Student, Harvard Medical School): A 23-year-old woman was From the Divisions of Adolescent and
seen in the gynecology clinic of this hospital because of a high-grade squamous intra- Young Adult Medicine (M.A.G.) and Gy-
necologic Oncology (A.G., M.G.C.) and
epithelial lesion seen on pathological examination of a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. the Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecol-
Four weeks earlier, the patient had come to the adolescent and young adult ogy, and Reproductive Biology (A.G.,
medicine clinic of this hospital to establish care and to receive counseling regarding M.G.C.) and Pathology (D.C.W.), Massa-
chusetts General Hospital; and the De-
oral contraception, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and vaccination for partments of Pediatrics (M.A.G.), Ob-
the human papillomavirus (HPV). stetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive
Menarche had occurred at the age of 13 years, and menses had been monthly and Biology (A.G., M.G.C.), and Pathology
(D.C.W.), Harvard Medical School.
regular. She had been sexually active since the age of 21 and had had 18 male
partners, most of whom had had other sexual partners, and she had no history of N Engl J Med 2009;360:1337-44.
sexually transmitted infections or pelvic infections. She had used oral contraceptives Copyright © 2009 Massachusetts Medical Society.
for 3 months, when she first became sexually active, and reported consistent con-
dom use for both contraception and protection against sexually transmitted infec-
tions, except on three occasions. Physical and gynecologic examination 20 months
earlier had been normal; the Pap smear was normal, with endocervical cells pres-
ent. Testing of cervical secretions for gonorrhea and chlamydia were negative. Five
months later, a viral culture of a genital specimen and serologic tests for herpes
simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 IgG and IgM antibodies were reportedly
negative. Three months before this evaluation, she had been seen in the emergency
department of this hospital for a possible accidental overdose of acetaminophen,
which she had been taking for dental pain. The blood acetaminophen level was
25.9 mg per liter (reference range, 10 to 25; toxic level, >120); the level 3 hours
later was normal. She was instructed on proper dosing of the drug and discharged.
She had had multiple atypical nevi, and one of two previous excisions had report-
edly shown dysplastic changes. She had had an adenoidectomy at the age of 10 years.
The patient worked in an office and lived with roommates. She had been without
health insurance since graduating from college 1 year earlier. She drank 5 to 10
alcoholic beverages 2 to 3 days per week, including during sexual activity, and
reported several episodes of blackouts while drinking; she had smoked marijuana
on a few occasions in the past and did not smoke tobacco. Her mother had a his-
tory of vitiligo and alcohol abuse; her father and two sisters had irregular nevi. There
was no family history of coagulopathy or gynecologic cancer. She was allergic to
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The n e w e ng l a n d j o u r na l of m e dic i n e
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case records of the massachusetts gener al hospital
incidences of HPV infection during periods of 12 that her first vaginal sexual intercourse occurred
to 24 months of about 40% among those who had when she was 21 years of age, and 7 months
vaginal intercourse2,4,5; 50 to 80% of sexually ac- later she had her first Pap smear at her college
tive teenage girls and young women test positive health service. The specimen was adequate, endo-
for HPV.6,7 Consistent use of condoms reduces cervical cells were present, and it was negative for
but does not eliminate the risk of cervical and intraepithelial lesions and cancer. Her medical
vulvovaginal HPV infection.5 The risk is increased insurance lapsed, and she had no routine medi-
if the male partner has had multiple other part- cal care after college graduation, resulting in a
ners or if his sexual history is not known.8 This delay of cervical cytologic screening and of the
patient had multiple new sexual partners during initiation of the HPV vaccine. At the first visit to
a short time and reported that on at least three our clinic, 20 months after the initial negative
occasions she failed to use condoms. We can thus cervical cytologic test, she reported multiple sex-
assume that she was at high risk for an incident ual partners and other high-risk sexual behaviors.
HPV infection. The HPV vaccine was initiated, she was screened
Most HPV infections in female adolescents and for sexually transmitted infections, and liquid-
young adults are transient and have little long- based cervical-cancer screening was performed
term clinical significance; 70% of women clear in accordance with the published guidelines for
the infection within 1 year and more than 90% adolescents and young adults (Table 1).11-13
in 2 years.2,3,7 Risk factors for persistent infection
include infection with multiple strains, as well as Pathol o gic a l Discussion
immunocompromise.9 Persistent infection is asso
ciated with abnormal cervical cytology, and more Dr. David C. Wilbur: A specimen from a liquid-
than 90% of patients with low-grade squamous based Pap test was obtained, and the slide was
intraepithelial lesions,5 high-grade squamous in- initially screened by a computerized scanning
traepithelial lesions, or adenocarcinoma in situ are device, as is routine in the cytopathology labora-
positive for high-risk HPV.10 tory at this hospital. The scanning device flagged
Current guidelines recommend initiation of the specimen as requiring manual review, which
cervical-cancer screening within 3 years after first was performed by a cytotechnologist. Abnormal
intercourse or by the age of 21 years, whichever cells were identified, and the slide was then re-
occurs first.11 Cervical screening may be per- ferred to the cytopathologist. The specimen con-
formed earlier than stated in the guidelines if tained a mixture of types of abnormal cells,
follow-up of the patient is unpredictable, the pa- ranging from those of a low-grade to those of a
tient is immunocompromised, or there is concern high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Koilo
that the patient may not have reported sexual cytes (Fig. 1A), which are cells with the classic
abuse or sexual intercourse. This patient reported features of a productive viral infection, were in-
Table 1. Cervical-Cancer Screening Guidelines for Adolescents and Adults Younger Than 30 Years of Age.*
* ACOG denotes American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,11 ACS American Cancer Society,12 and USPSTF
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.13
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The n e w e ng l a n d j o u r na l of m e dic i n e
Discussion of M a nagemen t
A
Dr. Goldstein: The patient’s second cervical cyto-
logic test, 21∕4 years after her first intercourse,
indicated the presence of a high-grade squamous
intraepithelial lesion. Although the majority of
low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions re
gress,14 high-grade squamous intraepithelial le-
sions are likely to persist or progress, so that
follow-up was indicated.15 Tests for human immu-
nodeficiency virus were negative, and we referred
the patient for colposcopy in accordance with re-
cent consensus guidelines.16
B Dr. Annekathryn Goodman: To determine the best
treatment for this patient, an understanding of
the natural history of cervical neoplasia is crucial.
Persistent infection with HPV is strongly linked
to the development of high-grade squamous intra-
epithelial lesions, which this patient already has,
as well as invasive cancer. Although the time of
progression from persistent HPV infection to high-
grade squamous intraepithelial lesions has been
thought to be 5 to 15 years, on the basis of cross-
sectional studies,17 recent longitudinal studies of
newly infected patients suggest that the interval
Figure 1. Cytologic Specimen (Papanicolaou Stain). may be much shorter, with cumulative 36-month
A low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (Panel A) progression rates to grade 2 or 3 CIN (CIN 2/3)
is characterized by cells with perinuclear halos (arrow) from 7 to 20%, with the highest rates reported
AUTHOR
characteristic
ICM Goldstein human papillomavirus
of a productive RETAKE 1st
REG F FIGURE 1a&bnuclei are enlarged and hyper- 2nd for HPV type 16 (HPV-16).7,18-20 Thus, this pa-
cytopathic effect. The
CASE
chromatic TITLE
and show irregular nuclear outlines.
3rd
A high- tient’s diagnosis of high-grade squamous intra-
Revised
EMail
grade squamous intraepithelial
Line lesion4-C(Panel B) is ex- epithelial lesions within 2 years after becoming
Enon SIZE
emplified ARTIST:
by mst
an abnormal H/T
isolated H/T
cell (arrow) with a
16p6
sexually active may not be as unusual as we
FILL Combo
high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, irregular chromatin might have thought.
distribution, andAUTHOR, PLEASE
an irregular NOTE:
nuclear envelope.
Figure has been redrawn and type has been reset. What is the likelihood that this patient’s high-
Please check carefully.
grade squamous intraepithelial lesions will prog-
JOB: 36013 ISSUE: 3-26-09
ress to invasive cancer? Invasive cervical cancer
dicative of the presence of low-grade squamous is rare in adolescents and young women aged 13
intraepithelial lesions. These cells are representa- to 20 years7,21; however, few data exist on the
tive of a transient infection with HPV. However, natural history of high-grade cervical lesions in
coexisting with the koilocytes were cells represen- adolescents. Two retrospective studies estimated
tative of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial a likelihood of progression from CIN 3 to invasive
lesion, which is a true neoplastic precursor lesion cancer ranging from 2 to 12%.22,23 The median
capable of progression to invasive carcinoma age of women with invasive cancer is typically 10
(Fig. 1B). These cells are primitive in that they years higher than that of women with CIN 3.7
lack differentiation and have a high nucleus-to- Thus, although high-grade squamous intraepi-
cytoplasm ratio and a hyperchromatic nucleus with thelial lesions in adolescents and young women
an irregular distribution of chromatin. The pres- is unlikely to regress, it does not appear to prog-
ence of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial le- ress rapidly to invasive cancer.
sion typically correlates with the presence of se- The 2006 consensus guidelines recommend
vere dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, known as colposcopic evaluation of patients with high-
grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 3) grade Pap smears, along with biopsy and endo-
on biopsy specimens. cervical curettage.16 Adolescents with high-grade
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case records of the massachusetts gener al hospital
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The n e w e ng l a n d j o u r na l of m e dic i n e
A B
C D
Dr. Wilbur: The LEEP produced the following specimen did not show the pseudostratified epi-
three specimens: portions of exocervix and endo- thelium with mitotic activity (Fig. 3C). These
cervix and an endocervical curettage. All the dis- changes are indicative of endocervical adenocar-
ease identified was in the exocervical specimen. cinoma in situ, since no evidence of stromal in-
One CIN 3 lesion (equivalent to severe dysplasia vasion is noted in the specimen.
or carcinoma in situ) had an abnormality of In retrospect, the original cervical cytologic
maturation involving full or near full thickness specimen showed very subtle changes suggestive
(Fig. 3A) and numerous mitoses in the upper lev- of the presence of an endocervical lesion (Fig. 3D).
els of the epithelium. This process extended to The Pap test was originally designed to detect
the exocervical resection margin. In addition, the far more common squamous lesions, and
multiple foci of endocervical adenocarcinoma in its sensitivity for glandular lesions is generally
situ were present. In the lesion, pseudostratified thought to be less than 50%. Glandular lesions,
epithelium abutted normal simple endocervical which often reside high in the endocervical ca-
cells (Fig. 3B). The initial endocervical curettage nal and deep in the endocervical crypts, may not
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case records of the massachusetts gener al hospital
produce cells for examination, and when they do, development of CIN.34-36 Nonetheless, for this
the features may be difficult to differentiate from patient, the benefit of vaccination would include
squamous dysplasias and from reactive condi- protection against the development of new HPV
tions. infection with other high-risk strains, as well as
Dr. Goodman: The rate of treatment failure after against genital warts.
LEEP ranges from 1 to 25% depending on the Although HPV vaccination will be important
size of the lesion, whether it is multifocal, and in the prevention of cervical cancer, it will not
whether the cervical margins are negative. The replace the continued need to participate in other
majority of recurrences occur within 2 years. In preventive strategies, the most important of which
general, for a patient with an excision with nega- may be continued cytologic screening for cervi-
tive margins, Pap smear and colposcopy are per- cal cancer. In this patient, completion of vacci-
formed at 6-month intervals; after two normal nation with the quadrivalent vaccine would be
Pap smears, the patient can return to routine appropriate, despite the likelihood that she is al-
screening. The consensus guidelines state that ready infected with at least one of the four HPV
yearly screening after two consecutive repeat cy- types in the vaccine.
tologic examinations are negative must be con- Dr. Nancy Lee Harris (Pathology): Dr. Goldstein,
tinued for 20 years.16 In this patient, with posi- can you tell us what has happened to this pa-
tive exocervical resection margins and negative tient?
endocervical margins, I performed a repeat LEEP Dr. Goldstein: The patient completed the series
with endocervical curettage 3 months later; the of three HPV vaccinations. On repeat colposcopy
specimen showed no evidence of dysplasia. 6 months after the second LEEP, there was no
Dr. Marcela G. del Carmen: This patient had re- gross abnormality of the cervix. Pap smear and
ceived one dose of quadrivalent HPV vaccine be- endocervical curettage disclosed atypical squa
fore the diagnosis of high-grade squamous intra- mous cells; for this reason, HPV testing was per-
epithelial lesions. Should she continue with the formed, and it was negative for all the high-risk
vaccination program? Two vaccines are currently strains. She will follow up in 2 months in the
available25-28: a bivalent vaccine containing HPV- gynecology clinic.
16 and HPV-18, which are associated with most Dr. Goodman: It is reassuring that, even though
cases of cervical cancer (approved in Europe and this patient had a clinically significant cervical
Australia and submitted to the Food and Drug lesion that was due to HPV infection, she eventu-
Administration [FDA] for approval in the United ally cleared the HPV infection. As long as she is
States), and a quadrivalent vaccine containing sexually active, she can develop a new HPV infec-
HPV-6 and HPV-11 (associated with genital warts) tion that is not covered by the vaccine, so annual
and HPV-16 and HPV-18 (approved by the FDA Pap smears are still essential. We do not know
for use in girls and women aged 9 to 26 years).29 why a high-grade lesion developed in this pa-
Both vaccines provided more than 90% protec- tient, which occurs in less than 1% of all adoles-
tion against incident infection by the relevant cent girls and young women.
HPV strains in clinical trials30-32 and had more
than 90% efficacy for prevention of CIN 2 or A nat omic a l Di agnose s
higher lesions in women who were HPV-negative
at the end of the vaccination program.33-36 The CIN 3 (severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ) of
efficacy of the quadrivalent vaccine was assessed the uterine cervix.
in subjects who were enrolled regardless of base- Endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ.
line HPV status. In the 21% of subjects who had Dr. del Carmen reports receiving lecture fees from Ortho Biotech,
and Dr. Wilbur receiving lecture fees from Becton Dickinson and
evidence of infection with HPV-16 or HPV-18, the grant support from TriPath Imaging and Cytyc. No other poten-
vaccine did not appear to alter the risk of the tial conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
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