Are we managing our patients correctly following treatment for cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia? A review of practice at the Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit

Objective Women diagnosed with cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN) remain at risk of further pre-malignant and malignant disease and require rigorous post-treatment follow-up. We assess the effectiveness and safety of community cervical sampling follow-up in women treated for CGIN. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of women diagnosed with CGIN between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019, at Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit, Sheffield, UK. Results Of 140 women diagnosed with CGIN, 76 had co-existing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Cytologists were significantly more likely to report glandular neoplasia in the absence of co-existing CIN, and high-grade dyskaryosis in its presence (Ps < 0.0001). Co-existing CIN was significantly more likely to be present with high or low-grade compared to normal colposcopy findings (P < 0.0001). The 6-month test of cure (TOC) was attended by 67% of women (84% within 12 months), and the 18-month post-treatment sampling by 52.5% of women (70% within 24 months). Colposcopy recalled 96% of women correctly for the 18-month sampling, but 20% of women undertaking primary care samples were incorrectly recalled at 3 years instead. Conclusions When CGIN is diagnosed, two dates for recall should be provided at 6 and 18 months post-treatment to the Cervical Screening Administration Service and the centralised screening laboratory ensuring the 18-month post-treatment sample is correctly appointed, preventing women with HPV-negative TOC samples being returned to 3-year recall. Follow-up of CGIN should be closely audited by the centralised laboratories ensuring women with CGIN are not put at additional risk.