Significance of margin and extent of dysplasia in loop electrosurgery excision procedure biopsies performed for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in predicting persistent disease

Context.-High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3) are commonly treated with loop electrosurgery excision procedure (LEEP) biopsies. Objective.-To highlight the significance of positive margins and extent of positive margins of the cervical LEEP biopsies in predicting the persistence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and to provide suggestions for reporting margins in cervical LEEP biopsies. Design.-The pathology files at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences were searched for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3 treated by LEEP biopsy from 1990 to 2001. Results.-A total of 489 LEEP biopsy specimens were retrieved and reviewed; 270 patients had follow-up within 1 year. The biopsy specimens of 110 patients showed positive endocervical margins. One hundred sixty specimens had negative ectocervical-endocervical margins. Follow-up of 54% of the cases with initial positive margins showed residual high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. This association was even greater when multiple blocks showed positive endocervical margins and in cases with positive deep margins. On the other hand, a negative margin predicted ability to completely remove the lesion in 95% of patients. Conclusion.-This study reiterates the significance of the evaluation of the margin, even in samples that were received as multiple fragments. Reporting of LEEP biopsy findings should include the extent of the dysplasia, the status of the ectocervical-endocervical margin, and the status of the deep margin.