INDETERMINATE ATIPIAS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers among women in Brazil. Prevention and early diagnosis are considered the ideal methods to reduce morbidity and mortality rates due to cancer. Diagnosis of CC is performed by Pap smear and the current description of cervical cytology is based on the Bethesda system which results in atypical squamous intraepithelial (ASC), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). ), squamous cell carcinoma, atypical glandular cells (AGC) and adenocarcinoma. The ASC nomenclature is used to define atypias of indeterminate meaning, however, this generates great concern because it can be used as a way out in situations due to the limitations of the analyst who interprets cervicovaginal cytology. The objective of this paper is to review the existing literature on ASC injuries, describing their clinical importance, such as follow-up procedures and the proposed follow-up protocols. The term ASC requires epithelial changes that are not qualitatively and quantitatively sufficient for a definitive interpretation. The management of patients diagnosed with ASC is not well defined and the most explored option is follow-up with cytopathological examination for 4 to 6 months, immediate colposcopy with biopsy and screening with research for HPV. Defined as the high incidence and mortality of CC, the need to develop studies on indeterminate atypias and the improvement of public policies in primary care, with emphasis on women's health, is evidenced.