Abstract

The objective of this paper is to assess the value of opportunistic screening in diagnosis of invasive squamous carcinoma found in >70 years old women in Trentino (Italy). From 2007 to 2010, the Cytopathology Section of Institute of Anatomic Pathology of Rovereto Hospital have been examined; 28589 opportunistic pap-smears was performed in all histological specimens with diagnosis of low, high grade intraepithelial lesions and invasive cervical carcinoma. 111 cases (0.38%) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-3-squamous cell carcinoma have been identified in 28589 opportunistic pap smears. The cytological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-3 was performed in three cases, confirmed by cone biopsy in two patients with presence of HPV-16 and HPV-58. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was performed with pap-smear in three patients; non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed with pap-smear in two cases. An estimated 2,927 new cases of cervical cancer occurred in Italy in 2005. 34.64% of cases has been diagnosed in >65 years old women. Consequently, early diagnosis is necessary to the decrease mortality, morbidity and direct management costs of disease. The present study should be support the screening policy to perform Pap test every 3 years until aged 69 years, independently to sexual activity.

Key words: Invasive cervical carcinoma, opportunistic screening, cancer in elderly women.