Colposcopic results in women aged 65 years and older who present with normal cytology and positive HPV results

Background In 2020, cervical cancer screening has changed from a solely cytology based to a combined HPV and cytology based strategy for all women aged 35 and older. Within the screening algorithm all women with persisting high risk HPV Infection >12 months undergo a colposcopic evaluation of the cervix. However, in elderly women the transformation zone is often hidden, and colposcopy might not be the ideal diagnostic procedure for these women. Furthermore, little is known about the course of an HPV infection at this age with regard to different subtypes.

Aims Our study aims to evaluate the role of an hr-HPV infection without cytologic changes in women aged 65 and older. What are the colposcopic findings? How often are histologic changes detected?

Does a HPV infection play a similar role as in younger women?

Patients and methods We looked at 200 patients aged 65 and older with persisting HPV infection and normal cytology who presented for colposcopy at four certified centers in Hamburg and Munich Jan 2021 until April 2022. We assessed their colposcopic findings, HPV subtype when available, histology and p16/Ki67 staining.

Results The analysis is still in progress and will be presented at the DGGG congress.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 October 2022