Is Colposcopic Biopsy Overused among Women with a Cytological Diagnosis of Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS)?

The article examines variable associated with the method of follow-up for colposcopic biopsy or repeat Pap smear in a sample of 651 women in the U.S. The women were diagnosed with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and were then referred for either a colposcopic biopsy or a repeat PAP smear at their next follow-up appointment. The cytoloxical classification of ASCUS is used to identity cellular abnormalities that lack the definitive cytological morphologies needed for a definitive diagnosis of squamous intraepithelial lesion. About 3% of women in the U.S. can be classified as having ASCUS. It is not necessarily a precursor to cervical cancer. The article informs that high income is positively associated with odds of colposcopic biopsy in all strata of health coverage and that among those in the highest income category, private insurance remained an indicator of colposcopic biopsy use. It further adds that there is an overuse of colposcopic biopsy by high income and privately insured women who are likely to be at low risk of cervical malignancies.