Characteristics of cervical biopsy during pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Abnormal cervical cytology results occur in two out of every 100 pregnant women, a rate comparable to that in their nonpregnant peers. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens is warranted only in cases of suspected invasive disease. Overall, cervical biopsy during pregnancy is rarely performed and is indicated only under strict clinical criteria, typically carried out by an experienced specialist, often in a hospital setting.

AIM: To evaluate the procedural characteristics of cervical biopsy and the histopathological findings in biopsy specimens obtained during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 28 patients divided into two groups: group 1 (n=13), pregnant patients who underwent cervical biopsy, and group 2 (n=15), nonpregnant patients who underwent the procedure. The indications for biopsy and the procedural techniques were analyzed in both study groups. Comparative statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, with statistical significance assessed using Pearson’s chi-square test. The results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Comparative analysis of histopathological findings revealed no statistically significant differences in the detection rates of CIN I, CIN II, or CIN III between the groups. However, cervical leukoplakia was significantly more common in group 2 (14 cases, 93.3%), whereas no cases were recorded in group 1 (p=0.003). Nabothian cysts were identified in four cases (30.8%) in group 1 but were absent in group 2 (p=0.045). Dyskeratosis was observed only in group 1 (5 cases, 38.5%), whereas no cases were reported in group 2 (p=0.027).

CONCLUSION: Cervical biopsy during pregnancy is distinguished by the absence of anesthesia, the frequent use of targeted rather than multifocal biopsy, the omission of cervical canal curettage, and the need for prolonged hemostasis. Moreover, cervical biopsy performed during pregnancy is more frequently associated with CIN III histopathological findings (61.5%).