Noninvasive cervical cancer complicating pregnancy

The evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology during pregnancy can be challenging. The development and continued improvement of colposcopy in this evaluation has lead to a more conservative approach to this problem. The proven safety and accuracy of colposcopy to rule out invasive disease in pregnancy has all but eliminated the need for diagnostic conization of the gravid cervix. Close antepartum colposcopic observation of premalignant lesions with re-evaluation and treatment in the postpartum period is now the accepted standard of care. The prudent use of cone biopsy when colposcopy is nonsatisfactory is a must but it should not be considered as adequate therapy for CIN once again stressing the importance of postpartum re-evaluation.