Referral Cytology: The specific cytological abnormality that led to the colposcopic examination. This is usually the most recent Pap test prior to the actual colposcopic examination.
Colposcopic Impression: The colposcopist’s opinion as to the nature of any lesion seen, based on the classic colposcopic features of surface contour, color tone, borders, intercapillary distance, vascular patterns, etc. Colposcopic impression is the specific diagnosis that the colposcopist would expect to be returned on any accompanying biopsy material based on his or her visual interpretation.
Satisfactory Colposcopic Examination: The colposcopist was able to examine the cervix and visualize the entire squamocolumnar junction, and if a lesion is present, the entire lesion was also visualized.
Please note: If the colposcopist is unable to visualize the cervix (e.g. heavy bleeding or unable to locate cervix) the colposcopist is unable to evaluate the patient. No comment on whether the exam is satisfactory or not can be made.
Colposcopic Biopsy: The histopathological diagnosis of any directed biopsy that was obtained at the time of the colposcopic examination. If more than one biopsy is obtained the most advanced lesion is recorded.
Colposcopic Evaluation/Final Diagnosis: The clinical working diagnosis based on combining the information from both the colposcopic impression and the biopsy diagnosis. This diagnosis can never be less than the colposcopic biopsy, but may be greater than the colposcopic biopsy if the colposcopist believes the biopsy is not reflecting the most advanced pathology suspected based on their assessment. The management of the patient is based on this working diagnosis.
