Atypical glandular cells

Abstract

The 2001 Bethesda System has radically altered the classification of glandular abnormalities. The recognition of the cytologic features of atypical glandular cells on cervicovaginal smears is important because a significant number of patients will be found to have an underlying cancerous or dysplastic lesion of the exocervix, endocervix, or endometrium. The differential diagnosis of AGC on cytology is diverse and accurate classification is necessary because the most appropriate form of follow-up depends on the specific subcategorization of the atypical glandular cells. Because the level of interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of AGC is poor, effective communication between cytopathologists and clinicians is essential to accurately triage these patients. This article should help the cytology practitioner by providing a comprehensive review of the approach to the interpretation, clinical significance, histopathologic correlation, and management of patients who have atypical glandular cells on gynecologic cytology specimens.