Marnach, Mary L.

Objectives Anal cytology is a modality for anal cancer screening in high-risk women. In this retrospective study, we review risk factors associated with abnormal anal cytology and unsatisfactory anal cytology rates, and correlate findings of cytology with histological results. Methods A retrospective cohort study of anal cytology screening in women at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from 2002 to 2018 was conducted. Results Three hundred fifty-seven women had a total of 592 anal cytologies performed. Three hundred seventeen women had screening anal cytology, whereas 40 women had anal cytology for surveillance given a history of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) or anal cancer. An unsatisfactory anal cytology result was found in 14.7%. Risk factors, type of follow-up, and correlation with histologic specimens were also reviewed. Histologic finding of AIN 2/3 correlated with abnormal anal cytology 84% of the time in this cohort. Conclusions High-risk women should be screened on a periodic basis for anal cancer. Anal cytology is one possible modality that can be used. Further insight into AIN progression, regression, recurrence, and outcome after treatment will help direct future screening recommendations.

Background: Many women have heavy menstrual bleeding during perimenopause that may interfere with overall quality of life and contribute to sexual dysfunction. We aimed to determine whether sexual function in women improves after endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual periods. Methods: Validated surveys (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI], Female Sexual Distress Scale [FSDS], and Short-Form Health Survey [SF–12]) were administered to 136 women before and after endometrial ablation from August 2008 through June 2013. Scores at baseline and 6 months after surgery were compared using the paired t test. Results: A total of 97 women completed the FSFI and FSDS surveys at baseline and 6 months after ablation. Mean full-scale FSFI score increased from 26.5 to 28.8 ( p < .001), with improvement in 5 of 6 FSFI domains. Mean FSDS score decreased from 13.6 to 9.7 ( p < .001), showing decreased personal distress regarding sexual function. In assessing quality of life, SF–12 scores improved for global physical function ( p < .001) and mental function ( p = .002). Conclusions: Female sexual function improved and personal distress associated with sexual function decreased after endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual cycles.