Society of Gynecologic Oncology
View all recommendations from this societyReleased October 31, 2013
Don’t perform Pap tests for surveillance of women with a history of endometrial cancer.
Pap test of the vaginal cuff (top of vagina) in women treated for endometrial cancer does not improve detection of recurrent cancer. False positive Pap tests in this group can lead to anxiety and unnecessary procedures such as colposcopy and biopsy.
These items are provided solely for informational purposes and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their physician.
How The List Was Created
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) created a “Cost of Care” workgroup in response to the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely® campaign. Workgroup members are comprised of the Society’s clinical practice committee that is made up of gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other allied health providers. A literature review was conducted to identify areas of overutilization or unproven clinical benefit and areas of underutilization in the presence of evidence-based guidelines. The workgroup then evaluated these data and presented a list of five topics to the membership of the clinical practice committee and then to the SGO Board of Directors for approval. The five selected interventions were agreed upon as the most important components for women with gynecologic malignancies and their providers to consider.
SGO’s disclosure and conflict of interest policy can be found at www.sgo.org.
Sources
Salani R, Backes FJ, Fung MF, Holschneider CH, Parker LP, Bristow RE, Goff BA. Posttreatment surveillance and diagnosis of recurrence in women with gynecologic malignancies: Society of Gynecologic Oncologists recommendations. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011;204:466–78.
Salani R, Nagel CI, Drennen E, Bristow RE. Recurrence patterns and surveillance for patients with early stage endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2011;123:205–7.
Bristow RE, Purinton SC, Santillan A, Diaz-Montes TP, Gardner GJ, Giuntoli RL, 2nd. Cost-effectiveness of routine vaginal cytology for endometrial cancer surveillance. Gynecol Oncol. 2006; 103:709–13.
