Reactive and Reparative Changes Mimicking Dysplasia: A Gynecologic Cytopathology Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.41Keywords:
Cervical cytology, Endocervical glandular atypia, Reactive changes, Repair Endocervical, Pap smearAbstract
Background: Reactive and reparative endocervical changes may closely resemble dysplasia or glandular neoplasia, creating potential diagnostic challenges. Cervical cytology is a key component of cervical cancer screening.Methods: A 42-year-old woman undergoing a routine cervical cancer screening is the subject of our descriptive gynecologic cytopathology case. Cytomorphological results were interpreted in relation to clinical data after a traditional Papanicolaou smear was examined. Since this is a single case report, no statistical analysis was done. Reactive squamous and endocervical cells with smooth nuclear contours, finely granular chromatin, mild nuclear enlargement, and occasionally prominent nucleoli were seen in the Pap smear. Mucus and inflammation were visible in the background. Preserved nuclear polarity, the lack of coarse chromatin or aberrant mitotic activity, and benign clinical findings supported a reactive and restorative process despite early concerns about glandular atypia. Malignancy or intraepithelial lesions were not found in the final diagnosis. Conclusions: In cervical cytology, reactive and reparative atypia may resemble dysplastic or neoplastic alterations. To prevent overdiagnosis and needless interventions, careful cytomorphological evaluation in conjunction with clinicopathological correlation is crucial.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mahmoud A. Aloriby, Yousef M Ali Hasen, Bushra Mofadal, Samhar Montaser, Ahmed A. Alhaddad, Aboubak A. Al –Abraheem, Ahmed S. Mikael, Hossin mosalm, Aziza S. Elgathfy (Author)
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