摘要：

This study was prompted by the fact that some of the cervical lesions diagnosed during the previous 2 years as carcinoma in situ were actually reversible lesions resulting from infection. Trichomonads have been demonstrated in many of them and should be considered an important causative factor. A majority of these patients have been young women. Comparison of repeated endocervical samples and multiple sections of biopsy material are needed to show reversibility. True carcinoma is not considered reversible. The key to distinguishing benign cells from tumor cells lies in the degree of nuclear change. It is necessary to follow all cases of atypica complicated by trichomonad infestation for the time required to separate the reversible from the nonreversible lesions. Lesions of carcinoma in situ start in the germinal layer of the epithelium while atypical changes start in the outer portions of the epithelial layer and work inward. Continuous follow-up protects patients from the danger of the occasional genuine in situ cancer. The salvage of pelvic organs outweighs the hazard of progression.

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