Biomedical subjects

M Jimenez-Ayala

Publications and source records attributed to M Jimenez-Ayala.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Cervical cancer screening, screening errors and reporting.

Screening for cervical carcinoma by cervicovaginal cytology has led to a marked reduction in the incidence of and mortality from this tumor over the last 50 years in essentially all countries with a functioning screening program. It is the most successful cancer prevention program of all times. Consequently, approximately 80% of the current incidence of and mortality from this disease occurs in geographic areas of underserved and underscreened women. Essential components of a successful program are a high coverage rate of the female population, screening at regular intervals, well-trained clinical and laboratory staff, and an efficient follow-up and treatment system. Deficiencies in any of these areas may lead to a failing screening system. Thus, the most important reason for the remaining mortality from cervical carcinoma in developed countries is lack of complete coverage. It is questionable if new and more expensive technologies will be able to renmedy the remaining failures of the system if no improvement in the coverage rate is achieved. Screening errors do occur but represent only a small fraction of screening failures. Currently, there are a number of terminology systems around the world; thus, a unified terminology is currently not a realistic goal.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Terminology. International Academy of Cytology Task Force summary. Diagnostic Cytology Towards the 21st Century: An International Expert Conference and Tutorial.

ISSUES: Differences in type, structure, quality of health care systems and availability of resources influence reporting systems. In most countries, individual systems have a long history of usage that might preclude adoption of a uniform terminology worldwide. CONSENSUS POSITION: It is desirable but unrealistic at this time to aim for a unified terminology worldwide. It should be the stated objective of the International Academy of Cytology to serve as an umbrella organization for various terminologies and enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. Translation tables of equivalent terms have been created to allow increased communication. Consensus has been achieved in defining essential elements required of any terminology system: (1) the report must be text based: numerical Papanicolaou class designations alone are inadequate; (2) an assessment of the adequacy of the sample should be included; and (3) the diagnosis must address the primary purpose of cervical cytology: to indicate the presence or absence of epithelial abnormalities. Incorporating additional elements within a terminology system may be more or less appropriate, depending on the setting in which the system is used. ONGOING ISSUES: Despite the cited problems in adopting a uniform terminology worldwide, a single system would have many advantages in terms of communication and research and may be a long-term goal worth pursuing. Countries are invited to present their individual national terminology systems and participate in an ongoing dialogue, critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of all systems.

Cervix Uteri↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Computerized recording and reporting system for cytology and colposcopy.

The computerized system for recording and reporting cytologic and colposcopic data at the Madrid Provincial Hospital is discussed. Cytodiagnostic codes based on standard international nomenclature, and yet open to constant updating, were created for the anatomic sites from which samples are currently examined (vagina and cervix, endometrium, vulva and breast), with areas allocated for expansion to other sites. A similar novel code was devised for colposcopic data. Specific forms were developed for each anatomic site; the cervicovaginal and endometrial forms are used for both cytology and colposcopy. The system has provided the laboratory with automation of its managerial, clerical and administrative tasks, including (1) record keeping, (2) reporting, (3) statistics, (4) correlation of clinical, cytologic, colposcopic and histopathologic data, (5) patient follow-up, (6) technical support in research programs and (7) quality control. Use of the system led to an improvement in the efficiency of the laboratory and resulted in reports of better quality. The program has been of help in our research and has not increased the total cost of cytologic studies.

Breast↗