Digital colposcopy for the diagnosis of cervical adenocarcinoma using a narrow band imaging system.

Introduction: Although the colposcopicfeatures of cervical glandular disease and cervical adenocarcinomaare not widely well known, unique microvascular patterns are reportedly useful for identifying such diseases. The narrow band imaging(NBI) system used in endoscopy can be used to obtain high-contrast vascular images. Therefore, we examined the utility of NBI colposcopyand compared the results with those of conventional colposcopy. Methods: Twenty-one patients with adenocarinoma in situ or early invasive adenocarcinomaswere examined using digital NBI colposcopy, and the photo records were compared with those of conventional colposcopy. The histological examination and immunohistochemistry with anti- CD31antibody confirmed the microvascular pattern. Results: Digital NBI colposcopydepicted the fine vascular texture on the surface of the cervix more clearly than conventional colposcopy. The vascular pattern was depicted in 86% (18/21) of glandular disease cases. The characteristic fine vascular patterns were critical for identifying cervical glandular diseases. Conclusions: Digital NBI colposcopywas useful for identifying early cervical adenocarcinomaas well as adenocarcinomain situ. This system yields cervical glandular disease-related colposcopicfindings that may be useful for both clinical and educational purposes.