Monitoring abnormal cervical cells instead of immediate treatment could be the right course of action in some cases, analysis suggests.
Traditional smear tests detect abnormal cells at the end of the cervix called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), which if identified early can be treated and cancer prevented.
Divided into three grades based on severity, with the third being the most serious, some studies have suggested that CIN2 lesions often return to normal without treatment.
This prompted a team of researchers to try to estimate rates of regression, persistence and progression of untreated CIN2 lesions, as well as levels of compliance with active surveillance.
They analysed results from 36 studies involving 3,160 women with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of CIN2 who were actively monitored for at least three months.
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Their findings, published in the British Medical Journal, show that after two years 50 per cent of the lesions had regressed spontaneously, 32 per cent persisted, and 18 per cent progressed to CIN3 or worse.
The team of researchers said: "Most CIN2 lesions, particularly in women aged less than 30, regress spontaneously.
"Active surveillance, rather than immediate intervention, is therefore justified, especially among young women who are likely to adhere to monitoring."
With treatment potentially harmful for future pregnancies in younger women, it is hoped the findings will help women make more informed choices with their doctor.
