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What should be the goal for future development of colposcopy? Cons and pros of sensitivity and specificity

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The Original Article was published on 20 January 2015

Abstract

Purpose

To discuss what features of colposcopy should be developed for the future in different settings.

Result

There are cons and pros of aiming sensitivity, negative predictive value and specificity and positive predictive value. In case of diagnosis and intervention, methods increasing the specificity and positive predictive value will help to decrease unnecessary interventions. Besides, HPV test is highly sensitive and has a good negative predictive value. It is usually available before colposcopy.

Conclusion

Colposcopy can be used in a screening or diagnostic/interventional scenario. Aims to improve sensitivity or specificity may change according to the aim of colposcopy. However, in the presence of highly sensitive tests which are performed before colposcopy, first goal to improve for colposcopy can be specificity and positive predictive value.

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Conflict of interest

We certify that no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article exists.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany

    Giuseppe F. Vercellino

  2. Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey

    Evrim Erdemoglu

Authors
  1. Giuseppe F. Vercellino
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  2. Evrim Erdemoglu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Evrim Erdemoglu.

Additional information

This reply refers to the comment available at doi:10.1007/s00404-015-3619-z.

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Vercellino, G.F., Erdemoglu, E. What should be the goal for future development of colposcopy? Cons and pros of sensitivity and specificity. Arch Gynecol Obstet 291, 713–714 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3620-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3620-6

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