High-grade cervical cytology — DRCOG MCQ

Correct answer: E — Refer to colposcopy according to screening pathway

The best answer is “Refer to colposcopy according to screening pathway”. Refer to colposcopy according to screening pathway is the best answer because the vignette is testing High-grade cervical cytology and the recommended approach is consistent with NHS Cervical Screening Programme. The other Specifically, Advise rest and hydration at home, Offer empirical antifungal treatment, Arrange routine review in six weeks, Treat empirically for candidiasis would be suboptimal in this scenario. In DRCOG-style primary care questions, the safest answer is usually the step that matches the acuity and gestation rather than symptomatic treatment alone. The key distinction is between an investigation suitable for initial risk stratification and a finding that already meets an urgent suspected-cancer pathway. Persistent symptoms, postmenopausal bleeding, a suspicious mass or relevant family history must not be dismissed by one reassuring test. Referral and subsequent imaging or tissue diagnosis answer different stages of the pathway.

Reference: NHS Cervical Screening Programme: programme policy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/1-introduction-and-programme-policy