skip to main content

Abnormal cervical screening — DRCOG MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardGynaecological OncologyAbnormal cervical screeningDRCOG

A 31-year-old’s primary cervical screen detects hrHPV with borderline change in squamous cells. She is asymptomatic, not pregnant and has not previously been referred to colposcopy. What is the next programme action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Refer to colposcopy through the low-grade screening pathway within six weeks

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

B is correct. In HPV-primary screening, hrHPV-positive borderline squamous cytology is referred to colposcopy through the low-grade pathway. C and D describe surveillance patterns for hrHPV-positive cytology-negative results, not an already abnormal triage cytology. E assigns the two-week high-grade standard to borderline squamous change; that urgency applies to moderate/severe dyskaryosis and borderline endocervical change. A ignores both hrHPV and abnormal cytology. The distinction between squamous borderline change and endocervical borderline change determines urgency, but both require colposcopy rather than routine recall.

Reference: NHS Cervical Screening Programme: Providing a quality colposcopy clinic: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/2-providing-a-quality-colposcopy-clinic