On colposcopy, a woman has an acetowhite lesion at the squamocolumnar junction extending to the inner aspect of the cervical canal, not fully visible. The transformation zone cannot be fully visualised. According to the IFCPC 2011 colposcopy terminology, this is classified as:

• A Type 3 transformation zone — extends into canal, not fully visible even with aids ✓
• B Type 1 transformation zone — entirely ectocervical, fully visible
• C Type 2 transformation zone — extends into canal, fully visible with speculum
• D Unsatisfactory colposcopy due to patient non-compliance

Explanation

The IFCPC 2011 colposcopic terminology classifies the cervical transformation zone (TZ) into three types: Type 1 — entirely ectocervical, fully visible; Type 2 — has an endocervical component, but is fully visualised (with or without aids such as a cytobrush or endocervical speculum); Type 3 — extends into the endocervical canal and is not fully visible regardless of aids used. A Type 3 TZ is associated with inadequate/unsatisfactory colposcopy and has implications for biopsy technique (need for endocervical sampling) and management decisions.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.