Discussion on cervical cytology in postmenopausal women.

Although cytology is the recommended screening method for cervical cancer in Brazil, the low number of transformation zone cells in cytology in menopausal patients could be less sensitive for screening of dysplasia and cancer. So, we suggest routine high-risk HPV DNA testing, when possible, given that this test is considered more sensitive for detecting cervical lesions in this group of patients. When HPV DNA testing is not possible, cytology should be collected, and for cytology sampling we suggest regular topical estrogenization and use of appropriate technique.