Swede Score
Colposcopically predicts high-grade lesions (HGL) in histology.
Advice
- Diagnosis and management should not rely only on the Swede Score.
- The Swede Score was primarily designed to provide uniformity in reporting diagnostic findings during colposcopy. While studies have discussed potential management implications, no definitive consensus exists. The following cutoffs have been proposed in some validation studies:
- ≥8: Immediate excisional treatment during the diagnostic examination may be considered. Some authors recommend factoring in previous smear results into this decision (i.e., a high-grade smear result).
- ≥4 or 5: Biopsy is recommended. However, this cutoff’s support is tenuous, as studies have found that excluding low-grade disease has been less reliable with this tool. Some experts recommend that biopsies should always be taken, regardless of the score.
- Please refer to your local guidelines when deciding next steps in management.