[Revision of the French colposcopic terminology]

Objectives: To revise the 1983 colposcopic terminology form the French Society of Colposcopy and cervicovaginal pathology (SFCPCV).

Methods: All the three following steps of colposcopic examination were considered for the description of various colposcopic features: inspection without coloration, followed by the application of acetic acid and iodine staining. This revised terminology now includes the different possible colposcopic aspects of the normal cervix, including the ectropion and the normal transformation zone. It also includes colposcopic appearance of abnormal glandular cervical epithelium and of vaginal epithelium. The revised nomenclature was reviewed by all the board of the SFCPCV and was finally approved during the 45^th annual conference of the SFCPCV.

Results: Abnormal transformation zone grade (TAG) 1a and 1b have been brought together under the sole TAG1 designation. TAG2a and TAG2b now correspond to TAG2, whereas TAG2c corresponds to TAG3. Colposcopic report should mention the interpretability of the colposcopic examination, with the precise type of the squamocolumnar junction (1, 2 or 3), the colposcopic impression, the size of any TAG and finally mention whether one or multiple biopsies were taken and their precise location. Colposcopic impression must give priority to the most pejorative colposcopic aspect which takes precedence over others.

Conclusion: When performing colposcopy, one should keep in mind that this examination only relies on the interpretation of various colposcopic signs and images with this not guaranteeing for diagnosis. Only histological analysis of a possible guided cervical biopsy provides for a precise diagnosis.