Knotenpositionen

Knotenpositionen, also known as knot positions or exfoliative cytodiagnosis, is a medical technique used to determine the stage of cervical cancer. The method involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix using a spatula or brush and examining the distribution of basal cells in the cervical epithelium.

In a normal cervix, the basal cells are evenly distributed within the epithelial layer, while in an abnormal cervix, the cells begin to aggregate and form clumps, known as knoten. The position of these knots is crucial in diagnosing cervical cancer. The technique was first described by Heinz Runge and Paul Wiedorn in the 1960s and gained popularity in the following decades due to its non-invasive nature and accuracy.

During a knotenpositionen examination, a healthcare provider carefully scrapes the cervix with a spatula, and then examines the cells under a microscope. The distribution of keratinized cells, or knoten, is then observed and interpreted according to a set of established criteria, which dictate the aggressiveness of the cancer. A combination of manual examination and microscopic analysis is typically used to obtain an accurate diagnosis. The knotenpositionen technique provides valuable information about the spread of cancer and helps determine the treatment options for patients. Although not widely used globally, it remains a valuable tool in understanding and managing cervical cancer, particularly in low-resource settings.