Gynaecologic cytology A nonspecific finding in Pap smears of the uterine cervix, consisting of inflammation, cellular debris, and necrosis, which may be seen in infections with Gardnerella vaginalis or Trichomonas spp, pregnancy, post-partum, post-menopause, oral contraceptive use, and cervical cancer Note: Dirty background is less common in cytologic specimens obtained from liquid based cytology
Pathology A term of art for the karyorrhectic debris typically associated with ulcerated and acutely inflammed mucosa, a soft criterion that provides the pathologist with some level of confidence that he/she is dealing with a malignancy
