Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences (Aug 2019)
Pap smear screening for a sample of female patients with anogenital
Abstract
Background and objective: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely linked to cancer of the cervix. The Papanicolaou-stained smear is the primary method for detection of high-risk HPV. This study aimed to identify women at risk of developing cervical precancerous lesions. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 75 married, non-pregnant women with anogenital warts. Sociodemographic, fertility history, and details of the anogenital wart infection were obtained from all patients through a questionnaire. Pap smear was performed for all patients, and histopathological assessment was done. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 55 years. The mean (± SD) age of marriage was 22.2 (± 5.77) years, 12 (16%) women gave birth to a child before the age of 18 years. Filiform warts were identified in 33 (44%) patients, while the acuminate type was found in 24 (32%) patients. Flat warts were seen in nine (12%) patients. There was a significant association between the type of wart and recurrence. Severe erosive cervicitis was found in 45 (60%) smears. Moderate cervicitis was observed in 24 (32%) smears, and six (8%) had mild cervicitis. A significant association was found between duration of the genital wart and cervicitis. Twenty percent had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. No malignant changes and no koilocytes were identified. Conclusion: Early marriage, unawareness of the risk of anogenital warts, and neglecting regular Pap smears are risk factors for developing cervical cancer.
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