Analysis of 100 cervical pap smears for screening of cervical cancer at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background & Aims: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Pap smear testing can detect cervix precursor lesions early and reduce the morbidities and mortalities associated with cervical cancer by its early detection. The aim of this study was to analyze 100 Papanicolaou smears (PAP smears) taken from women presenting various gynecological indications as a screening method to rule out cervical cancer. Materials & Methods: PAP smear samples were collected using Ayres spatula devices from 100 women between the ages of 25 and 70 who reffered to the Gynecological Outpatient Department with different gynecological complaints. Smear reports were reported as per the 2013 Bethesda system. Results: The common presenting complaints of women in our study were abnormal vaginal discharge (p/v 55%), followed by pruritities valve (9%), intermenstrual bleeding (8%), and postcoital bleeding (2%). On speculum examination of the cervixes, 30% had chronic cervicitis. Cervix bleeds on touch in only 4% of the women. Abnormal vaginal discharge is seen in 60% of women. 36% of smears were inflammatory, 5% had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 2% had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. ASCUS and ASC-H were reported in 3% and 1% of the smears, respectively. Conclusion: PAP smear is a very easy and economical screening method to detect premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix, which helps in proper treatment.

Keywords

• pap smear
• high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
• low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
• atypical squamous cells
• undetermined squamous cell carcinoma