Publication:

A study of pap smear examination at tertiary care hospital

Background Cervical cancer is one of the major causes of mortality among women worldwide. So, the research aimed to study and analyse 100 pap smear reports from women presenting with various gynecological indications and detection of precancerous lesions.

Methods Study was carried out by taking 100 Pap smears from patient attending gynaecology OPD at CUSMC, Surendranagar from 1 December 2021 to 1 January 2022. Pap smear was taken from patients between ages 25 to 70 years presenting with different gynaecology complaints and as a routine beyond the age of 45 years using Ayres Spatula. Smears were reported as per the Bethesda system.

Results Most women were in the age range of 25-70 years. Vaginal discharge was the major clinical complaint, occurring in 36.96% of the women. An irregular menstrual cycle was the complaint of 12.78% and abdominal pain of 25.63% of women, while 15.15% were asymptomatic. The test was negative for malignancy in 6%, and 78% had infection or inflammation. ASCUS, LSIL, and HSIL were detected in 8 %, 6%, and 0%, respectively. Women with Pap tests positive for ASCUS, LSIL, and HSIL underwent a colposcopy and guided biopsy.

Conclusions Pap smear is an easy and economical screening method to detect premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix which help in proper treatment. It should be established as a routine screening procedure to reduce the treatment burden, morbidity, and mortality.