Publication:

Descriptive analytical study looking for agreement between colposcopic cervical findings and cervical exfoliative cytology

Background To see whether cervical findings on colposcopy & reports of exfoliative cytology agree with each other according to grade of severity.

Methods This study included 306 cases. Data of PAP’s smear reports & colposcopic examination findings collected. Reports of colposcopically directed s cervical biopsy colleected wherever it was done (28). The colposcopic findings were graded according to Reid’s coloscopic index, reports of PAP’s smear classified according to Bethesda system. Data was analysed to find out any agreement.

Results The findings of colposcopy & PAP’S smear reports (n=306) showed significant agreement (p=0.0037). The findings of colposcopy & colposcopically directed cervical biopsy (n=28) were in agreement with each other. The reports of PAP’S smear & colposcopically directed cervical biopsy (n=28) showed agreement with each other.

Conclusion In India, cancer cervix is prevalent. Hence screening & early diagnosis of preinvasive lesions is very important. Colposcopic findings & pap’s smear reports have an agreement with each other. Pap’s is cheap, easily available, not needing specific training, but low sensitivity. Colposcopy is highly sensitive, costly, not available everywhere. Since they have significant agreement pap’s can be given an equivalent place, especially for screening. Its sensitivity can be increased by repeating the smear. It can be combined with colposcopy, where it is available to increase diagnostic yield.