Publication:

Cytopathological pattern of cervical Papanicolaou smear in women of reproductive age group

Background Cervical is the most prevalent genital cancer, the second most frequent gynaecological cancer, and the second-highest rate of cancer-related death among Indian women. Cervical cancer is preventable because it has a prolonged preinvasive stage, effective cervical screening programs exist, and preinvasive lesions that can be treated.

Methods The prospective observational study has been carried out on all women attending the (OBGY) OPD in GSVM medical college and hospital. 1000 women were selected for the study. Appropriate history was taken and the women were advised to undergo Papanicolaou (PAP) smear and were followed for reports and were further treated accordingly.

Results As the number of risk factors increased, the higher the degree of lesions were observed in cervix. After being counselled for screening, 100% women agreed for PAP smear in which 71.5% of the women had normal results, 10.5% were diagnosed with cervicitis, 9.3% had vaginitis, 3.2% had an inadequate smear, 2.1% also had an inadequate smear, 1.3% had bacterial vaginosis, 1.0% had ASCUS, 0.8% had HSIL, and 0.3% showed reactive cellular changes. Following a cervical biopsy, 14.9% of the women in need of additional testing had a normal biopsy, and 24.3% had chronic cervicitis. Invasive carcinomas affected 16.2% CIN1, 2.7% CIN2, 1.4% CIN3, and 1.4% of CIN1. 10.8% of the individuals could not be reached for follow-up.

Conclusions In our study we found that after counselling 100% women agreed for PAP smear and hence this shows that counselling is very important to create awareness regarding prevention of cancer. Multiple risk factors are associated with cervical cancer and awareness regarding it is necessary in general population to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.